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Bladder Cancer: Stage 2 high grade
My husband was just diagnosed with Stage 2 high grade bladder cancer. The cancer has invaded the muscle wall but had not gone though it. He had a cat scan which showed no spreading of the disease, in particular, lymph nodes unremarkable. We made the trip to the Mayo Clinic and the urologist noticed what he thought was an enlarged lymph node. The doctor suggested a pet scan. The pet scan was conducted and shows 4 suspicious hypermetobolic lymph nodes in the abdomen. Needless to say we are scared and very confused as we though it was stage 2 and could be cured. We are going through the process of starting chemo, doing all tests, insurance approval, etc. As we understand it, at this point, surgery can not be done to remove these nodes, since they are too deep in the abdomen. We were supposed do 4 chemo cycles and then have bladder and prostate removed. We have a follow up with oncologist in two days (Monday). Since this is the weekend and we found this out on Friday afternoon, we are left with so many questions. Has anyone experienced something similar?
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My diagnosis was stage 4. October of 2017. No other growths. Had bladder remove; prostate; and lymph nodes removed. I have adjusted well to my stoma. Granted it is a change in my life. I wanted to let you know that this is a process that makes a difference in ALL areas of my life.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for your response. I am happy you are doing well after your treatment. Did you have spread to other organs and/or lymph nodes in pelvis or abdomen?
Yes. After surgery the cancer metastatic disease spread to my lungs and liver. Stage 4. Some factors in that are : my pacemaker and cancer types. Each individual is different. . I am 70yrs of age. My pelvis and stomach are ok.
Hi @lclancy and @jimmy2248, I want to welcome you both to Connect.
LClancy, I modified the title of your discussion to "Bladder Cancer: Stage 2 high grade" to distinguish it from these discussions about bladder cancer where you can read of the experiences of other members like @barneythe2nd @billskid @frankweathers @ktaubman @karper and @predictable.
- Bladder Cancer: High grade https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bladder-cancer-1/
- Bladder cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bladder-cancer-20c2b4/
I'm so glad you found Connect to help you through this weekend and that Jimmy saw your call for support. Waiting is sometimes the hardest part. It helps to hear from someone who has been there.
@jimmy2248, you may also have some valuable experience to share with members in this discussion:
- Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ostomy-adapting-to-life-after-colostomy-ileostomy-or-urostomy/
Thanks Ms. Young. I appreciate how well this site is working out for others as well as myself!
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1 ReactionThank you Colleen. They mentioned at Mayo Clinic that the stage might change pending results of pet scan.
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1 ReactionMy husband’s stage 4 with cancer on regional and distant lymph nodes. In my opinion they are all regional lymph nodes but what do I know. Still waiting on insurance to start chemo.
@lclancy, thank goodness your husband had the PET scan to confirm an accurate diagnosis. While hearing that that he has stage 4 cancer rather than stage 2 was surely disappointing news, an accurate staging will help inform the best treatment for him. @jimmy2248, of course, knows first hand what it is like to live with stage 4 bladder cancer. I'd also like to bring @marcia_pez @johnmclaughlin and @navybill into this discussion.
LClancy, what are the next steps? Will he start with chemotherapy?
He started chemo last week. He will have 4 cycles of chemo. If lymph nodes shrink or hopefully are cleared of any cancer, he will then be a candidate for the bladder removal etc.
@jimmy2248 and @lclancy, I thought I'd check in and see how you're doing?
LClancy, how did chemo go? Did or will your husband have surgery?