Now I can breathe for a while (good news from the doc)

[adirondakjack]

While bladder cancer is never "cured", as it requires lifetime surveillence, the most critical "look see" is the first cystoscopy following surgery. I had mine today (3 1/2 mos post surgery), and it was clear of any suspicious activity. Also had an abdominal CT last week and that looks good also. I gotta go back in 3 mos for another scope job, etc, but at least for now, we got the monster as close to licked as it ever gets. Suddenly about 4 concrete blocks lifted off my chest, and I bet my BP went down 30 points.

Just thought a little GOOD news on the "Big C" front would be worth sharing.

PS: For anyone having to get a cystoscopy (they run a flexible scope up the urethra into the bladder) INSIST on a modern digital scope. If yer doc uses the old optical kind as big around as a 30 cal bullet, get another doc. The digital one is half the size (1/8" cable with maybe a .150 eyeball on the end) and a whole lot less "disquieting" as it finds it's way into the bladder, trust me. This new guy's got all the new toys and it is MUCH better.

[piller]

Ouch! Even the modern one sounds as if some sort of anesthetic would be in order. Glad to hear that you are in remission.

[Pitchy]

Ya made me pucker with that procedure but glad your in good spirits and getting better.

[adirondakjack]

They use lidocaine gel first (a big syringe of it squirted into the passage. It's about lke ora-gel ya use for a toothache) so combined with the new, much smaller scope, the worst part of the whole deal was WAITING (doc was running 2 hrs behind). 25" hi def monitor so I got to see the show as doc narrated. It was soooo nice to see just a smooth white patch of scar where the tumor had been....... The old way was NOT good. Picture a bore scope meant for 30 caliber, inserted into a BB gun barrel......

[Griff]

I had that old procedure about 25 years ago... still makes me cringe just think about it. Glad to hear you're doin' well.

[Nath]

Glad to hear the good news, well done to you and your team

Nath.

[adirondakjack]

Glad to hear the good news, well done to you and your team

Nath.

And "Team" describes it well. This doc is new, and the equipment and his methods new to the hospital (the old doc did scopes in the office, this guy does em in an OR with full gear), so it was a teaching event as well. Along with the doc and the nurse assisting, we had three other nurses looking on as Doc took the time to narrate. It's a good thing my boyhood shyness has left me long ago (that and any shred of dignity leave you when treated for this disease, LOL.)

[J Miller]

Jack,

Glad to hear the good news. Now you go out and burn some powder with a light heart and mind.

Hang in there.

Joe

[Pete44ru]

KEWL - It makes one appreciate each/every sunrise, that much more. CONGRATS !

[Ben_Rumson]

That's not just a "little GOOD news on the "Big C" front" Jack... That's great news!.. Very happy for you..

[Terry Murbach]

THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS, JACK. GLORY BE AND HALLELUJAH !!!

[kimwcook]

That's great news. My dad has had to deal with re-occurring bladder cancer. Seems like every couple of years the doc has to remove a small tumor. Hope it's not a genetic thing and something I have to look forward to.

[gamekeeper]

I'm real pleased to hear your good news, congratulations and continued good health.

[adirondakjack]

That's great news. My dad has had to deal with re-occurring bladder cancer. Seems like every couple of years the doc has to remove a small tumor. Hope it's not a genetic thing and something I have to look forward to.

Generally it's not genetic from what I read. If you work with leather dyes or the like yer at risk. If you smoke, quit is the best advice I got. Even those living in a hermetically-sealed tank MIGHT get it, but the odds are it's "irritant-related".

[olyinaz]

Happy to hear it!

Oly

[rjohns94]

Awesome news, prayers continue for continued good health and healing.

[mikld]

Yahooo! Great news. I've found that a positive attitude and a lot of prayers keeps the Big C at bay. I've had 4 surgerys and radiation on my neck and tonsil area over the last year. During that period of cuttin' and treatments, I've had half the town of Brookings, Oregon praying for me, and I know this is just a hic-up in my journey. Last surgery the Dr. said he removed all he could find, about 1/3rd of what he expected, and it came out cleanly. I keep saying to anybody that will listen; A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence! And that goes for you too, Jack...

[Palmtreee]

Glad to hear that everything went well today. Keep your chin up Jack.

[O.S.O.K.]

They use lidocaine gel first (a big syringe of it squirted into the passage. It's about lke ora-gel ya use for a toothache) so combined with the new, much smaller scope, the worst part of the whole deal was WAITING (doc was running 2 hrs behind). 25" hi def monitor so I got to see the show as doc narrated. It was soooo nice to see just a smooth white patch of scar where the tumor had been....... The old way was NOT good. Picture a bore scope meant for 30 caliber, inserted into a BB gun barrel......

Oh Lord. I feel your pain. A while back I had to have this procedure done to check out my bladder and it sounds like we both had the same problem They decided to put me out to do the procedure... but I don't remember any lidocaine or anything... hmmm.

Luckily, the bladder was in fine shape.

And apparently, the whole reason for the exam (some bleading) was me taking too much fish oil

If you take too much it can cause "spotting" which could be an indication of problems... and I was 48 at the time...

Oh its fun being a survivor of life - just gets more and more interesting.

[JerryB]

PRAISE THE LORD!! GREAT NEWS.

[Ysabel Kid]

Excellent news - though I am still wincing at the thought of the procedure!