Today is August 22nd, one month before my birthday. I had a cystoscopy scheduled to 'see' if the BCG has (continued) to keep me bladder cancer-free.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day today, sunny, low humidity and just warm enough with a light breeze. I arrived at Dr Previte's office in North Andover feeling somewhat anxious. After checking in and providing the obligatory urine sample, I waited to be called.
I was finally called and after verifying my identity, I was brought to yet another examination room. However, this room had a bunch of medical equipment all set to go. The nurse verified some information and prepped me for Dr Previte's arrival.
Dr Previte arrived and after pleasantries, he reviewed my chart and spoke of my last time with him and what he would be doing today. Dr Previte plays violin, so we had a nice discussion about a favorite violinist of ours as he poked and probed. This time I was able to see the monitor. As he spoke and moved the camera around, (to me) it looked pretty clean, but I'm no doctor (nor do I play one on TV).
He interrupted his musical chatter and said, "This looks really good. Very clean.". I could then feel the camera being pulled out.
The doctor said that the BCG was working and stated that I would be having another round (of three doses) then another cystoscopy in 6 months. He wants me to start the BCG treatments in September/October. The nurse said that she would call me to schedule these.
He bid me a good day and shook my hand. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the prognosis.
More to come!
