My grade 3 bladder cancer has returned after second cystoscopy check up. It is still a grade 3 but has reduced from a T3 to a T1. I have been advised I am eligible to have a further 10 BCG treatments or bladder removal. I am a fit, active 67 year old. I'm worried if I have further treatment, cancer could return and breach bladder wall. If I have bladder removed, can I live with a stoma and bag (not considering neobladder). I don't know what to do. Any advice anyone can give me? Thank you
This is a difficult decision to have to take - whether to have a further 10 BCG treatments or bladder removal and I can understand why you are feeling worried about the effects further treatment could have and why you would want to make an informed decision. You can read more about treatment for bladder cancer on this page. Perhaps you could give our nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Hopefully your specialist will have talked you through the various options that are available to you and their implications and I hope that this will help you make up your mind on what the best treatment would be for you.
I hope that you will hear from other members of this forum who have been in a similar position and have also had to make difficult treatment choices. To find others who have had a bladder cancer diagnosis, you can simply search our forum via our search function which is located on the blue banner at the top. Simply type in keywords of your choice and you will find past relevant threads on the subject which you can respond to if you wish.
Best of luck with this difficult decision. Let us know what you decide if you get a chance.
