← Return to Diagnosed with High-Grade Urothelial Cell Carcinoma - ANYONE?

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@so1frustrated

Colleen, here is a response I just made (copied it) to another: "I know….so hard to decide. i will have to have my kidney, ureter and bladder cuff removed but for now not the bladder. He wants me to take chemo BEFORE surgery to reduce chances of recurrence in the bladder or anywhere, but pretty much decided not. I have been through cancer (aggressive invasive breast cancer) and radiation implant/treatments and chemo 37 years ago. Some of the problems with health over the years since (now 66) have resulted from these treatments. The research/data on chemo for this type of cancer I have now lately is showing to reduce the odds of recurrence, but for me at what cost? Right now it does not look like it has metastasized anywhere, even the lymph nodes "looked normal" with the CT urogram but he does not know for sure. I have been researching like mad myself, even paying to get a subscription of latest research studies on this type of cancer, about pros and cons of pre-operation chemo, etc. So I'm thankfully here in this group to see what others have been through and what is/has been working etc." That's it in a nutshell. I have researched the possible short-term and long-term side effects from the 2 types of chemo regimes they use for this; the chemo may increase my chances of it not coming back, but do not want to add to health problems and reduced quality of life for the rest of my life; this cancer is survivable without the chemo. Your continued input is welcomed and much appreciated!

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Replies to "Colleen, here is a response I just made (copied it) to another: "I know….so hard to..."

@so1frustrated I am glad to read you are proactive, and that some fellow members are giving their story out. We are each so different, with differing past medical history, like you with your breast cancer experience almost 4 decades ago. Things have developed and been innovated in medicine a great deal, even things five years ago may be considered outdated now!

As you gather your data, and thoughts, perhaps ask your team this: "If I was your sister/daughter/mother, how would you advise me right now?" This may serve to bring it personal to them.
Ginger