In the fall of 2021, Larry Lane of Tiger, Georgia, visited his local urologist, who confirmed a kidney stone by X-ray. He scheduled Larry, age 69 at the time, for surgery to remove it.
During the kidney stone surgery, the surgeon discovered extensive cancer in Larry’s bladder.
“I went in for a kidney stone and woke up to learn I had bladder cancer,” Larry recalled. “I was shocked by the diagnosis because I have no family history of cancer. I was also fearful about the many unknowns ahead of me.”
Larry searched in Athens and Atlanta for the best provider to direct his care. His local urologist referred him to Dr. Andrew Pridjian of Urology Specialists of Atlanta, a Northside Hospital provider.
Dr. Pridjian completed a CT scan and other tests that confirmed bladder cancer had invaded the bladder walls but had not spread beyond it. Larry’s bladder would need to be removed.
There’s never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, and this was certainly true for Larry, as he was preparing to be married soon.
Larry and his future wife, Lanna, discussed treatment plans with Dr. Pridjian, and all three agreed the wedding should proceed as scheduled. Larry and Lanna were married in October 2021 and then immediately pivoted to fighting Larry’s cancer together.
“Lanna, my beloved wife, was a great support and a huge blessing to me all the way through cancer,” Larry shared.
Larry’s treatment began with seven sessions of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. He received chemo close to home in Gainesville, Georgia.
As for the bladder removal, Dr. Pridjian presented Larry with two options: an external urostomy bag or construction of a neobladder — a new receptacle to collect urine internally. Because Larry was otherwise healthy and quite active, he was a great candidate for the neobladder and chose this option.
In February 2022, at Northside Hospital Atlanta, Dr. Pridjian performed the surgery to remove Larry’s bladder and prostate and construct a neobladder using a portion of his small intestine.
Larry went to physical therapy to learn exercises to strengthen his core muscles to control his new neobladder. He was diligent, and after three months, he was fully recovered and medically cleared for all activities.
He attributes his speedy recovery in part to the fact that his surgery was done laparoscopically.
“Dr. Pridjian was one of the few doctors in Georgia performing this surgery laparoscopically, and it greatly benefited my recovery time,” Larry said.
Larry greatly admires Dr. Pridjian’s bedside manner in addition to his surgical skill.
“I highly recommend Dr. Pridjian,” Larry said. “He was happy to answer all of the questions I asked, he explained in great detail what to expect post-surgery and was encouraging through it all.
“He took the time to help me choose the best solution for me.”
Larry is now 73 years old and semi-retired, though he still goes to the office every morning. In his leisure time, he is an avid golfer, maintains a beautiful lawn, and relishes time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Larry continues to see his medical team for follow-up care, which consists of periodic bloodwork and scans. He is grateful for positive reports, a high quality of life with no restrictions and being cancer-free.
He also pays it forward by speaking with new bladder cancer patients to share his experience.
“I am so grateful that my successful cancer treatment allowed Lanna and me to enjoy our life together.”
Learn more about bladder cancer treatment at Northside Hospital.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
