Further: Bladder Cancer Update.

[Ern007]

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.

[sassy59]

l feel it is good news on the whole Ern. It seems you know where you stand and what to expect. I wish you well xxx❤️

[Ern007 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Carole. - it means more treatments in a year, I am happy with that. Much safer. xxx

[sassy59 in reply to Ern007]

👍😘

[Donald_1931]

I didn’t understand much of what you wrote, Ern, but you have my very best wishes for a successful outcome. ❤️👍

[Ern007 in reply to Donald_1931]

Thank you Donald. In short it's less drastic than current treatment with just a local anesthetic needed.

[Greenthorn]

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.

[Ern007 in reply to Greenthorn]

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,

[Izb1 in reply to Greenthorn]

Good to hear the 95 Yr old is getting better now , and so kind of you to send one of Erns lovely paintings which I am sure will cheer them up x

[Greenthorn in reply to Izb1]

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!

[Izb1 in reply to Greenthorn]

What a good heart you have x

[jackdup]

I hope and pray this new treatment does what it needs to as it seems to be an easier treatment for you just hope it is as effective

[Ern007 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you. I think this has been selected as the best by the MDT - The new treatment seems to tick all the boxes. I am please this has been chosen/

[rosco59]

Sounds like good news, particularly if it’s an easier treatment to have, with less complications. Good luck with it.

[Ern007 in reply to rosco59]

Thank you and spot on. I did not know this treatment existed, so maybe new. I am fine to go with this as I have reach low grade.

[Alberta56]

That sounds good, Ern. Hope it zaps any nasties with great efficiency. xxx

[B0xermad]

Good news in one respect for you and maybe not too invasive

[Smilesalot]

🤗😍

[Izb1]

This all sounds very promising for you Ern and as you say alot safer. Sounds like you have a good consultant and he is looking after you x

[Ern007 in reply to Izb1]

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

[watergazer]

Hi Ern . Thanks for the update. I hope you are feeling better now. That seems like a better option for you Not as invasive? And to be done locally. Xx

[Ern007 in reply to watergazer]

Hi, this new treatment came as a shock, but a pleasent one - Suited to how I am so much safer. Done local and a Local A instread of a spinal.xx

[watergazer in reply to Ern007]

👍xx

[Numptybrain]

Sounds great news and a lot easier on you Ern, finally you’re getting somewhere and about time too.

Take care

Good luck

Wendy xx

[Ern007 in reply to Numptybrain]

Thank you Wendy - New treatment is for people like me with 2 or more illnesses besides cancer, it's much safer and kinder on my body. xx

[Digger0]

Sounds a plan Ern007! At least you know what to expect and when.

[Ern007 in reply to Digger0]

That's right Digger0 - This plan is more suited to my age and state of health. more procedures a year but no GA or Spinal needed. pleased with that.

[Dottie11]

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

[Ern007 in reply to Dottie11]

Thank you Dottie - I was not reacting good to the Rigid, the new treatment is much kinder. Some options are horrific. xx

[Dottie11 in reply to Ern007]

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

[MoyB]

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.

Best wishes,

xx Moy

[Ern007 in reply to MoyB]

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

[MoyB in reply to Ern007]

I'm ver pleased for you, Ern. I hope all goes well. Xx Moy

[Ern007 in reply to MoyB]

Thank you xx

[Mopsey1897]

sounds good news for you which is brilliant

[Ern007 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Thank you Mopsey1897 - Yes finally a treatment that should be right for me.

[Mavary]

probably A bit easier to tolerate too.

[Ern007 in reply to Mavary]

You bet - The other is hard on body and mild.

[Patk1]

It's gd to hear yr treatment will be easier for u Ern x

[Ern007 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you Pat, yes will be easier, no option because of age and conditions. No more TURBT is a relief. my new treatment is called TULA X

[Nula2]

Hi Ern, that sounds like good news and really good to know it's safer👍. Rest up ready for Christmas 🎁🎊🎉✨xxxx

[Ern007 in reply to Nula2]

Thank you Nula, Yes I am ready for Christmas/xxxxx

[HungryHufflepuff]

wow, a lot to ponder, but overall it sounds alright ? If it carries less risk and is less invasive, that must be a good thing ? General anaesthetic is scary, so an alternative without it seems reassuring. Hopefully you are doing ok. Sending you lots of good wishes 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[Ern007 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thank you HungryHufflepuff overhall good, grade the same buttime taken to sortanything our and dropped dramatically. . 😀

[katieoxo60]

Well that sounds like good news for you Ern007 a lovely bit of news to cheer you up over Christmas. Glad they are accepting the safer way for you. Hope all goes well for your treatment next year .

[Ern007 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you Katie - Not quite as effectiv ebut, much safer.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Ern007]

As you say not so effective but much safer. I wish they had considered that when they coerced me into having high powered radiotherapy because its the cheapest for NHS. to late now just have to soldier on for now. Stay calm as they say. Look after yourself for now.

[Ern007 in reply to katieoxo60]

I have the letter from urology yeasterday, I suspected cost cutting because I am as I was in 2022 whn BCG took me to low grade, now that's been cut and just the flexy - I am seeing what my GP says, as BCG really worked, now they are saying don't think it will, where si the logic in that. my procedure is safe no denying that, would not stop high grade also, BCG did that. We have to soldier on Katie, and you take care and stay warm .