Chemo into the bladder

My husband found it tiring - but he was 74 at the time and has major painful orthopaedic leg issues too. I guess he probably would have managed to work the following day if he was still working age. If you can take each treatment day off, get a morning slot, go home and really take it easy up till bedtime, that would probably help. Btw he is now onto 6-monthly checks as it has worked well despite him being unable to retain it for as long as suggested.

best wishes, Denby

Hi Floralgypsy, it can effect people in different ways. I had no effect except a bit tired by the end of the 6 weeks. I carried on working, I was 48 ,male and had a manual job. Just warn your employer and be upfront and hopefully they will be sympathetic if you do need time off. Good luck 

I'm 42 and just had my second dose. I find the treatment very tiring for the first 4 days, knocks the socks off me with mental exhaustion. Many other side effects to and I just feel so lousy with it. I still manage a night shift in-between but that's hard going. I've been put on light duties from the hospital but in a nursing home there's not that can be done. Good luck and here if you fancy a natter. 

Hi Floralgypsy,

As you have read everyone reacts differently to the Mitomycin, I didn’t have a problem with it. You have to hold the chemo in your bladder for one hour and then go to the toilet. You will want to be at home for this as you have to wash yourself very thoroughly down below to get rid of any chemo residue. After that I was fine and carried on as normal. I got a little tired towards the end of the six weeks but that is all.

Hope all goes well.

Luce x

Sorry for the later reply Floralgypsy.  What chemo are you having?  I had an allergy to MMC, my bladder itched for an entire week after my first dose, so I didn't have any more.  In January I managed 6 x Epirubicin, but I needed the toilet every 10 mins for weeks & I had a real bad achy bladder.  The nurse said that it was normal.  it worked for me though, almost, so it was worth the pain.  Good luck!