Chemo update

12 years 2 days ago #41622 by Kathleen_T
Replied by Kathleen_T on topic Chemo update
Thanks, everyone — and best wishes and hopes for all here.

— Kathleen

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 3 days ago #41606 by Jmema
Replied by Jmema on topic Chemo update
It sounds like you have had quite a time of it. I hope all goes well for you with your April checkup. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings....Jean

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 2 weeks ago #41412 by Nix
Replied by Nix on topic Chemo update
Kathleen, you are sure an inspiration to all of us. I am wishing you a good report in April and I will be thinking of you. Please keep us updated.
Nancy

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 2 weeks ago #41411 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Chemo update
Oh Kathleen...sorry to hear that you have gone through so much! I must say that I truly admire your spirit!!
With that courage and gumption you are going to do really well!

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 2 weeks ago #41410 by Kathleen_T
Replied by Kathleen_T on topic Chemo update
It has been a long time since I last posted — two days after completion of my fourth chemo cycle (October 27) I had a stroke that affected my right side, mostly on the leg below the knee.

All things considered, it was a mildish stroke. I never lost consciousness, and in fact didn’t understand it was a stroke for three or four days. (Thought it was something to do with my crumbling right knee. Silly, I know — guess the stupidity was probably a stroke symptom.) But I have lingering speech problems (word finding, especially), cannot walk without a walker, and still have physical therapy.

After a stint in our local hospital I found a spot at what turned out to be an excellent acute care stroke rehab facility (St. Vincent's hospital in Bridgeport, CT). After about a month there, I transferred to a sub-acute place here in town (it was hard to find one with an available bed — maybe I got points for being local). Turned out it was also excellent, with 2.5 hours a day of therapy plus something on Saturdays. Came home to visiting therapists just before Christmas, which went on for a few weeks. Then I graduated to my regular physical therapist (have gone to them for four years).

You may wonder what about my bladder CA and the anticipated two more cycles of cisplatin + Gemzar. About that we shall see. Strokes make them nervous (there is some question whether chemotherapy brings them on). I passed a quarterly checkup (CT, bone scan, x-rays, bloodwork, etc.) in January. Only one tumor remained, and it was much reduced in size and wizened looking. Next quarterly checkup is early April. Needless to say I would be very happy to have that last tumor disappear as well.

Meanwhile, being an optimist, I have been collecting medical approvals to have my right knee replaced. All involved believe that it will enable me to walk sooner (even though it will certainly add some recovery time, and another few weeks of special rehab). I see the neurologist at the end of March; his opinion carries a lot of weight. Meanwhile, I am including exercises for my foot, ankle, on up to the thigh, hoping to accelerate the healing process. Tentatively scheduled for late April, right after my next quarterly post-chemo workup.

Just thought I'd let you know what’s going on, even though it isn’t strictly a tale of bladder cancer.

Hope you are all well.

— Kathleen

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

12 years 5 months ago #39666 by Kathleen_T
Replied by Kathleen_T on topic Chemo update
Thanks, Carla — appreciate the optimistic news.

As someone else mentioned, you should be able to get CT (and other) results almost as soon as your doctor does. The easiest way is to have the doctor or radiologist list you among CCs on the report (at least that is easiest here in Connecticut).

I hate waiting myself.

Really am glad to hear about Jim’s success. Think I’ll clip out your message and stick it on the wall.

— Kathleen

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne