Home Forums All Categories Metastatic Bladder Cancer Good news and start of cycle 4

  • Good news and start of cycle 4

    Posted by mmc on May 23, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    Got my CT results back today and the reference lymph nodes we are watching have shrunk substantially!

    That’s actually great news and it means that the chemo is working. Sitting here now getting my Day 1 of cycle 4. Total is 6 cycles and then I just go on maintenance once every 21 days of just the study drug (Avastin).

    Lost some hair and have had some ups and downs (was in ER again Monday night) but it is working!

    Mike

    image_2013-05-24.jpg


    Age 54
    10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
    9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
    10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
    2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
    9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
    1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
    2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system

    My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
    GKLINE replied 11 years, 9 months ago 16 Members · 21 Replies
  • 21 Replies
  • gkline's avatar

    gkline

    Member
    June 17, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    Mike

    It is the start of another week, and I am thinking about how you are doing. Doing well I hope.
    I am glad things are moving in a positive direction and you are still feeling human.

    Just a note.

    George


    Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
    Light a man ON fire and he’s warm forever.

    08/08/08…RC neo bladder
    09/09/09…New Hip
    =
    New Man! [/size]

  • dukel's avatar

    dukel

    Member
    June 16, 2013 at 4:36 am

    Mike, been thinking about you. Hope you are doing well and have a great Father’s day!
    Wishing you the very best!
    Duke

  • mamatrausch's avatar

    mamatrausch

    Member
    June 6, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    Mike those are wonderful words to hear (it is WORKING!!!!)
    Julie


    T1/G3-CIS 10-01-2010
    10-27-2010-Indiana Pouch
  • rockyiss's avatar

    rockyiss

    Member
    June 6, 2013 at 3:13 am

    Hi Mike, I am glad to hear how things are going for you. You would be surprised how much you are on peoples minds and in their prayers. When I mow (hours and Hours )or am cleaning my barn or doing the endless chores, I think of you and your going thru chemo. I remember how hard it was for my husband to go thru chemo.
    You sound like my husband , strong and always looking forward. I am glad your neo bladder decided to quit giving you grief, the mysteries of chemo you never know what it is going to do. God bless , enjoy your time with your family . rocky

  • dukel's avatar

    dukel

    Member
    June 5, 2013 at 3:14 am

    Mike, it’s good to hear from you. I’ve said before the learning to rest and take it easy is a good thing. The no cath thing has to be some unexpected good news. The knowledge of what may have caused it could be great news for someone in the future. Hope your trip goes well, don’t ware yourself out to much! I know how hard it can be to keep up that happy-face for everyone else.
    Wishing you the best!
    Duke

  • jimswife's avatar

    jimswife

    Member
    May 31, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    So glad to read that it’s WORKING!! Woo hoo from SW FLA USA! Love those good reports. Keep on keeping on, Mike!

  • mmc's avatar

    mmc

    Member
    May 31, 2013 at 1:23 am

    I’ve been laying down a lot so I had to go to the bathroom much more often. So I think it shrunk my over stretched neobladder. That’s all I can think of.

    Mike


    Age 54
    10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
    9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
    10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
    2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
    9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
    1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
    2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system

    My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
  • sara.anne's avatar

    sara.anne

    Member
    May 31, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Mike, you said
    “Interesting, but great news! I now seem to be able to urinate without a catheter and get empty. After 4 years of needing to catheterize myself this is a very welcome surprise”

    Any idea what did this? Could it have been the chemo?

    SA


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

    mmc

    Member
    May 30, 2013 at 11:30 pm

    Thanks everyone!

    Blood counts were low but since it was my Day 8 they went ahead and gave me a half dose.
    Was really tired yesterday. Was asleep at 6:30pm and slept through to 6am when I needed to get up to go for chemo.

    Got my dose and found a nice Greek cafe for a leisurely lunch.
    Resting up for Saturday when I head to Fort Collins for one of my granddaughter’s birthday party. Then I stay over at my son’s house and have my daughter’s birthday BBQ on Sunday.

    Interesting, but great news! I now seem to be able to urinate without a catheter and get empty. After 4 years of needing to catheterize myself this is a very welcome surprise. :).

    Mike


    Age 54
    10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
    9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
    10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
    2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
    9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
    1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
    2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system

    My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
  • jmema's avatar

    jmema

    Member
    May 30, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Mike…so glad to read of your good report and I am so glad you are hanging in there. I have not been on the board for a week or so. My youngest son was home from Las Vegas for a week. He had not been home in almiost a year, You get a musician when you get them. We had a wonderful week. Dr. Magnifico gave me 2 weeks off from chemo so I would feel really good. I start with cheno again on June 4.
    Sending you prayers and good wishes for a good round. Take good care, rest when you need to and be good to yourself, It’s just hair….not a big deal. Actually, I consider it our badge of courage.
    Blessings,,Jean

  • gkline's avatar

    gkline

    Member
    May 29, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    Mike

    I’ve been thinking of you for the past few days. We are all in agreement…

    We want you to beat this thing! Glad to hear the new medicine is working.

    I knew they would not give you the placebo….. You are just too valuable to get a fake!

    Keep those cards and letters coming Mike!

    George


    Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
    Light a man ON fire and he’s warm forever.

    08/08/08…RC neo bladder
    09/09/09…New Hip
    =
    New Man! [/size]

  • mmc's avatar

    mmc

    Member
    May 29, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Thanks all!


    Age 54
    10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
    9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
    10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
    2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
    9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
    1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
    2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system

    My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
  • pemquid's avatar

    pemquid

    Member
    May 29, 2013 at 11:54 am

    Sorry for the delayed response. It was great coming on the site after not checking for several days and seeing your news (and the photo). You have been an inspiration to many of us over the years and will be for many more years to come.

    ann


    Small TA Grade 1, May-06; recur (2 tiny), same, June-08; TURBTs both times. BCG begun July-08, dosage to 1/3rd May-10, completed treatment December-11. All clear since 2008.
  • joey's avatar

    joey

    Member
    May 28, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Mike, great news. Wishing you continued positive results.

    Joey

  • dukel's avatar

    dukel

    Member
    May 27, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    Hi Mike, great to hear you have good news. Keep your attitude up and get through this thing!
    Duke

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