Bladder cancer chemo question

Hello Cathgra and welcome to this friendly group. The reason for neoadjuvant chemo is to help shrink any tumours and make surgery slightly easier. It also helps to eradicate any rogue cells floating around before they get a chance  to develop. I had this chemo for muscle invasive BC before going on to radiotherapy and tests showed it had shrunk the tumour. Lots of experiences of bladder removal here to help with any questions as you and husband go forward. best wishes.

Hi Cathgra,

I had a similar diagnosis and the same treatment in 2022. As Rily says they do it this way round to kill off what they can first, making the bladder removal more straightforward. We get regular checks and if the chemo is not doing what they want they can stop it and move to bladder removal.

I have been clear now since January 2023 so I hope that reassures you a little. Oncologists and surgeons do this treatment all the time and there are many of us on here who have benefitted.

All the best,

Latestart

Hello thanks for the reply it really helps to understand better. Did your cancer have squamous cells as well, we are a bit anxious about that as it’s more aggressive. It’s great you are doing so well it’s reassuring thank you

Yes it did, though I can't recall percentages so just said  similar in my earlier message. Not sure but think it was around 50/50. They got anything remaining after the chemo  out with the bladder according to the oncologist. And quarterly reviews for 2 years (and now 6 monthly ones) have been OK.

All the best,

Latestart