Bladder cancer - muscle invasive

I meant to say the “guy”  has been cancer free

Hello Pip1 and welcome to the group. I was diagnosed in 2013 with muscle invasive T3/G3. I was fortunate to meet an oncologist who is a great advocate of bladder preservation where possible. I had chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation. So far, nearly ten years later, still have normal functioning bladder (touch wood). Happy to try and answer any questions. Best wishes.

Hello rily. Thank you so much for replying. It sounds like you are the missing link. I recall, you mentioned certain drugs in your account which has since disappeared. It might be useful to me when I face my first meeting with the radiotherapy team to be able to show them what you experienced in treatment terms. ? We’re you aware of the original account I am referring to and is this retrievable, please?

I hope your team will be able to fully explain all the pros & cons, risks & benefits of each option. Try to not decide in advance, as there are many factors to weigh up in choosing between chemo/surgery and chemo/radiotherapy. Best wishes.

Hi Pip1 . I can't remember any specific post as there have been so many. In short I had  2 TURBTs. The first I was in for 4 days. A follow up, I was in and out in a day. Diagnosed T3.G3, the urologist said my bladder needed to come out. I was referred to oncology where I was offered the alternative of chemoradiation and bladder preservation. I had 6 weeks of Gem/Cis chemotherapy . Gemcitabine and Cisplatin once a week. Long days in the chair, but no nasty side effects. Various CT and MRI scans showed the growth had been halted but still there. I then chose the radiotherapy route. I had a PICC line fitted. Then 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy. Weeks  2 and 4 I had a chemo pump via PICC line (5FU). No problems with this. I was transported each day by the NHS voluntary ambulance car service. No real problems during treatment only some tiredness. Irregular bowels and bouts of fatigue following treatment, but it faded. Declared free of cancer after further tests. Regular checks since. I took the time during the chemo to decide the best for me, but  it is not suitable for everyone. Be aware this is my story and not any sort of recommendation. Get as much info as you can. Talk to the doctors and decide what is best for you. Best wishes.

Hello rily

This is what `I recall from the "original". I accept it is not a template. It just gave me some reason to view a wider perspective in a land devoid of clarity at this point. Many thanks.

Thank you Teasswill.