[Guest]

My husband was diagnosed a year and a half ago at age 48 with superficial bladder cancer (a papilloma) and he has had surgery to cauterize it twice. At his three month checkup last week, the doctor told him that there is still evidence of abnormal cells and that the area near the surgery where they are located is not a place where he can operate again. He is suggesting chemotherapy

Since my husband is relatively young to have this type of cancer, I wonder what his prognosis is since the cancer is already recurring. Also, what is the effect over time of chemotherapy -does the cancer become more resistant? How long can someone expect to live with recurring bladder cancer --all the survival rates I have seen seem to be for older people.

Thank you.

Mary Ellen Beck

[Guest]

My best guess is that your urologist is suggesting immunotherapy (BCG) and not systemic chemotherapy. I would stay optimistic as such a move is often just precautionary, and if there are no risks factors, his prognosis still is good.
[quote] My husband was diagnosed a year and a half ago at age 48 with superficial bladder cancer (a papilloma) and he has had surgery to cauterize it twice. At his three month checkup last week, the doctor told him that there is still evidence of abnormal cells and that the area near the surgery where they are located is not a place where he can operate again... [/quote]