Mitomycin

Hi Alpacino. Good to know your treatment is starting. I've no experience of this, but I believe the optimum time to hold it in is 2 hours if possible. I'm sure someone will be along to share experiences. Best wishes.

Hi Alpacino. I have not long finished my 6th round of Chemo with Mitomycin C, so have a fair bit of experience with it now, but would NEVER claim to be an expert. 

Few things I would suggest.

First, get some antihistamines, as it can itch like hell, and you cannot scratch it, at least it did for me. I found Piriton most effective, and luckily they do not cause drowsiness with me. My nurse advised taking them just before the treatment, which I did, and really appreciated the reduction in itching. 

Second is holding the treatment in. I was told an hour is really the minimum, but the longer the better.   If you are anything like me, the first session was a struggle to last an hour, by by that last treatment, I managed to hold for over three hours (did fall asleep as had been on nights, so that helped). Trick is 'DO NOT WATCH THE CLOCK'!

Before having the treatment, try not to overdo it with fluids, and make sure you go to the toilet very much as the last thing you do before getting the dose.  That way, whilst you may still feel the urge to go, it is not quite so desperate a feeling as if you have drunk lots.  

Afterwards, lots of fluids, to flush through.  My preference, when notvat work, is a pint, or two, of cider, although many other appropriate fluids are available. 

Finally, if yiu struggle to hold the hour, or have other issues, do not beat yourself up over it.  It can be frustrating, but your body is being exposed to unnatural processes, and we all react differently.   Things get easier as the course goes on. 

Good luck, not that you should need it.

JJ thank you so much for youre detailed advice , best wishes .

Sorry another question is there a point in moving around side to side when its installed to get to all areas of the bladder or his this a misconception ??

Hi again Alpacino. As I said earlier, no experience of this, but reading many similar posts here over the years, the protocol seems to vary from hospital to hospital. Some say they just lie there while others are encouraged to roll about to cover the bladder, which would make sense. I hope it goes well for you. Best wishes.

I guess that if you start flat on your back as OH did, then stand up and walk about, sit in the car to be driven home, etc, it will get pretty well sloshed around. I do recall the 1st BCG he had, he had to stay lying on one side for some time. but subsequent ones it was in up and off...

Denby