[LMFoster]

Last month they took a tumor via/scope from my bladder. After (the biopsy,and ct scan)
[i]High grade papolary urothelial carcinoma with stomal invasion and invasion of muscularis propria[/i]]
I was told bladder and prostate must go, this was verified with an oncologist Friday.
My big question has anyone had this dilema, my urologist advises the bag instead of the Neo-Bladder (from what I have read there are pros and cons on both).
A little info on me:
56 year young Marine Vet-minimal Viet-Nam, about 7 months in Thailand x the Rose Garden.
Married having raised 3 daughters, with 2 daughters at home, 13 and 10 years old.
Hopefully returning to my construction job.
My surgery is scheduled for July 24 and am currently on Medical leave from work.This morning after much input from Family and friends, I got an appointment with another Urologist who also happens to be an Ocolgist as well and is an Associate Proffesor at a leading university in Nashville TN
Any help Ya'll can give about this

Long Scarey Journey and Battle We Have Embarked Upon

will be greatly appreciated by me and my Family.
Larry

[Bill in Philly]

Similar situation for me - single tumor, after scope biopsy showed cells in muscle, doesn't know how far. (T2) Urologist thinks I'm a candidate for partial cystectomy and is arranging second opinion at cancer center. Terribly scary and I'm working through that decision now. Just joined the forum to gather what others think, who may have made similar decisions. If I go for total, then I have to decide which method, and as the doctor was explaining the choices, I'm thinking, these are all pretty nasty. I might lean to the internal pouch, the neobladder seems to have an awful lot of conditions to enable you to pee through the penis. My urologist admitted he didn't do a lot of those so I'm looking forward to getting more info about those options.

Best wishes to you.

[LMFoster]

Bill:
From the info I have gathered, you need to have someone who is very experienced with the procedures. In a city the size of Philly you should be able to find an experienced uro/oncologist.
My original urologist had planned a full removal as well as the prostate. I am still looking at the same, using the neo if possible, but my new doctor is giving me at least 2 months chem prior to the surgery, I started this monday Cisplattin + Gemzar 1st week, Gemzar weeks 2 & 3, 4th week to recooperate, then start repeat the series, and if all goes well rest up for 4-6 weeks then have the surgery.
If you're having trouble try to locat more experience let me know, I'll see if I can help.
Good Luck
Larry