Anyone had gemcitabine and docetaxel for Bladder Cancer?

Posted by rjlpool502 @rjlpool502, Oct 18, 2024

Just had second of six weekly doses Gem/Doc chemo infusion for my bladder cancer. Had six doses BCG but cancer came right back. Mine is aggressive but non invasive at present. Been scraped out twice. Any one else having this type chemo? Would like to compare notes.

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@rjlpool502

Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so have to go in for another scraping and biopsy Feb 4th. Have had both BCG and Gem/Cit chemo don't know what next. At least no obvious cancer tumors this time. Maybe ???...

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Wishing you every good thought for your Feb 4 appointment. Sending you lots of positive energy that the red spots will be gone! All the best to you!

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@ljashton

Yes it’s once a month for three months after the cysto- as long as he stays clear. Although fatigue and frequent urination are his usual symptoms, he still gets anxious prior to treatments. Once a month definitely gives him time to recoup. We are so thankful this treatment is effective and we were able to find it closer to home. We are from Kansas and almost committed to spending 6 weeks in Rochester in the winter… brrr. Found that KUMed Center in KC offered it. They are great!
I’m not sure how long he has to do this regimen- but I would think he’ll be done by June or July.

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Giving an update on treatment. His last Cysto showed a small spot. It was taken off and a biopsy done- the good news is it’s low grade- so his treatments will continue. This was a little discouraging after two clear prior cystos . We have learned to not be so alarmed. We just appreciate the treatment and the fact that his bladder is in ok shape.

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@rjlpool502

Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so have to go in for another scraping and biopsy Feb 4th. Have had both BCG and Gem/Cit chemo don't know what next. At least no obvious cancer tumors this time. Maybe ???...

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@rjlpool502, how did the scraping and biopsy go? Any update?

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I have high grade (CIS) non invasive bladder cancer. I just finished my 6 week induction with Gemcitidine/ Docetraxel. Side effects varied but were tolerable. Have a Cystoscopy on March 12th to see if the cancer is gone.

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@vars57

I have high grade (CIS) non invasive bladder cancer. I just finished my 6 week induction with Gemcitidine/ Docetraxel. Side effects varied but were tolerable. Have a Cystoscopy on March 12th to see if the cancer is gone.

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I also had High Grade/aggressive NMIBC. Finished chemo back in Nov 2024 then had cystoscopy Jan 7th. Dr was concerned about red inflamed areas in bladder so opted for another TURBT with Blue Dye to look for cancer cells and then do a biopsy. Had this done Feb 4th, little scraping necessary and all samples came back negative for cancer. Hurray! Now starting once a month chemo for 3 months then another cystoscopy to look inside and will go from there. May have to do chemo monthly for several years if continues to work. PS _ I had BCG treatments early last year which did not work. If I can keep the C away with monthly chemo I am fine with that! Good luck to you!

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@colleenyoung

@rjlpool502, how did the scraping and biopsy go? Any update?

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Good news, see my reply to vars57 I just posted for full news.

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@rjlpool502

I also had High Grade/aggressive NMIBC. Finished chemo back in Nov 2024 then had cystoscopy Jan 7th. Dr was concerned about red inflamed areas in bladder so opted for another TURBT with Blue Dye to look for cancer cells and then do a biopsy. Had this done Feb 4th, little scraping necessary and all samples came back negative for cancer. Hurray! Now starting once a month chemo for 3 months then another cystoscopy to look inside and will go from there. May have to do chemo monthly for several years if continues to work. PS _ I had BCG treatments early last year which did not work. If I can keep the C away with monthly chemo I am fine with that! Good luck to you!

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Hope the cancer stays away! Good luck!

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@kjv12345

Still feel
Like my hair is thinning due to my treatments I made a appt with a dermatologist to see if they have any answers for
Me as my dr says it is highly unlikely that is from my treatments so I’m
Frustrated as I asked to go back to BCG treatments

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Did you go back to BCG treatments?
I also had hair thinning while on gem/doc treatments. I read on BCAN.org website that this can be a side effect and women notice this more than men. There’s a higher number of men than women on this treatment and hair thinning probably isn’t as noticeable in men…

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