Cystectomy – Yes or No?

Following removal of an adenocarcinoma from my bladder in October ’18, it has been recommended that I have my bladder removed. This type of tumor is so rare that I am unable to come to a decision. I had a paper review carried out by a Harvard teaching hospital in Boston who agree with my consultants recommendations on the basis of the rarity of this type of tumor in the bladder.
I am trying various alternative treatments. In addition I rec’d a blessing in November, during which I was told it was gone. At my request I had a further biopsy on 25 January and today learn that there is no evidence of any malignancy in my bladder. Have appt next week with Consultant and want to be prepared in my fight to keep my bladder. Surely if there is no malignancy in the bladder then the sensible approach would be to keep bladder and have regular check ups?
The Pet Scan showed no other growths but did show 2 of my pelvic lymph nodes light up near the site of tumor. I am going to request that they remove just those lymph nodes as against removing all my lymph nodes as suggested. Does anyone have an opinion?

  • Hello lorrscan, 

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. Excellent news that your recent biopsy showed no evidence of malignancy in your bladder. I can imagine it must be a terribly difficult decision for you and I hope that the consultant will be able to advise you on how best to proceed in your particular circumstances and they will also be able to guide you too as to whether it would be best to remove all lymph nodes. Let us know how the appointment goes if you get a chance!

    We also have detailed information on our website on the cystectomy which you can find here and if you were to have any questions for our cancer nurses, you can reach them on this free number 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you will also hear from some of our members here who may have had a similar experience before. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator