Starting chemo this week

11 years 2 months ago - 11 years 2 months ago #43885 by Melle
Replied by Melle on topic Starting chemo this week
:) Thank you, Sara Anne. It is nice to hear from you again. It is somehow more reassuring to hear from someone that has been through the same or a similar situation. I read some previous posts on this site concerning chemo and will try to have some recommended items on hand that others found helpful.

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

11 years 2 months ago #43882 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Starting chemo this week
Wishing you all the best for the hard road ahead. BUT, as you travel this road, know that the statistics are very much in your favor!! At the end of it is the rest of your life.

It looks as if you are in truly good hands. And I wouldn't feel bad about not being a candidate for a neobladder.....this diversion just doesn't work for a lot of women.

We'll be thinking of you


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.

11 years 2 months ago #43881 by Melle
Starting chemo this week was created by Melle
:( I guess it has been a few weeks since I have been on this site. I did go for a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, really liked the doctor and he is experienced in BC surgery, does all diversions and does robotic surgery. It was recommended that I have either Ileal conduit or Indiana pouch, so I am debating on those. I am not a candidate for neobladder because of the location of the tumor. I had a 6 cm muscle invasive tumor when diagnosed. He also agreed with having chemo prior to surgery with cisplatin/Gemzar for the next three months. I was to have a port put in two weeks ago, but ended up in the ER with severe pain a few days prior to having the port in. I was treated for an infection, so couldn't get the port done. This past week I had my first appt. at Mayo on Monday, and the doctor ordered a renal scan which I had done on Tuesday. After he read the results, I was scheduled to have a nephrostomy tube placed in my right kidney on Wed. I am sure that saved my kidney as it was completely blocked. That was done late in the day on Wed. While I was in the recovery room at 7:00 pm, I received a call from the hospital which was three hours away, that I was to be the first case the next morning to have my port put in. So we left Mayo at 8:00 pm, drove two hours to get home, then got up at 4:00 am and drove an hour to the hospital. I guess there was difficulty putting in the port and it really hurts. Of course my arms are solid bruises from all the IVs and labs I had, so glad I have the port, I am to start chemo in two days. I think I am more afraid of the chemo now than the surgery. Trying to get mentally prepared for this!

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

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne