On Friday last week I got a telephone call from Urology - They wanted me to go to hospital to see consultant. no explanation. Well I was ill after a bug and a COPD Flare.
I told him I could not so. he said I would get a telephone call Monday at 11 am..
Well I did wonder what he/they wanted out of the blue.
I got my call yesterday morning by the conultant who phoned my mobile - I could not make out what he was saying. he kindly took my home number and rang me on that.
So he introduced himself and then started to tell me a change of plan -
No more BCG Treatment - No mote TURBT or Ridgid Cystoscopy - I was fast becoming gob smacked.
He said future treatment will be done at my hospita; with a Flexy Cystoscopy with a laser, to look for small tumours and destroy them. The treatment would take 20-30 minutes and then I can go home. I have had three Flexy Cystosopy's for diagnosis in the past and they are easy.
I understand the treatment is called "Transurethral laser ablation " which means what is found gets zapped.
So why I don't know - this is used as first line treatment for low grade cancer - it is also used for patients with Comorbidities - Which is a patient with 2 or more serious medical condition and where age could be an issue to make GA unsafe and no longer suited to Rigid Cystoscopies or the radical Cystoscomy op I was offered in 2022.
To end it looks good news even though probably because of Comorbidities . It is used for low grade cancer that has not moved into muscle and epidurals was getting harder to give me because of my spine.
Lastly the success rate is slightly less that the BCG/TURBT - Rigid Cystescopy. but it's safer with no GA or Epidrals needed.
Sorry for long post but it had to fit between past treatments and new treatment - The op I rejected is it seems no longer an option.
Written by
Ern007
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
It's really annoying when important information can't be deciphered on the phone. Thoughtful of the guy to try your landline. Well among all the long words and the capital letters there seems quite a lot of blue skies and your hallmark "angel-wing" clouds. Yes less drastic and far more manageable, with regular checks. Well done Ern; I'm well pleased for you. PS The 95 year old American patient is still about. They had a great flight back to Miami but he caught a bug on route and ended up in hospital. However he is pulling through and latest news is they are trying to get him to rehab. I hope u don't mind but I sent a shot of one of your sea views and beach paintings. His wife really appreciated the gesture and said her husband will be touched.
Yes I could not make anything out, I offered him my land line number and he took it no problem, was a real nice chap. I am happy with the outcome much easier and safer, so I think it's a good decission. Glad the 95 year old is still going strong, I know what that means to you David. I don't mind the paining shot gone at all, pleased if it helped in any way - I wish them both well, Gutsy,
Thanks, I'm about a week behind the latest news. The flight to US in business class was a joy for someone hospitalised for over 12 weeks. But alas he caught a bug and after two days at home had to be taken too hospital where they were attending to him. I'll catch up with the news in a week's time. I know the plan is for "Jim" to go to a rehab centre, to try and get him exercised and stronger. He is living with dementia and so things are more complicated. But I resonated with him from the moment I saw him in bed, and I always played music to b him and sometimes did a little dancing. To see his eyes light up and give me a beaming smile was everything!
Yes a new consultant with amuch treament more suited to how I am - I have had the Flexy Cystoscopy before and done as outpatiants and an easier experienced. The Rigid option did well, but for medical reasons became harder, took to long to get the spinal inserted. Yea happy to try this x
I read your post and does sound promising indeed. More treatment but a better process. You have been through so much and pleased that these options are there for you. xx
Yes I can imagine they are. You have done so very well coping with it all. I have only ever had the non rigid type. In 2014 for a different issue. Hope you can rest up and have an easier time these next few weeks. xx
Well, I'm glad to hear you won't have such invasive treatment as you thought you might need, and it sounds much easier to manage, from what you say.
If you are comfortable with the treatment plan, that makes it a winner in my eyes!
I have a friend who is in a similar position to you. Two years ago she was told she needed to have her bladder removed - and then she didn't! She has had ongoing treatment and is looking very well at the moment. She does not share your co-morbidities, as far as I know, but she is a good age. To see her looking so good the other day gave me great hope for you also!
I do hope it all works out for you and, perhaps, relieves you of the ongoing worry of a possible op, which, I'm sure has remained in the back of your mind until now.
Thank you Moy - When, the I was first diagnosed in 2021 - They told me umpteen times was none muscle invasive. I was pleased.
I had my TURBT to remove the tumore. and was told it was a success. for that it's an overnight stay and Chemo was given before discharge.
Then I was offered BCG treatment - the MDT said later I needed a Radical Cystocomy. meaning bladder removal along with Lymph nodes and would have to have a Stoma - I refused as it was life threatening and life changing. So I got my BCG and after a bit of a farce over my lung. I finally got the BCG and it sent my cancer from high to low grade - I got it again and had to Rigid Cystoscopies to remove anything and take biopsies.
I was still low grade.
I got a shock when a consultant rang me and told me no more BCG, no more Rigisd Cystoscopirs - Instead the flexy Cystosopy and laser to zap what they fins, it will be more frequest but the procedure last 30 minutes tops and then home - I am rather pleased with new treatment. xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
