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Pre-operative Chemo & Travel Concerns
Hello,
This is my first post. For the background on my “case,” my father (who is reallllly funny and also very good looking) has been diagnosed with T3 Stage III bladder cancer at age 58. Booooo!!! We were hoping for a immediate cystectomy but the doctors noticed that it has spread outside to the fatty tissue and suspect it also may be in the lymph nodes. He is going to have 3 to 4 rounds of chemo before the operation, and I have concerns because my brother (his son) is getting married approx. 3 weeks after he begins the treatment. He will be doing 3 week sessions; one week Gemzar, one Cistplatin, and one off. I am mostly concerned about him traveling (will have to fly, stay in hotels, deal with strange in-laws, etc) and would really appreciate some advice about this (advice about the in-laws is especially welcomed.)
My mom was telling me that she has to sterilize the house from top to bottom and I am really concerned that my dad might be trying to do too much, especially at this early point.
Help a daughter out!
Thanks…
Mandy -
1 Reply
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Mandy,
I’m a T2, Stage 3 and was given the same recommendation….4 months of chemo and then surgery, although my cancer is into the muscle tissue, mine is more on the margin. I am 56 and other than cancer, considered very healthy in all other aspects. I am doing M-VAC which is a different mix of chemo but I do receive Cisplatin which is nasty stuff.
I was two weeks into chemo when my white cell count dropped….that is when I had to get shots to bring the count up….when the count is low is when we become very open for attacks on our immune system and the doctors like us to be very careful and avoid as many germs as possible….meaing people, of course. I myself have not done any traveling since starting chemo in April as I have continued to have low cell counts and continue to get shots. But I do know some have traveled and I am sure someone will jump in and add their perspective on this subject. Everyone says to wear a mask and although that would be tough for me, I’m sure it is very wise advice. One man I know spent too much time with his grandkids, got a fever of 104 and had to be in the hospital for four days so you are smart to ask about how best to protect your dad. Melodie
Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. WrightSign In to reply.
