Hello @texascitylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis of bladder cancer? Are you looking for a specialist in Louisville because you are local to the area?

Here are some major cancer centers in Louisville to call.

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/cancer-types/bladder-cancer
Norton Healthcare: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/cancer-care/services/bladder-cancer/

I'm not sure it's an option for you but Mayo Clinic Rochester would be a great choice if are able to travel. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

My diagnosis is T1, high grade cancer of the bladder. Waiting on a second biopsy to see if it has invaded the muscle wall

@texascitylady I am so sorry about your cancer. Have you been seeing a urologist? He/she may be able to recommend a good surgeon for you. @johnbishop already mentioned some large hospitals in your area. They’re a great place to start. You might consider seeing at least 2 doctors and getting their input. You want to find out if they’ve done the surgery often, if this means that they will remove the whole bladder, and what their reconstructive options

.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html

The American Cancer Society is a great source of information, so I’ve included their website. Hope you find it helpful. You’ve got the weekend to do some serious searching! Best of luck. Will you let us know what you decide?

A word of caution with respect to diet and cancer cure. It is correct that eating right reduces one's risk of cancer and cancer recurrence. And eating well promotes healthy living. However, diet and fasting alone has not been proven to cure cancer. I wish it were true.

Hi @texascitylady, did you receive the results of the second biopsy?

Will know in about 2 weeks. Thanks

Got my 2nd biopsy report & thank God it hasn’t invaded the muscle wall, but my treatment option is very perplexing. The doctor mentioned treatment with BCG but he isn’t sure if they have a sufficient supply of this drug. He said he will call me in 1-2 weeks to let me know if they are able to get enough to start treatment in about 4 weeks. I’m very upset that I may not be able to be treated with this drug & don’t know where to turn at this point

@texascitylady– Good morning. Medical treatments and sometimes explanations are often confusing. It's an entirely new language. And then there is the shock factor.

Essentially BCG is a type of chemo via a tube that is passed through your urethra directly to your bladder (intravesical therapy)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356109

@texascitylady that is upsetting. Unfortunately shortages of cancer drugs do happen. Here is more information from the American Urology Association about the shortage of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which has been going on for longer than a year. https://www.auanet.org/about-us/bcg-shortage-info

Your good news is that the cancer has not invaded the muscle wall and there are treatment and intravesical options available. You may wish to ask your doctor about the options that are right for you. See this page: https://bcan.org/intravesical-therapy/

When will you find out more from your doctor?

MD Anderson Cancer Centers are excellent for that. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is great. You might need to travel to a center for best diagnosis/treatment.

my husband was recently diagnosed with high grade t1. has had 2 surgeries (not in muscle) and just finished bcg treatments. went back in for check with blue light and a small tumor was detected so back to surgery to remove. Mayo has blue light which will detect more tumors than not using. not sure what next step is but will only have bladder removed as a last resort. would love to hear from others optipns for this type of cancer and what you experienced if bladder was removed. thanks

Hello @judith4, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There is a post by @predictable in another discussion that you might find helpful – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vitamin-c-for-cancer-treatment/?pg=1#comment-60112. @predictable may be able to share his experience with you.

While we wait for other members to respond, you may find the following Mayo Clinic page helpful – Bladder cancer care at Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20356112

Did the doctor think that surgery to remove the small tumor is the next step?

Yes he scheduled immediately after scope with blue light. Going for Covid test next Sunday and surgery Monday

Hi @judith4, I'm inviting fellow members @nvmoen @pameladstone @katydid77 and @sue225 to join this discussion to share their experiences with bladder cancer surgery with or without total removal of the bladder.

Judith, how did you husband do with the BCG treatments?

Thanks Colleen
I would love to connect with others that have gone through surgery having bladder removed.
My husband had no symptoms. I noticed he was losing weight which I thought was from having to close his business due to covid. After Mayo saw his ct scan he was scheduled for surgery 3 days later. Everything happened so fast. He was not a smoker either.
BCG treatments went well. No side effects, just tired for same day as treatment. Had blue light 4 days after last treatment thst showed small tumor which will be removed in a week. Just praying Dr. can find options before bladder removal but want to know what to expect. Again thanks!