Muscle invasive bladder cancer

 BRICKHOUSE . Hi Michael. I was muscle invasive (T3/G3). I had six weeks of chemotherapy, Gemcitabine and Cisplatin (Gem/CIS). Long day one week followed by half day next week. Then went on to six weeks of daily chemoradiotherapy. On weeks 1 and 4, I had a chemo pump fitted via a PICC line (MMC and 5FU). This chemo helps the radio work more efficiently. I believe the latest protocol for radiotherapy is now 4 weeks with a higher dose. Didn't really have any serious issues with the treatments. Now on annual checks after ten years. Happy to answer any questions if I can. Others here have had bladder removal. Best wishes.

Thank you very much for that information   rily  Do you mind me asking  what age You are                           I am   65        21/04/1959 Plus I have obstructive sleep apnea where I use a    CPAP machine   Thank you michael

Hi Michael. I was 63 going through treatment. Now 73.Best wishes

Thank you very much.That's comforting to know    May your health  and happiness continue

Hi Michael,I had urgent bladder removal in 2019 aged 58.I have a ileal conduit and manage well with the stoma.I had Squamous cell cancer ( T3b G 3) and as it doesn’t respond well to radiotherapy I only had surgery.Best wishes for your treatment.Jane 

Thank you very much for your reply Jane        I Hope you're health is Improving now    Sounds like you've Gone through a bit     All the best for the future    Michael

Thanks Michael,I found the recovery tougher than the surgery as I was alone during lockdown.Best wishes for your treatment.Jane 

Thank you jane  I can believe it   I actually live alone With the not close family     So i've really just got my daughter who lives a  short distance A way to help support me with My upcoming treatment    Bless you Michael

Hi

I had chemo followed by surgery. I didn't finish the chemo as the last long session knocked my liver function out.  Despite this,  I didn't find the session too bad and a bit boring (long days). Surgery was fine and this was seven years ago.  The point I'm making is; don't be concerned if they temporarily stop the chemo, it's quite normal 

Hi, howzit Michael?

I had advanced bladder cancer, initially stage 4, then dropped to stage 3 (all contained in pelvis). Did 5 of 6 chemo, then 32 radiotherapy including chemoradiotherapy). 

I was told June '23 before chemo that bladder removal would be quality of life not curative. Had my bladder, prostate and lymphs removed and ileal conduit built June '24.

Now living well with my stoma. If you haven't yet, ask about nerve damage and effects on your penis (long and short term). Do as much pre op physical training as possible, helps with recovery.

And remember, this is a big, long op. Make sure you ask questions, challenge the team and be as positive and happy as you can be before going under the knife.

Good luck. Happy to chat or answer any questions you may have. The answers will be from my experience, not medical though!