In my previous blog on “You Now I Know What It Feels to Have a Diagnosis of Cancer dated 2017/08/24”, I detailed my journey through the early stages of diagnosis of infection on the inside surface of the bladder, the surgical removal of same (TURBT) and the treatment with the same virus that Tuberculosis is effectively treated. I start this as predicted, there will be a long journey!

It was after the 12th treatment that Cancer was again detected on the inside surface of my bladder. My last blog update noted that samples were sent to the Lab for analysis but the visual diagnosis by Dr. Robinson, was that I had Cancer and a “radical” treatment would be the likelihood of further treatment.

Yesterday, January 30, 2019 was the consultation with Dr. Robinson as follows:

1. Stage T1 which is interpreted as penetrating the Urothelium (inside lining) and entering the Lamina Propria (the next lining before the Muscle
2. Penetration of the Muscle must be prevented as that allows the Cancer to enter the rest of the body
3. The medical professionals cannot accurately assess the stage without radical surgery
4. Continuing TURBT treatment will allow the Cancer a stronger foothold and is not recommended
5. Recommended treatment is removal of the bladder and replacement with a part of my stomach.
6. Installation of a Stoma and an ILEAL OSTOMY procedure that requires an external bag to collect urine.

Options, of course is to continue with TURBT treatments but that is not a recommendation.

The risks are the same as in any invasive surgery but the experience is that no Chemotherapy nor Radiation will be required in the follow up.

I met with my family last night and all my four children and my 57 year partner agree on this operation.

We are advising DR. Robinson to proceed with the scheduling in Trail. The alternative is the University Hospital in Vancouver where 30 operations a month take place whereas Trail has only 2 a month. We all felt the attending Doctor is local and the follow up issues can be facilitated easier here in the Kootenays.

The operation is expected in March 2019.

Of course, I have a nervousness about this which is normal but I understand that there is an organization of Bladder Cancer patients in Canada that I can contact for information and support.

I will keep you posted.

January 30, 2019 0805 hours

February 08, 2019

Dr. Robinson called ne yesterday with the results of my CT Scan February 06, 2019

“You do not show any spread of Cancer as I noted from my visual diagnosis. All cancer is concentrated within you Bladder. good News!”

That was very comforting and I thanked him for calling.

So now I need to continue with the process of programming myself to accept whatever will come with the operation and accept a major change in my life. This is a personal journey and cannot be borrowed nor can it be shared. People come and tell me that they “understand how I feel” but this really does not help me but in fact I find it stressful. I wish people would just leave the conversation o “i wish you a successful operation and a speedy recovery.” that would suffice and be more comfort.

I still find it strange that I am confronted with all this but, I feel that I am rising to the occasion each day. I need my collection strength in body and soul and I know that is will get through it so that I can contribute more to this world and make it a better place for all.

1150 hours, February 08, 2019

Dr. Robinson mailed me a requisition for Lab Work. I took this today, February 12, 2019 at the Castlegar Hospital Clinic.

1510 hours, February 12, 2019