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First round chemo done and dusted…but fold in neo
I am so thankful that the first round of chemo went well with little side effects. The third week’s dose was reduced because of low blood platelets.
Luckily the only noted side effects were that of tiredness the day after each session and headaches and chills. I still have my hair to everyone’s surprise but anything could happen with the next round I guess.
The second round of chemo has been delayed one week because my white blood cell levels were too low.
Lately I have noticed that it has become increasingly difficult to urinate and the stream is very weak. An echo scan was taken and the radiologist found a 2cm mass in the neo bladder.
A visit to the Urologist was set up for yesterday and he tried unsuccessfully to insert a catheter as the hole at the neck of the bladder is too small.
I am waiting now for a call up at the hospital to have a peak and poke so that my urologist can check out the mass and open up the entrance to my bladder which will be done under general anaesthetic.
The radiologist said that it was not a solid mass as it moved and changed form and he thinks it is a fold in the neo bladder.
My urologist disagrees and has not seen this before in any of his neo bladder patients which is slightly worrying. He will repair anything he can when he knows what he is dealing with.
It will be a one night stay and I probably will come home with a catheter for a few days. This is because I am presently on chemo and the healing will take longer.
Kind Regards Leigh
Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum7 Replies-
Hello, Leigh — Thinking about you as you start CHEMO round 2. (I gained some weight
on my most recent chemo, too, and also received Dexamethason.) Wishing you the best — Susan PS My Mother never lost her hair while receiving chemotherapy. -
Thanks Joe,
The clippers are also on standby just in case :)
I have the all clear to go ahead with the second round tomorrow.
Blood levels came up enough to go forward which is good…the sooner it is done the better…
Leigh
Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & CisplatinumLeigh glad all went well with your first round. I was told if I were to lose my hair it would be around week 6 and that was about right. That week I pulled on my hair and a clump just came out, did it again and some more came out so I said the heck with this. I borrowed my son’s clippers and just buzzed my head I didn’t want my hair on my pillow or landing in my food. My wife liked it said who knew you had a nice round head lol. Small price to pay if the chemo works which in my case it did and my hair grew back better then it was before it was less wavy and softer lol. Joe ;)
Dear Ginger,Pat and Maria,
Thank you very much for your messages.
Maria the fatigue was just for the day after the chemo session and to be honest I felt that I could have worked normally except for this day.
My doctor however signed me off work for the duration of the chemo because I work in a hospital as a food and diet assistant for patients.
The chemo lowers resistence and my doctor did not want me to take the risk of working with patients that are sick.
The anti nausea drugs used were zofran with the Gemz and Emend with the Cisplatinum and these worked perfectly for me with no sickness side effects at all.
I was also prescribed Dexamethason which is a steroid and this was given with the Cisplatinum which helps to stimulate eating which it did in a big way…..I was ravanous all the time and have gained a few kilos :) The Dexamethason also helps with keeping infections at bay I believe…
I have not been offered injections to improve blood levels although I am aware they are available. Maybe a cost issue here though as they are very expensive, and think they prefer to wait a week for them to come up naturally before offering this injection as to continue chemo treatment.
Ask as many questions you want Maria….my combination of chemo is far less toxic than MVAC so side effects will be differing and everyone reacts differently of course….I wish for you a smooth ride with MVAC….
Kind Regards
Leigh
Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum
Hi Leigh, It is good you have come through your first round of chemo with few side effects, how did the fatigue effect your daily life?
Which combination and which anti nausea drugs? did you have injections to stabilize your white blood count? Sorry about all the questions, just curious. I am starting MVAC next week.
I hope your uro is able to quickly resolve your bladder problem for you, keep us updated.
Best wishes and take care, Maria xx
Leigh, my husband had his chemo before surgery and didn’t have hardly any side effects. He also kept most of his hair, it just thinned out some.
I’m sorry the rest of the report isn’t as positive for you. Hope everything turns out ok and please let us know.
justme pat
Leigh,
Your just full of news, I was hoping that it was just about the chemo but it seems you have other issues. I too have not heard of a folded neo, but you will soon find out. Sorry you have to have a poke and peak as enough is enough you know!
Things will work out, let us know whats up with the neo, take it easy, GingerSign In to reply.
