Any other females here with bladder cancer in their 50s?

Hi, Tanya. I'm glad things are going well. As you progress and build that floor, remember it is helping even if you can't immediately so progress. Once you give it some time, if you still aren't seeing progress after a few months there is also a floor stimulation device that a doctor can use. It doesn't work for everyone but does help some, according to my surgeon. It helps to kind of "wake up" those muscles if necessary. Just thought I would share that! Good luck! Hope you're feeling well and getting clear scans!

Welcome, Lesley . I'm 55 and was diagnosed in June 2024 with stage 2 MIBC. I wish I didn't have to welcome you to this "club" but stay optimistic. There are so many medical advances now and with the right doctors, you'll get through it. All my best to you.

Thank you .. yes you definitely need to have patience for this. I saw some machines that you can buy online but am skeptical 🤨🙄🙂.. I mentioned machines to my physiotherapist and she didn't say anything about having one that we could try if needed. Hmm🤔

@annepark, how did the cystoscopy go? How are you doing?

Hi Colleen . The Cystoscopy lasted longer than usual. Around one hour . Surgeon said thinning and thickening of bladder wall. Another tumor was found and I believe he mentioned a possible hematological tumor . I was groggy . Now waiting on pathology report . Thank you so much for asking . How are you ?

Hello! I’m 59 and was diagnosed last year. I’m trying to understand it all. My Dr isn’t very communicative. He’s matter of fact, this is what needs to be done and then I move on until my next appointment. Ive had two turbts and had the 6 weeks of weekly chemo treatments, then my next visit, I was clear. But the next 3 month check, the tumors were back. They described it like weeds in a garden. I’m trying not to freak out and get ahead of myself but am trying to read what I can about a healthy lifestyle.

Yes, I'm 55yo female. I have had the non-worrisome papillary carcinoma type since I was 28. In 2019, it became aggressive. I have had countless TURBTs. I went Keto in 2019, Cancer was clear for 6 years. About 1-2 years ago I relaxed on the Keto and now its back. Just had another TURBT and back on keto. Has your penetrated the bladder wall?

Hi . Quick update ..after completing the 6 week course of the BCG instillation I found out that it was not effective and now looking at a radical cystectomy. I’ve been advised that I am not a good candidate for a neo bladder . I’d love to hear from anyone who has gone ahead with the RC.

Thanks !

Hello Jo.

I've been advised that I will need a radical cystectomy. I'm confused about deciding if I should have the surgery now, before chemotherapy or have chemotherapy after the radical cystectomy. Could you possibly share what you decided to do?

Thanks.

Lesley

Of course! My oncologist and surgeon agreed that I should have chemo prior to the surgery. I think that was to see if the chemo could shrink the tumor and hopefully also damage any other cancer cells in lymph nodes or anywhere else they couldn't see. I had chemo for three months (July-Sept), took a month off for my body to recover some from it (Oct) and get another CT scan and then had the RC with a neobladder "installed" on 11/7. They could tell from the tissue that was removed that the chemo had worked. There was damage to that tissue.

I'm personally glad that I did it before the surgery. The surgery recovery is pretty long so I was glad I already had the chemo behind me and could just concentrate on healing instead of also having to look towards chemo. The chemo I had was cisplatin and gemcitabine. It wasn't easy, but I just tried to concentrate on getting through the chemo first and then deal with the surgery later. One day at a time.

Is your oncologist suggesting chemo first?