I have had bladder cancer since 2012, my first turb they removed 5 tumors and was treated straight away after with an injection ( I don't know what it was but it was to stop it coming back) into my bladder. Since then I have been in and out of the hospital for the past 8 years. 3 months later I had to go back into have another OP with no treatment afterwards and all of my next turbs I was in then sent home. This time I had 3 Tumours removed I just knew it was different and what I saw on the screen they were different and now I have to get chemotherapy injections straight into my bladder. I do have misgivings of the 6 week sessions I don't know what to expect from them ie; side effects and will I need extra care (I have a carer that comes in 3 times a week at the moment due me having severe arthritisthroughout and it is to mainly get a hair wash as I manage the in between day's)
The side effects is bothering me.
Hi auldtimer and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your ongoing treatments and do understand your apprehension of going into chemo.
A cancer diagnosis indeed brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helped a lot.
The Community is organised into various support groups so can I first direct you to our Bladder cancer group as this will connect you with people walking the treatment journey.
Follow the link I've created above then choose 'click to join' on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself and post questions selecting '+New' or '+' (depending on the device you're using) and join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk, so can I highlight the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 This service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
I definitely wish you all the best. I come from a different type of cancer (blood cancer) but did have well over 750hrs of different types of chemo and actually did ok through it all.
Do connect with the folks in the Bladder Group.
All the best.
Hi auldtimer. Great information from Thehighlander above. I am from the BLADDER GROUP and have been holding on to see if you joined us there as there are many members with lots of experience of this treatment and would be able to share with you. There are two different treatments to help prevent recurrences. BCG is an immunotherapy treatment. It is a mild version of the TB vaccine. The other is Mitomycin, which is a chemo drug. Both administered the same way. Your bladder is drained with a narrow catheter and either of the treatments are infused in to the bladder. You need to keep it in for up to two hours so the bladder lining gets a good coverage. Side effects tend to build up over the weeks and vary from person to person. Some sail through it while others have flu like symptoms. Most people are usually somewhere in the middle. I hope you join us in the group as you will probably have many questions as you go through things. Wishing you well. Best wishes.
