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treatments going well
Hello fellow supporters,
It’s been awhile since I last logged on with concerned questions about treatments and such. I’ve had 3 TURBT since and one 6-week session of BCG for my bladder cancer. My surgery in January showed I still have high grade, superficial, non-invasive cancer tumors that are not yet cleared out of my bladder. I have started another 6-week session of BCG mixed with Interferon for this immunotherapy treatment. [on week 3 now].
Yes, I’m still scared – but I have been keeping myself busy and not thinking about it. I have been very fortunate not to have any side effects or symptoms and eating healthy; – but I’m making sure I don’t overdue my regular exercise routines right now—I had a catheter in for 2 weeks after this last surgery in January and I started walking around the block a little too early, I think, because I started bleeding. I took an antibiotic for 10 days and it cleared up. I’ve had my first week of treatment and I went my ol’ lady Yoga and to Zumba class last week feeling well. It’s like starting all over again with my muscle toning up slowly—it’s a good overall workout and fun…my joints stay more flexible too.
There’s a “Sit and Be Fit” program on PBS channel that is a good way to keep from being a “slug” when you can’t lift over 10 lbs. – this keeps me occupied as well as listening to some audiobooks from the library.
Thank you for being a “sounding-board” for people with bladder cancer – this kind of cancer even though mine is superficial, non-invasive—it’s the “high gradedness” of it all that makes it such a “see-saw” of emotion. I know it could be worse—having faith and being positive has carried me through with such wonderful support from family and friends. Maybe in some way I’ve helped to extend strong hope for a cure to all of you who are needing it now too—hang in there! Keep your appointments with your doctors—ask questions and follow through with their care! Make each day count.
CareE -
3 Replies
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Hi there,
I haven’t been on for a while, but I just read your post and wanted to reply. My husband has his first checkup this week after completing his 6 rounds of BCG treatments, so we are both nervous and anxious to find out the results. His diagnosis was similar to yours in that he has high grade non invasive cancer; he is stage T-a. He also didn’t have terrible side effects from the BCG. He had some – he got more tired and felt like he had a case of the flu. We are really fortunate but it’s still scary. He is a smoker and has cut down to half of what he was smoking pre-January, but I worry that this coupled with his grade is going to equal bad news. But he is also pretty stressed out. I just wanted to say that I am glad your treatments went well and hope they still are. It’s good to get on here and read the posts; it helps me calm down some. Good luck to you! -
CareE,
Staying fit and healthy is very important and of course keeping positive. I find this forum to be very helpful and at times just a place to vent and know there are others dealing with the same thing.
best wishes for good health and hapiness
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If mental state and attitude have a bearing on our health, and many of us are sure that they do, you are heading for a complete cure!! Congrats on being able to keep your spirits up.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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