- Charles, 77
Using data to provide clarity in choosing whether or not to pursue treatment for bladder cancer
About
Priorities
Key Concern
Treatment Decision
Charles is a vibrant 77-year-old who enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with his church group. A retired engineer, he lives with his wife and stays closely connected to his adult child. He’s active, thoughtful, and values time with loved ones.
When Charles was diagnosed with bladder cancer, the initial treatment recommendation included TURBT procedure to remove the tumor followed by chemotherapy. His doctor connected him with Ardynn, a dedicated support platform where board-certified advocates provide personalized, data-informed insight based on the real-world experiences of others.
As a former engineer, Charles was seeking data. He wanted more than general guidance—he wanted to understand how different choices have affected people like him.
He underwent surgery. During the procedure, his team discovered the cancer was more advanced than expected. The surgeon was confident he removed the tumor with clear margins. Charles’s doctors now recommended watchful waiting, but gave him the option of receiving chemotherapy.
This new direction raised questions for Charles. He worried about how delaying treatment might affect his survival—and was equally concerned that chemotherapy could limit his independence and diminish the time he’d be able to spend doing what he loves.
Outcomes for people like me
Information about Charles
Diagnosis: Bladder Cancer
Age: 77
Sex: M
Race/Ethnicity: Asian
Comorbidity Score: None
Histology: High-Grade Urothelial Carcinoma
T (Primary): T3
N (Regional): N2
M (Distant): M0
Real-World Survival Outcomes for People Like Charles
Scroll to view columns >
| Survival Curve | Graphically Depicted | After 1 yr | After 2 yrs | After 3 yrs | After 4 yrs | After 5 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total population The dark blue line depicts estimated survival for similar individuals | 97% | 94% | 90% | 87% | 83% | |
| Similar patients, same type of cancer, no treatment The orange line depicts estimated survival for similar individuals who did not receive treatment for their Bladder Cancer. | 82% | 73% | 66% | 60% | 55% | |
| Treatment(s): Surgery The light blue line depicts estimated survival for similar individuals treated with surgery. | 91% | 86% | 82% | 79% | 76% | |
| Treatment(s): Surgery and Chemotherapy The green line depicts estimated survival for similar individuals treated with surgery and chemotherapy. | 91% | 86% | 82% | 79% | 76% |
Treatment decision
After the TURBT procedure and the new treatment recommendation, Charles has additional discussions with his Ardynn advocate who helps him explore the tradeoffs and potential outcomes of each option—always with an eye toward Charles’s goals, values, and quality of life. With a clearer understanding of how chemotherapy might (or might not) impact his survival, Charles confidently chooses watchful waiting.
His doctors agree it’s the right approach for him. With Ardynn’s data, analysis and support, Charles made a decision that fits for him —not just from a medical standpoint, but from a personal standpoint as well.
This story is illustrative based on a real Ardynn case; name and likeness of the member has been changed to respect their privacy.
CHARLES
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