← Return to Just diagnosed with bladder cancer: Feeling overwhelmed

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Profile picture for michzn @michzn

Sadly it sounds all too familiar. I completely understand what you are going through and I am sorry you are going through it. I had my tumor specimens sequenced through Signatera - the ALTERA test. I also had my speciman sequenced through the VALAR LABS Vesta Test. Both tests revealed that I would be a better candidate for chemo type of treatments vs. immunotherapy. The Vesta test revealed that I am likely very likely for recurrence vs. progression. My diagnosis is High Grade Pappillary, stage T1a. I attempted to focus on getting as much info as possible from this forum and BCAN and asking questions. I also sought a second option after the second TURBT.
I tried to focus on one thing at a time, meaning the CT scan, hoping the cancer had not spread outside the bladder - it had not, next I focused on the surgery - just the surgery not the result and after the surgery I focused on the result. That was the only way that I could get through this depressing process. I wish you well and I am sorry you are going through this .

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Replies to "Sadly it sounds all too familiar. I completely understand what you are going through and I..."

@michzn I
I just completed my 6 weeks of chemo and I am scheduled for cat scan and cystoscope in July. My pathology report, evaluated through Vespa test, concluded I would benefit more from chemo than BCG, however also with a recurring possibility, less % than with BCG.
After reading so many very informative messages, I requested a BL cystoscope, since apparently it can discover lesions not visible with regular cystoscope.
Could someone please tell me, when members refer to „surgery“, is that the cystoscope w/scrapping, or different?
I am 82 and also live alone, my children are out of country and on the west coast. I don’t want to interfere in their lives and am presently encouraged by friends who have been very helpful.
Like you, I am very scared but keep assuring myself, medicine has made so many advances recently, that I hopefully will enjoy a few more good years.
Hopefully I replied to the new member of our forum, who is scared to walk this path to recovery.
My thoughts are with you and believe you will get through this.