Starting chemo tomorrow

My husband was also diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer, July of this year. He is currently being treated with MVAC. How is your husband doing?

Mike the "cancer free" zone was some of the best advice ever. We used it often when we were in the frenzy stage of his b**tard cancer BC. It was a Godsend! Thank you, good cyber friend for that as well as the "time out" it helps as this BC can consume you!

Hi, Dana, I am so sorry I hadn't been on the forum since we were out of town and then have had work done on our home.

Keep in mind that the diagnosis of Stage IV any cancer is terrifying I almost got sick to my stomach when the doctor told me that Jim's bc had gone into his lymph nodes...3 out of 20. His surgeon had dissected from the groin up to the aortic bifurcation which is pretty standard. But, here we are 1 YEAR LATER and Jim has gone through his chemo that lasted for 6 months, post RC/IC, and 2 clear CTs to date. TOday Jim went for his 3rd post op CT and we pray all is clear. I will post what's going on after we go back to the oncologist Weds. afternoon.

The chemo is doable, Jim went a couple days a week one after another and then the next week one day. Then a week off followed by the same 2 days etc. He had ups and downs, he still is tired some days more than others but he is ALIVE!!! So, yes, people who are diagnosed Stage IV do survive and live happily. Jim is one of the most positive minded people I've ever known. He refuses to allow negativity creep into even our conversations. That's Jim!

You will do fine, Dana, the surgery is over with, your dear husband is healing and into chemo. It will have some hard days but it is DOABLE! If you need to visit with me, I will try to get to the forum more often since the workers have finally finished the work on our home!

BTW, just to cheer you some, Jim and I returned from a driving trip of just over 2000 miles for relaxation when the house workers first arrived. We were gone for 2.5 wks. Jim did just fine. And, he drove solo from our home to Orlando to visit with his best friend this weekend and had a great time. We do live (and I mean really LIVE) life in 3 months increments which is fine because we are LIVING! If something were to pop up on Jim's CT we will face it headon and slay the b**tard cancer BC again and again. It's what we do. Dana, don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed on this journey. It is a hard journey and one you need to conserve your strength during as well as your husband. Stay strong, friend and know we are all here for you. If you wish to do a private message don't hesitate to contact me that way if it is easier.

You and your husband are in my prayers! Carla

Dana
This is a rare cancer not often seen even by the professionals. It certainly would be wrong for me to comment except for info from my own experience. I will however be watching for information as you and your doc formulate a plan of action. I remain upbeat and hopeful that your husband can get over the hump and then look forward to a more cheerful future.

P.S. What I meant when I said "Don't mess with statistics" is:
Don't go looking for them and don't pay attention to them.
I you want statistics, look for odds on winning blackjack with any given hand. That's about all they are good for.

When using them to determine health treatment, it is mainly to figure out which treatment offers best success rate.

Mike

PS: Yes, I know I just contradicted myself in the message above. Statistics can do the same thing. I can use the same numbers to statistically prove opposing points. So can a statistician.

She goes by Jimswife.