Gem/Cis treatment

Hi Linda. I had a six week course of Gem/Cis which stretched to eight weeks because of a couple of delays owing to low bloods. Didn't really have a problem with it. Drove there and back each time. I was always anticipating something nasty to happen after all the stories I had read, but nothing did. I was never sick and my hair was not affected. Long term effect was I developed tinnitus which lasted a few months and was not pleasant. It is the Cisplatin which can affect your hearing, so let them know if you notice a change in your hearing. My oncology report actually said I "sailed through it", but we know that is not the case for everyone. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hi Linda hope you are feeling stronger xx I was the same as you I wanted to know all about bcg treatments before I started ..I read all I could find about it and many gave good tips xx hope all goes well take care xx

Hi Linda,

I had 6 doses of GemCis. Wd were aiming for 8 but I was unfortunate to have a series of setbacks that I am certain I was pretty unlucky to have as not many others seem to have expressed the same experiences.

I found the day of treatment to be fine, and most of the next day, too. I drove myself to appointments after the first two.

The following 4 days were the low points, nausea, drowsy, poor concentration etc

Longer term there were spots and lesions on my body, skin dryness, some strange issue with my gag reflex that felt like a lump in my throat...plus a few others symptoms that I wasnt expecting,

The key thing is to keep your team at your hospital informed and get a good relationship with your GP. Each symptom can usually be helped and i think i was pretty fortunate that each time i called my GP (who was well informed about my diagnosis) i got a same day call back (i think telephone consultations are a genius step forward) and face to face appointments. 

Keep a close watch on your temperature and act if you get a fever.

Hopefully you'll be one of the people with few side effects, but dont be afraid to get help with anything... or ask people for feedback and opinions right here!

Good luck with your treatment  I really do hope all goes as well as can be expected 

Wogan