Terrified

Yes Seamoth, that's right, Mitomycin after the 6 BCG and recurrence. Mitomycin is a chemotherapy drug sometimes used into the whole system for other types of cancer. So be careful if you are looking it up, to look it up with reference to bladder cancer.

The beauty of having bladder cancer if one is going to have any kind, is that the immunotherapy and chemotherapy can be given into the bladder as long as it remains non-muscle invasive. This means that there are not the same side effects. So no hair loss and most people do not have much if any nausea on these treatments. The main side effect for my husband was tiredness for the rest of the day and next day.

It also means you do not have to have constant blood tests to monitor white cells etc or take handfuls of anti-nausea pills. All worthwhile if needed, but not needed for these two treatments. Also usually you have to remain at the hospital for perhaps an hour or two on the first of a course but can go home as soon as the dose has been put in your bladder ['instilled'] for the rest of the course. Many people drive themselves to and from.

Hope this is helpful, Denby

Thanks very much indeed, Denby.  I really appreciate your informative reply.  Its had a calming effect on me, certainly. I feel better equiped to face whats coming, and braver.  

Hi Seamoth, like you I have a stage 3 bladder cancer, but mine is muscle invasive. I have had two ops to remove the tumour and any remains. I am going for the pre-treatment appointment on Wednesday to set up the radio therapy for when my treatment begins. I am having Radio Therapy and Chemo Therapy. I also have a second problem in that I have Autoimmune Hepatitis, which is dangerous for the liver. A careful eye will be kept on my liver functions because the Chemo will be stopped if anything untoward occurs. I know the Oncology staff  will do all in their power to sort the problem out. I have had a CT scan recently which showed no apparent spread of the tumour,so I am optimistic for a good outcome. I wish you well for your forthcoming treatment. As Old Bob has said, he has lived with this for a number of years. Every year the treatment gets better and your quality of life is maintained. Good luck friend.

Good afternoon Seamoth , how are you today ?  . I’ve not had mitomycin but a series of BCG , I completed the 15 th last week. There is no need for panic or fear , it’s quite straight forward and takes only five minutes. It’s uncomfortable rather than painful . I’ve always driven to and from the hospital for treatment and the two hour wait afterwards to empty the bladder is not difficult.. I’m not aware of any side effects and it seems to work, best wishes, J

Be aware of the difference between stage 3 and grade 3 bladder cancer. It can be huge.

Hi YesMonkey. Thank you so much for your reply, its given me more courage.  My very best wishes for your forthcoming treatments, and do hope we can keep in touch via this forum.  Thank you again,

Hi Orillia.  Thanks for that info.  I’ll look into that.

Wally B, thanks so much for your words of encouragement, much appreciated. It’s certainly lessened the terror, in fact all the caring replies I’ve had have pretty much overwhelmed me……I'm so grateful I’ve found this forum.

Hi YesMonkey.  Apologies to Seamoth for sidetracking this thread for a moment. I had the treatment you are going for. If you need any info, then please start a new thread and ask any questions . Best wishes.

Hi Rily. Thank you, I will do that……..the more info I can get from the horses mouths, so to speak, the better prepared I will be emotionally and mentally.