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Has anyone refused treatment after being diagnosed?
Since I first posted June 15, 2026 wondering if I should have the TURBT. I still have not received any traditional treatment for my bladder cancer. (I have also not had any issues or symptoms since last February when there was blood in my urine for a few days.)
I stopped smoking June 4, 2026, haven't looked back. (I was never a heavy smoker, but for years smoked at least 5-6 cigarettes per day.) I've radically changed my diet (not that it was terrible before), cut my sugar intake by 1/2 or more, no more overly processed foods, incorporated more cruciferous vegetables into meals. I follow a food protocol recommended by an alternative cancer choices group. The only supplement I take is D3 K2, and also drink green tea every day. I walk 2 miles per day, if not walking, I'm biking a 10-12 mile route. I'm in the best shape of my life, no longer have weak legs due to poor circulation, no fatigue whatsoever. Also sleeping better, of course breathing SO much better, and have a lot more energy. I’ve also lost 23 pounds, which brings me to my ideal weight, and gained a lot more muscle mass in my legs.
My CT scan from May 2026 originally clearly showed that the tumor had broken the bladder wall, which meant stage 3 or possibly stage 4. I was advised to undergo TURBT, but refused. There may be issues in the future, but for now, I truly believe that the body can heal itself under the right conditions.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
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I can only share other than blood in my urine for a little while i had no other symptoms. I was not willing to take the chance of my cancer spreading and want to get this disease behind me and will do what it takes to do that. That includes finding experts that know this disease and trusting their advice on what is right for me to get past this disease. I really do believe in the power of the body to heal itself but in this situation for me the risk was too high.
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1 ReactionI haven't had a similar experience but if the tumor has broken through the bladder wall, I think you should give your body some help in fighting it. I think you should go for a second opinion. I'm not sure why a TURBT was suggested but I believe youayneed something mre agressive
@kjr11 I have read books devoted to the miraculous cancer cures some people have had by using self healing. I myself would not take the chance of cancer invading or spreading further by relying on that alone to treat cancer. Are you being monitored by your medical team? Repeat scans? Urine cytology? If not, at the very least seek out a second opinion with further testing now, as your life depends on cancer control.
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1 Reaction@sepdvm No, I'm not actively being monitored by a team of people. When I told my urologist I did not want to go forward with a TURBT surgery (mid-July), that was the last of any contact with a doctor. That's where I'm at now, and haven't had any follow up testing or scans since June. I may decide on getting a second opinion in a few months or so.
@kjr11 as a bladder cancer patient I also recommend getting a second opinion from a urology oncologist at a top cancer clinic. They can give you the statistics for your situation and recommend treatment approaches.
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2 Reactions@kjr11
You are playing with fire (and your health)!!
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2 ReactionsThe chance of treatment resulting in recovery from stage 3 or 4 cancer is definitely not 100%, but its better than no treatment. You might believe in this self healing capacity, and there may have seen stories supporting it but even if the stories are true, the overall statistics are likely heavily against it. It’s always your decision but think carefully before choosing the route with much worse odds?
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2 Reactions@gemdoc25 I did not come on this forum to get judged, lectured, or yelled at. I'm also not asking for advice. I simply asked a straightforward question. Maybe re-read it...
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1 Reaction@dks2500 It would be nice if everyone could afford to pay for cancer costs at a top cancer clinic, but that's just not the case. The whole medical system is a mess.
Hello @kjr11
With all due respect, I think perhaps you have misconstrued the replies and good intentions of those who responded.
Since joining this group a year ago, I have found the members possess a high degree of sympatico, understanding and empathy. Their responses to you represented concern and awareness of the seriousness of your diagnosis and was meant in the spirit of helping, not lecturing. I surely would have appreciated such forthrightness and may I suggest you rationally consider what ultimately would be to your benefit and add some thought as to what knowledgeable physicians recommend.
Do you have the kind of insurance which would permit you to have the suggested treatment? If not, is this one of the reasons why you have decided not to proceed?
I am happy to hear you are presently feeling well and fit. I agree that very often the body does possess the ability to heal itself. However, as you must realize - not in all cases. A healthy dose of knowledge about both body and illness goes a long way in clarifying our beliefs.
Please, this is a not a lecture. I do not know you and yet we have a commonality in that we have found this support group - so in a sense, it seems we are both seeking feedback and/or advice in some way.
I sincerely wish that you are comfortable with any choice you make. However, while you can strengthen your body in various ways - the reality is that tumor/tumors are present and are extraordinarily unlikely to disappear on their own.
Sending my best wishes,
Barbara
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