Joe's Update

[Guest guest]

I make it a point to inform everyone after I have one of my regularly scheduled

Cystoscopic and Cytology (Urine test) to determine whether or not Bladder Cancer

is apparent.

Note I said, 'apparent' because no test is 100% accurate, however 'they' claim

that when both the visual (Cystoscope) is used in conjunction with Urine

Cytology looking for cancer cells, the results should be 95% accurate. Tests

are tests and only tests.

This Urologist prefers I get an exam every 3 months, however these are not the

most comfortable of exams with a Flexible scope, and a light on the end,

inserted into the bladder. I managed to squeeze two more months out and make

it five months between exams. I was able to get him to go along with my next

exam five months from now, however, I will stretch that one out to at least six

months. Most people, after a full year of being 'clean', are put on a six month

schedule and then after two years, once a year. That is more than enough for my

taste.

Incidentally this office, and probably others, have stopped using Lidocaine

before inserting the scope. They now believe it does nothing because the

greater pain is in the area of the Prostate and the Lidocaine cannot reach the

prostate. Additionally, the Lidocaine insertion is painful itself.

Last year I advised the Uro that Lidocaine was considered a Carcinogenic by

some.

The Cytology came back negative and the more important Cystoscope did not reveal

any apparent tumor or suspicious areas. Keep in mind that they cannot see

beyond the bladder and cancer can spread to the Urethra and the kidneys. That

is why they recommend one get a CT-Scan. I have refused that for the past two

years, ever since the last scan missed a small tumor that was beginning yet the

Urine test found cells.

Most readers know that CT-Scans are equal to 100 Chest X-rays.

I am fortunate in that my Urologist is a mild-mannered guy and I believe truly

interested in my well-being. He also knows I use 'Alternative measures' to

combat the cancer. I have demonstrated to him that I research extensively and

have proved it to him. We can discuss things intelligently and I make sure I

do not ruffle his feathers. We need these people.

He noted that my PSA was also down and asked what I was doing differently.

Additionally I refuse antibiotics before the exam because of a severe reaction

one time and he does not fight me on this.

Again, these are only tests and subject to false negatives as well as false

positives but I'll still gladly accept this clean result.

Joe C.