Bladder Cancer News

Four months ago, my Bladder Cancer was found by accident while getting scans to check on my Lung Cancer.  A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your bladder and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A hollow tube (cystoscope) equipped with a lens is inserted into your urethra and slowly advanced into your bladder. I had my first cystoscope on July 11, 2017, confirmed it was a tumor and was scheduled for the TURBT surgical  procedure.  My TURBT was performed and confirmed it was a tumor and it was only on the lining of my bladder.  A TURBT is a procedure in which bladder tumors can be removed from the bladder wall. This is a procedure performed completely with a scope that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It is generally performed in the hospital setting as an outpatient with the patient anesthetized.

Protocol for patients after having a TURBT with tumors only on the lining entail:

• For six weeks, you go one day a week to your Urologist.  He uses a catheter to put the chemotherapy/immunotherapy solution directly into your bladder.

There are two medications used for this treatment.  BCG - is a form of immunotherapy, therefore I cannot have it due to already being on immunotherapy Opdivo for my lungs every two weeks.  Mitomycin is the second medication.  I began this and during week three developed significant side effects and was told to stop.  I was also told we would wait for another cystoscope in October.  

Well, today was that day.  The day.  The first time we would look in my bladder since removing the one tumor.  He began the procedure and we could instantly see on the monitor as the tube was being moved in.  

What I saw was horrifying.  A lot of things that looked like my originial tumor in various spots on my bladder.  My Urologist immediately withdrew the cystoscope and said, "We see 4 and I didn't even look around.  No need to make you look at it now.  I'll take care of it in surgery."

So almost exactly 3 months after having the TURBT the last time (and everything looked clear and great), there now appears  4 new tumors are growing and we don't know how many there are.  The plan is November 9, 2017, I will have another TURBT, he will scrape my entire bladder, then we do the cystoscope 3 months after - February 18, 2018.

Certainly not the news I was looking for but onward I go.  I know I can have several TURBTS but I can't imagine getting this done every 3 months.  Not sure how that will go but will certainly keep you informed.

LUCKY ME - 2 DIFFERENT CANCERS

Having over a dozen people in my family diagnosed with cancer, I've always approached "growing up" with - not if I will get cancer but when??

As you all know, it has been 3 years and 3 months since my Lung Cancer diagnosis and everything that journey has entailed.  Well, yesterday I had a Cystoscopy to check a mass in my bladder.

It is approx. 1.5 cm in size and it is Bladder Cancer.  It is not from my primary tumors in my lungs but a totally separate tumor.  According to the Urologist, I will have surgery to remove the tumor.  It is called TURBT procedure. A TURBT is a procedure in which bladder tumors can be removed from the bladder wall. This is a procedure performed completely with a scope that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It is generally performed in the hospital setting as an outpatient with the patient anesthetized.

6 weeks after the surgery I will begin chemotherapy.  BCG, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, is the treatment.  Bladder cancer is the only cancer in which BCG is commonly used. Other agents have been used in bladder cancer, but none has surpassed the effectiveness of BCG.  In my case the BCG will administered in an induction (once weekly for 6 weeks), wait one month, then maintenance (once weekly for 3 weeks) course. Another 6-week course may be administered if a repeat cystoscopy reveals tumor persistence or recurrence. Induction therapy combined with maintenance therapy every 3-6 months for 1-3 years may provide more lasting results. Periodic bladder biopsies are usually necessary to assess response.

I will have BCG and Opdivo concurrently (at the same time).

So there you have it.  I am officially a Lung Cancer Survivor and I intend to be a Bladder Cancer Survivor.

I am currently awaiting on the hospital to call me to schedule the procedure.  I will update as soon as I know more.  

I continue to thank you for all your love, support and prayers.