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Post by dkramer on Feb 5, 2012 13:33:20 GMT -5
Ok, I'll start this out by saying the diagnosis has not been confirmed yet but the doctor is pretty sure I have bladder cancer. I will find out the actual results Friday but he believes that what we're really waiting for is the type and stage. I watched the cystoscopy and I noticed it right away as well and I'm not trained in that area, but it was so obviously wrong in two places, which he biopsied, plus two normal looking areas for comparison. I had the cystoscopy because I was peeing almost nothing but blood but no longer having any pain and there are no kidney stones or infections going on.
Obviously I have the normal OMG concerns but I also wonder how a body that just had the DS 5 months ago can handle the things that will come with having cancer. He did talk to me about the different treatment options/surgeries that are available depending on the type and the stage. Based on the type of cancer he believes it to be there would be biopsies of the lymphnodes that are close by as well as the kidneys and then based on those findings either chemo directly into the bladder or regular IV chemo. There is also the possibility of having to remove the lymphnodes and bladder and making a new bladder.
With all of that, how will my body heal itself when it's already healing from the DS?
I'm not trying to worry excessively about it because I know there's always a chance it can come back negative and my doctor was just wrong (I certainly hope so and I'll love him even more if he is wrong!) but I'm the kind of person who needs to think these things through so that I'm ready when the results come back.
TIA,
Dawn
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Post by reinventingangela on Feb 5, 2012 13:38:22 GMT -5
Im sorry to say that I have no real input regarding your situation except to say that I have been in the biopsy result waiting mode and I know how you feel...whishing you the best possible results and a smooth recovery. Hugs...angela
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Post by Sandra C. on Feb 5, 2012 14:39:09 GMT -5
I feel for you!!!!
Been there with uterine cancer last year. Waiting for test results made life feel surreal. I still shift back and forth seeing life from a different perspective than most, watching the world go by "full speed ahead" when I feel in slow motion. I didn't have the node test results till after Hysterectomy surgery, all were clear. The cancer was fully contained within the uterus,they got it all, with no chemo necessary. I was so lucky.
Before surgery, they fully expected the cancer to have spread after years of bleeding. The surgical suite was full, standing room only to see my DaVinci hysterectomy with Dr Brader, at St.Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids.
My recovery overlapped with my D.S. surgery, 4 months apart. It took longer to bounce back, more fatigued than others having the D.S. The sports physiologist says it will take a year to be fully back to strength. Thats why I spend so much time in the gym with a trainer 2 times, and 2 more days on my own a week. Working through all the muscle groups, weight machines,cardio, and stretching to regain strength and better posture, from all the recovery bed rest I had. Dr. Brader said the D.S. is his choice of all the surgeries, he would choose it himself if necessary, and being thin will help prevent future cancer for me.
I am not sure if I am fully cancer free, because of lots of family on my moms side with various kinds. Screening in these areas is being done periodically. I try to eat healthy, don't smoke, or drink.
I'm sure you will draw on inner strength to make it through your surgery. Don't worry about recovery having had D.S. not too long ago( when was it?) They won't delay cancer surgery.
Finding a support group based out of your hospital, or surgeons group will help. Keep us updated, we want to follow your progress, and hope for a complete recovery!!!
Keeping you in our prayers,
Sandra
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Post by stillhopefull on Feb 5, 2012 15:29:17 GMT -5
Prayers headed your way for a negative biopsy.
Terry
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joanlaptods
Full Member
DS Mar 9,2011 Dr Gagner
Posts: 192
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Post by joanlaptods on Feb 5, 2012 15:41:28 GMT -5
Sorry that you may have cancer. I think all you can do now is take in plenty of protein and all your supplements so you are in the best possible shape to fight this thing.
Best Wishes
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Kyra
Junior Member
DS 2009
Posts: 68
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Post by Kyra on Feb 5, 2012 15:43:04 GMT -5
So sorry you have to go through this, especially while you're still healing. Here's hoping your doc is wrong and you get a negative result.
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Post by Michelle J on Feb 5, 2012 15:44:09 GMT -5
I can't imagine how you must be feeling, but I admire your level headedness while waiting for your biopsy results.
I have no advice for you, but I'm wishing you the best.
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Post by calendargirl on Feb 5, 2012 16:14:04 GMT -5
Dawn, I'm so sorry.
My father-in-law did the chemo directly into the bladder. He had to lay on tummy, side, back, other side for around 20-30 minutes each. Then he could pee it out. He did this for several times. He said it didn't bother him so much and he didn't have any other side affects by doing it that way.
The University of Kansas Hospital in KCK has a specialized cancer center. If you want a second opinion, they have some fabulous doctors there. I live about 20 minutes away from there if you come to town and need a buddy.
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Post by dkramer on Feb 5, 2012 16:40:48 GMT -5
Dawn, I'm so sorry. My father-in-law did the chemo directly into the bladder. He had to lay on tummy, side, back, other side for around 20-30 minutes each. Then he could pee it out. He did this for several times. He said it didn't bother him so much and he didn't have any other side affects by doing it that way. The University of Kansas Hospital in KCK has a specialized cancer center. If you want a second opinion, they have some fabulous doctors there. I live about 20 minutes away from there if you come to town and need a buddy. Thanks so much for the information and the offer. I know that I'll have to go somewhere else for treatment as my local hospital just isn't equipped for chemo. Most people in my area go to Manhattan, KS but I will definitely consider KU and bring that up to my Dr. if we have to go that route. If so, I may message you because I would love to have someone there with me. Dawn |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2012 17:31:57 GMT -5
My uncle is 2 years post discovery of bladder CA - BCG instillations cured it. It can be very treatable, and "relatively" without horrible side effects. Think positively - and try not to borrow trouble.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2012 17:36:04 GMT -5
Positive vibes heading your way for a clean bill, if not then an easy cure for whatever it turns out to be..
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Post by dkramer on Feb 5, 2012 18:42:40 GMT -5
My uncle is 2 years post discovery of bladder CA - BCG instillations cured it. It can be very treatable, and "relatively" without horrible side effects. Think positively - and try not to borrow trouble. Diana, Thanks for telling me about your uncle, it's a relief to hear. And, yes, I'm trying to keep positive thoughts, just want back up info, just in case. Dawn |
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Post by dkramer on Feb 5, 2012 18:43:48 GMT -5
I feel for you!!!! Been there with uterine cancer last year. Waiting for test results made life feel surreal. I still shift back and forth seeing life from a different perspective than most, watching the world go by "full speed ahead" when I feel in slow motion. I didn't have the node test results till after Hysterectomy surgery, all were clear. The cancer was fully contained within the uterus,they got it all, with no chemo necessary. I was so lucky. Before surgery, they fully expected the cancer to have spread after years of bleeding. The surgical suite was full, standing room only to see my DaVinci hysterectomy with Dr Brader, at St.Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids. My recovery overlapped with my D.S. surgery, 4 months apart. It took longer to bounce back, more fatigued than others having the D.S. The sports physiologist says it will take a year to be fully back to strength. Thats why I spend so much time in the gym with a trainer 2 times, and 2 more days on my own a week. Working through all the muscle groups, weight machines,cardio, and stretching to regain strength and better posture, from all the recovery bed rest I had. Dr. Brader said the D.S. is his choice of all the surgeries, he would choose it himself if necessary, and being thin will help prevent future cancer for me. I am not sure if I am fully cancer free, because of lots of family on my moms side with various kinds. Screening in these areas is being done periodically. I try to eat healthy, don't smoke, or drink. I'm sure you will draw on inner strength to make it through your surgery. Don't worry about recovery having had D.S. not too long ago( when was it?) They won't delay cancer surgery. Finding a support group based out of your hospital, or surgeons group will help. Keep us updated, we want to follow your progress, and hope for a complete recovery!!! Keeping you in our prayers, Sandra Sandra, I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal. I sending good vibes that you stay cancer clear! Dawn |
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Post by hoosiermama on Feb 5, 2012 19:35:33 GMT -5
((((((((((Dawn)))))))))))))))
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Post by Band to DS on Feb 5, 2012 22:01:07 GMT -5
I'm sorry that you're facing a possible cancer diagnosis. Take good care of yourself & make sure you get all the protein and vitamins you need to stay strong.
Best wishes,
Shelli
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Post by Avonlea on Feb 5, 2012 23:27:53 GMT -5
I'm so sorry to hear this! Thinking of you.
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stacee
Full Member
Posts: 177
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 2-17-2011
Surgeon: Dr.Crookes
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Post by stacee on Feb 5, 2012 23:37:23 GMT -5
Dawn,
Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Stacee
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Lauren
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Lauren on Feb 6, 2012 11:06:10 GMT -5
Dawn, I am paring for you. I sure hope that God heals your ailment if it is there. Much love, Lauren
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Post by kirmy on Feb 6, 2012 12:51:55 GMT -5
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I am swinging two puppies for you. Xxx Ok, I'll start this out by saying the diagnosis has not been confirmed yet but the doctor is pretty sure I have bladder cancer. I will find out the actual results Friday but he believes that what we're really waiting for is the type and stage. I watched the cystoscopy and I noticed it right away as well and I'm not trained in that area, but it was so obviously wrong in two places, which he biopsied, plus two normal looking areas for comparison. I had the cystoscopy because I was peeing almost nothing but blood but no longer having any pain and there are no kidney stones or infections going on. Obviously I have the normal OMG concerns but I also wonder how a body that just had the DS 5 months ago can handle the things that will come with having cancer. He did talk to me about the different treatment options/surgeries that are available depending on the type and the stage. Based on the type of cancer he believes it to be there would be biopsies of the lymphnodes that are close by as well as the kidneys and then based on those findings either chemo directly into the bladder or regular IV chemo. There is also the possibility of having to remove the lymphnodes and bladder and making a new bladder. With all of that, how will my body heal itself when it's already healing from the DS? I'm not trying to worry excessively about it because I know there's always a chance it can come back negative and my doctor was just wrong (I certainly hope so and I'll love him even more if he is wrong!) but I'm the kind of person who needs to think these things through so that I'm ready when the results come back. TIA, Dawn |
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Post by bb212 on Feb 6, 2012 13:11:14 GMT -5
Hi Dawn!
So sorry to hear the news about your bladder. I don't have any experience or knowledge about cancer, but I wish you the best and I'm swinging critters for you to beat this!
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Post by lauriv on Feb 6, 2012 14:11:05 GMT -5
So sorry you're having to go through this! Sending good thoughts your way and swinging critters for you!
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Post by MsVee on Feb 6, 2012 16:06:51 GMT -5
I am very sorry to hear you are going through this. I have no wisdom to share on this subject. I hope and pray that you will be all right.
MsVee
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April M.
Full Member
DS w/Dr. Hares 7/14/11
Posts: 130
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Post by April M. on Feb 6, 2012 16:17:42 GMT -5
Dawn, I'm so sorry. This must be so scary. Sending positive vibes your way.
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Post by Walter A on Feb 6, 2012 16:21:36 GMT -5
don't be shy about getting a second opinion, from a university medical center, not that their doctors are smarter, just that they have more resources, and exposure to the newest and greatest technologies. twice I was cured of co morbid that others would not handle, one my ds, Cornell / NY Presbyterian, and a fib, by the inventor of venal ablations. and i only live 60 miles away.
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Post by Fade2Pink on Feb 6, 2012 16:41:49 GMT -5
Dawn, what a terrible thing to have to hear (and see), I hope that things turn out for the best. Hang in there.
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Post by dkramer on Feb 7, 2012 1:02:22 GMT -5
I got my results early because they were good!!! It was negative but did show positive for an infection that they are trying to culture because I've been on three different types of antibiotics over the last three weeks and nothing is helping it. I should have the culture results Friday.
We still have to deal with the bleeding, since they say the infection is not causing it, they think it might be higher up in the kidney area so I'll be seeing my urologist within the next week or so but I'm ok with that, kidney stones I can live with (and I didn't really think the lasering hurt afterwards though the stent killed).
I just wanted to come on and share the good news and thank everyone for their thoughts and words of encouragement...You guys are awesome!!
Dawn
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Post by fullhousemom on Feb 7, 2012 12:42:17 GMT -5
Great news Dawn!
My grandpa had bladder cancer not once but twice. He died at the age of 96 of pretty much, old age!
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Post by California Poppy on Feb 7, 2012 12:53:59 GMT -5
YAY! This is one of those times when a "negative" result is the best possible news! I realize that there are other issues still to be resolved, but the biggest worry is gone, so congratulations!
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zix
Full Member
Posts: 172
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Post by zix on Feb 7, 2012 15:45:51 GMT -5
oh wow that is such wonderful news!! Hope they can figure out the rest fairly quickly but I can imagine today is a day of much rejoicing by you and your family.
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Post by amccu18007 on Feb 7, 2012 15:57:08 GMT -5
What wonderful news dawn! Good luck with your healing and figuring out the cause of your bleeding. Big hugs!
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