Fears and trepidation.

Hi Inwsch and welcome to the group. We all understand your fears. Many of us have been there, but be aware BC can be treated successfully. Do you know the type of chemo you will be having ? Is it the type directly in to the bladder, or intravenous? Lots of experience here, so always someone with an answer. Best wishes.

Hi Inwsch,I can’t help regarding the chemo but wanted to say welcome to this friendly group.I hope you find it helpful for advice and support.Best wishes Jane 

Hi

Chemo effects people in different ways. I had three rounds prior to surgery and the side effects weren't too bad. I found that I was quite fatigued, but didn't really notice it at the time. I know that sounds strange, but it's only in retrospect that I noticed the effects. I had slight nausea the day after, but you'll your given steroids and anti vomiting drugs to soften the effects. The only drawback I had was that I had two short session cancelled  due to side effects on liver function, and this isn't uncommon and usually restart once things have levelled out.

Your doctor's will always tell you the worse case senarios,  so you are fully aware, but usually it's never as bad.  The other point is that the sessions are quite long and can be a bit boring. I passed the time reading and listening to music plus I got to talk to fellow patients, which was really helpful. 

Good luck and fingers crossed.

Hi there

My partner has had i think 9 sessions now of mitomycin directly into his bladder. It makes him quite poorly for a few days afterwards, he just has to stay in bed for a few days but after that he’s ok. 

best of luck x

Hi  I'm in the same situation I also have  Bladder Cancer but it's stage 2. already have had the tumor removed and start my Chemo next Tuesday for 12 weeks then have 4 weeks of radio.

I also have worries about the side effects not so much about loosing my hair as I don't have much left these days anyway but more about feeling sick all the time, people just tell me that everyone is different and it may not happen. We will just have to wait and see.

Hi Summer1950. Your treatment sounds the same as I had. Chemo followed by chemoradiation. I didn't really have any major problems with treatments. No sickness. Fatigue set in for a while after treatment finished with erratic bowels for a while, but gradually got back to normal. The chemo used for bladder cancer is not the type you are guaranteed to lose your hair. A few people have mentioned thinning, but we rarely see people losing their hair in this group. Mine didn't change. Get a good quality mouthwash for chemo and use regularly to help prevent mouth sores. I hope it goes well.

Thanks for your reply and for the advice about the mouth wash hadn't heard about the mouth sores so will get that sorted just in case. My GP has been quite good and has said that she will be ready to get me anything I need to combat any side effects so feeling a little better about the experience now.

Hi summer, you seem to be having exactly the same treatment as me, with the chemo and radiotherapy afterwards.

I start my chemo tomorrow, will be good to compare notes as we travel the same path.

Thank you everyone for your replies, it might be a cliché but having other stories sent to me does helps.

Hi Inwsch. As Ian mentioned earlier, it can be a long day in the chair, so a few more tips. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Plenty of snacks and drinks. Something to keep you occupied. Although on a drip for a long time, most of the time it is just a saline drip to keep your kidneys happy, with intermittent infusions of the drug. Any anti sickness tabs they give you should be taken as prescribed. They are designed to prevent nausea rather than stopping it if it happens. Lots of water at home. Good luck and best wishes.

Hi Inwsch sorry I missed your reply yesterday. Yes it will be good to share notes once I start next week.

I hope your first treatment goes well today.