Bladder Cancer

[JS1987mom]

My mom has bladder cancer. It started about 11 years ago, and went into to remission for 10 years after BCG treatments-seen an urologist With it's come back this year, she has been seeing an urologist and received bcg treatments this last spring, but without affect. My sisters and I would like to have her see an oncologist but aren't sure which way to go. I have talked to quite a few different cancer centers for direction-but none seem to ever answer the question. So You Who Have Experienced this with an oncologist has it helped- and which one have you seen. What have you learned that might help me and others in making choices.
Thanks So Much

[JS1987mom]

Anyone,please help with this. I really want to know if you see an oncologist and what has helped you in choosing the right professional!

[uro_md]

Treatment for bladder cancer usually takes one of two routes--radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (either neobladder or ileal conduit, or some variation thereof), or the bladder-sparing approach. The bladder sparing protocol these days involves chemotherapy PLUS radiation, so you would need to see both an medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist for the most current protocol. Hope that helps.

[JS1987mom]

Thank you!
But who should she see first?
Or who should she get her referral to?

[uro_md]

I usually refer my patients to a medical oncologist first, because they will be the ones who will coordinate her care, and decide whether or not she has failed bladder-sparing treatment.