Ben\'s Chapter One - Partial Cystectomy

Hi Mark - Thanks for asking. My post seemed to loose steam so I thought maybe everyone thought I was making a wrong decision. So I have been quiet for the past couple weeks.

I started Chemo (GC) 2 weeks ago. The first treatment was 9 hours long and it was an up and down week. Primarily I was just wornout most of the time but also some nausua,shakes, disoriented, some dizziness, unable to sleep, skin brokeout, etc and I thought "man this is going to be a long 12 weeks". But Monday I woke up feeling great with energy and just felt good in general. The next day I had the second treatment, I was only there about 2 hours so I didn't get much and it will be the same dose this coming Tuesday. I felt fine all week except for oneday I was a little fatigued. So I only have two more 9 hour treatments which really affect me and 5 more low dose treatments so that's not so bad.

Regards, Ben

Hows the Chemo going? Is everything OK?

Just asking, haven't heard from you in awhile.

Mark

Thanks for the info Catherine. I went to the oncologist and I'm doing 3 cycles / 12 weeks of GC chemo. Then I can have the partial cystectomy surgery. They want to reduce the size of the tumor and kill any other cancer cells. Before the surgery I do have to do another cystoscopy to make sure there is no cancer in the lower 2/3rd of the bladder (the part of the bladder that will remain).

I do have a T-2 tumor that is TCC. I'm told I am a good candidate for the partial because of the tumor size, location,and my age. The tumor is located in the upper dome in the front away from everything. I will have to have cystoscopy's every 3 months for 2 years etc to make sure nothing comes back.

I've been doing some research and I know they normally do not do cystectomys when someone has TCC but I also read American and German doctors are quick to do RC's where as in the UK they try the PC if at all possible. So I'm going with it for now. Worst case is I end up with a RC later on.

I will let everyone know how the chemo goes next week. I'm hoping to tolorate it without too much trouble.

Catherine, did you do any chemo or radiation before the PC? If so what type, how often, and for how long? I am going to the oncologist Monday and I'm trying to figure out what to ask or what to expect. You are right, finding info on PC related issues isn't easy. Thank You