Tumour was grade 3 non invasive but recommending bladder removal. Has anyone out there refused this and if so what were the options ? Really don't want radical surgery if there are alternatives that are maybe not being offered. Thanks for reading.
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of bladder cancer.
There are a few different ways to treat bladder cancer, how it is treated is dependent on each person's situation such as the grade and stage (the extent of the cancer) and how well and fit the patient is.
I am afraid as nurses here we really are not the best people to advise you on what treatment options you should choose but we do understand that making the decision is difficult. Hopefully you will be able to discuss this with your specialist team in particular your Clinical Nurse Specialist.
To hear from other people who are in a similar situation you might find you get more responses posting in another area on Cancer Chat. You might also find reading our information about bladder cancer treatment helpful and could help you in your decision, click here to see it.
You are very welcome to get back in touch with us and you may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
In response to Bbee. I had TURBT and 5 out of 6 chemo sessions had reaction after 5 th so stopped. Stage 2 multiple tumours. I had repeat cystoscopy today and need another TURBT and biopsy again
I fear I will be faced with Bladder removal so I will be following your journey good luck
I know everyone is different and it’s such a huge huge decision. But if the cancer is only in the bladder and it haven’t pieced through yet. I’d opt for the bladder removal fully to really cut all ties to the Tumor. Bladder cancer can be so aggressive, my dad tried to
aviod the removal of the bladder with chemo first and it advanced even during the chemo, he had the bladder removed but it was to
little to late it had already escaped through to
form a incurable Tumor on the pelvis and now has 6 months they think. I know having a stoma bag might be life changing but it certianly isint life limiting. Give yourself the best best chance you can. Best wishes. (Obviously I am not a medical professional but I hope this helps) x
I have stage 2 (just diagnosed) and I have been told chemotherapy first is the 'gold standard' treatment, increasing chance of long term survival by 5%. (ie if it is 60% with straight bladder removal, then it is 65% with chemotherapy) followed by bladder removal. Everyone is different though and my tumour was small (just over 1cm) and size can be important.
