Bladder cancer spread into muscle. ..scheduled for 8 treatments of chemo before a possible removal of my bladder.

Good luck with the chemo Robin Hood. We are always here to listen, so let us know how things go for you. x

All the best for you Robin hood .This is a great site here get a lot of support and help from others here cheers harry

Thanks so much....I also hope and pray that your bcg treatments will continue to kill and keep the cancer cells from growing.  I read your bio and know about all you have been thru.....not easy... I had 7 bcg treatments before progression into the muscle....it sounds like your on the right tract to recovery....God Bless.

Hello Robinhood

I expect you'll be having gemcitabine and cisplatin or carboplatin so here's what I learned when I had these 3 years ago. I had my bladder out after the chemo and now have a conduit, stoma, pouch.

The chemo nurses should brief you on what to expect and give you a treatment record book that lists the side effects and who to contact if you feel unwell.

We all react differently to it and after my first 8 hour session it wiped me out for 10 days. Cisplatin made me feel very ill, chronically tired and nauseous though the anti nausea pills stopped me throwing up. Just when you start to recover you are back in for the next session so expect to feel at least tired if not grim for three months.

You may get metal mouth when everything tastes foul but sweeter foods and intensely flavoured foods were ok for me and you'll need to increase the protein in your diet. Constipation can be a problem so the medics ought to give you a gentle liquid laxative but get some Immodium in case the opposite applies.

Hygiene is very important as your immune system will be damaged by the chemo. Avoid busy public places, people with colds, children generally and make sure you washe your hands frequently especially before eating and drinking, brushing teeth. Phlebitis is a common side effect as the Gem irritates the veins so watch out for hot lumps on hands and wrists, get to your GP pdq if that happens. Buy a thermometer to check your temperature at least daily and record it in the treatment booklet. And then there is numbness in the feet, aka peripheral neuropathy (my toes are still numb after three years).

I expect you will get pre-dosed hypodermic jabs of bone marrow enhancer (to boost the immune person) so you can administer these yourself. Tip: pinch a lump of belly skin really hard then stab it in the lump and press the plunger, remove the hypodermic then rub the stab site hard. It takes a bit of courage to do it the first time but it's a great sense of achievement later.

We are here to answer any questions you have so don't be shy. I wish you good luck with your treatment.

CB

Thanks for the encouragement...I stay positive everyday....(mostly) and hope you will also. Each day is a gift I cherish. 

Oh My.... Thanks for all your helpful details. I'LL  have to read your details over again.    MOST HELPFUL

Robinhood, 

Sending my best wishes for your chemo treatment.Jane XX

Thank you so much... Jane XX.   God Bless You,  and keep you as you continue your survival journey with bladder disease all these years.  There is hope!

Robinhood,

Keep on being positive. I found it a great help. Gemcis worked for me. Tumours shrunk after the 3rd cycle of chemo, although the liver Tumour grew very slightly. After nine cycles all tumours in the bladder, lymph nodes, liver and lungs have shrunk. My cancer remains stable three months later. Now on maintenance dosage of rucaparib on the Atlantis trial. Two tablets twice a day. I see the oncologist every month after a blood test at my local hospital. If blood levels are ok treatment can continue. 

Only side effects on chemo were fatigue and hiccups. Others had nausea among other things. Everyone is different. 

Try going for even short walks every day. I find the body tells me when I've gone far enough. Continue with any hobbies and outings.

I have not had my bladder removed. Others have so they can answer any questions you may have. Ring your dedicated nurse who will be a great help. Staff at Leicester Royal Infirmary have been very caring and supportive. Oncologist is a lovely man.

Hope all goes well for you.

Thanks Richard 1944, I'm glad to hear that your chemo has shrunk your tumors and nodes and that you can continue with maintenance treatments. That's great and you still have your bladder even better.  I'll pray that all your future blood work is good for you to continue treatments . Appreciate your advice very much and sharing. I hope my chemo side affects will be minimal and also shrink the turmor. 

God bless, 

Robinhood