Working on keeping a sense of humor as I journey through this entire bladder cancer land and its treatments.
Interesting, I was not told to use bleach in the toilet after voiding my bladder but will be sure to ask about that asap.
I am receiving Intravesical Therapy.
For the following six weeks, once a week, I will receive two solution chemo’s at two separate intervals.
First gemcitabine, fed into the bladder in liquid form, is held in bladder for 90 minutes, I then empty my bladder; the second chemo solution is doxatacel, fed into my bladder in liquid form, is held in bladder for 90 minutes and once again I empty my bladder.
This type of therapy stimulates the bladder to shed its lining with the goal that no further tumor growths return.
One month after the six chemo treatments have been completed I will visit my surgeon/urologist for a follow up cytoscope appointment to confirm no further tumor growths have appeared on my bladder walls.

My Treatment: A few days ago, during the first chemo treatment I received 70 mg of Gemcitabine and told to hold it for 90 minutes. Well, that did not happen. My bladder simply said “No way… too much liquid, TOO MUCH!” After less than 10 minutes the solution ‘came out’. Nurse said this does happen and we may have to use a foley catheter w a plug if you are not able to hold the second solution.
Hm. I thought that catheter route doesn’t sound good to me. I am investigating if there may be another option to help me hold my gemticabine chemo solution without having to use a catheter.
Fortunately, I was able to hold the second chemo solution docetaxel for 90 minutes. I will refer to this second solution ‘holding’ as Success! Side effects were minimal, a bit tired and felt achy the following day.
Looking forward to my second chemo treatment this upcoming Monday.
One down, five to go!
Wishing all a very pleasant weekend⛄️