Chemo questions

9 years 3 months ago #47826 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Chemo questions
Diane's post (above) pretty well explains the purpose of chemo before surgery. It is quite common to do it this way. Of course you want to get this taken care of as soon as possible...however, it is important to take the necessary time to make the right decisions.

It is unfortunate that this hit you at holiday time, as you have found out, since many offices are understaffed or closed at this time. A week or so will not make any difference now.

Sara Anne








d

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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9 years 3 months ago #47825 by rike
Replied by rike on topic Chemo questions
Husband has appointment with oncologist today for chemo before removal of bladder. I am confused, if the bladder has to be removed isn't it time sensitive to do so. With T3 shouldn't it be done quickly. We are also waiting for Mayo to get back with us, just very concerned about how quickly we need to move on this or do we have a little time. This all has been happening within 10 days and I am really overwhelmed with it. Want to make sure we make the right decisions. Urologist is on vacation and didn't answer all the questions we have. He said the oncologist would answer. totally bewildered
Please help

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9 years 3 months ago #47824 by breeze2001
Replied by breeze2001 on topic Chemo questions
Thank you Diane and everyone on this group who answered my questions. I'll certainly be in contact after each appt. and update on my progress. Perhaps my questions and experiences can help others that will be following me thru this "steep learning curve."

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9 years 3 months ago #47822 by Flamenco.
Replied by Flamenco. on topic Chemo questions
Hi Breeze,
Sorry to come in so late, realise today you are seeing the specialists, but maybe with our difference in time zone you will get this before you leave for your appointment.
A T2 diagnosis means that the tumour has already invaded deeper into the layers of the bladder, and as Sara Anne has said bladder removal is so far the only safe option to take.I think the chemo you will have is to try and kill any stray cáncer cells which may have escaped into your system -individual cells cannot be seen on a petscan, so to be on the safe side the chemo is used as a preventative measure prior to surgery.Radiation is not usually advisable if it is posible that surgery will take place, as it can créate adverse effects such as healing problems after the surgery.
The type of chemo you will be given will be decided by your medical team, as they are the experts on knowing what Works best with which type of tumour, and with your body- chemo plans are worked out individually to suit each patient.
As regards any problems with a rise in temperatura ,your chemo nurses will adise on this - I am not sure what temp is considered dangerous, but they will tell you.- Because chemo temporarily affects your immune system, you may be more susceptible to infections, so that is why it is important to delay if you are developing a fever.
Please keep in touch with us and let us know how your appointment goes.There are many others on this site who have gone through exactly what is happening to you, and want to help with any questions or problems you come up against,
Diane

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9 years 3 months ago #47819 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Chemo questions
If, indeed, the cancer has gone through the bladder wall BCG is not an option
for you. If that is indeed the case, bladder removal is probably the only "curative" option. Many people have their bladders removed and live very close to normal lives.

Sara Anne

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

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9 years 3 months ago #47818 by fighterm
Replied by fighterm on topic Chemo questions
I can answer only one question. The BCG is bacteria that was used for immunization against tuberculosis years ago, the bacteria is weakened but still alive, so you will need to use special cleaning after using the toilet. (treatment with bleach, I guess). I have not done it, but I read about it on this forum. What it does, it activated your immune system against cancer cells, and the old bladder lining will come off and the new bladder lining will grow. The recurrence will be much less after the BCG treatment. It's the best treatment now against recurrence.

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