1. < Bladder Cancer
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Opting for no treatment

Posted by Seeking Info @knshopper, Mar 25 4:02pm

Hello, my family member has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and immunotherapy has been recommended. The family member is 88 years old and is feeling well, does not want to risk side effects of treatment. Not sure what to expect going forward? Any information is greatly appreciated.

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hummelb99 | @hummelb99 | Aug 16 8:36am
In reply to @gemdoc25 "@hummelb99 No need to be scared. As BCG deemed inappropriate for you, you will probably have..." + (show)
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@hummelb99
No need to be scared. As BCG deemed inappropriate for you, you will probably have Gem/Doce. My experience is that the treatment is a little uncomfortable, but there are few if any side effects, apart from urinary frequency and urgency. I am male, 85.

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@gemdoc25
Thank you for your encouraging words.
I finished my initial 6 instillations of chemo and have had 1 of 12 monthly chemo instillations with another cystoscope in October.
I have not had too much discomfort after chemo, just some fever and urgency for about 2 days after, however the last 2 days I discovered blood when urination and awaiting my oncologist reply, whether it is a typical side effect or something to be concerned about.
Wishing you and everyone on the chat a wonderful weekend and us all looking forward to feeling better very soon.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 16 hours ago
In reply to @knshopper "Wanted to post an update. My family member decided to go ahead with the BCG treatment..." + (show)
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Wanted to post an update. My family member decided to go ahead with the BCG treatment and it has gone really well. Lots of anxiety before the first session for all the normal reasons along with an hour commute each way to get to the office. However, we complete session 6 on Friday and everything seems to be going very smoothly. Caretakers have been amazing and the process was a lot less scary after completing the first visit. My question would be, I understand that there will probably be a follow up cystoscopy after 6 weeks and if all is going well, maybe another round of BCG will be recommended? If that's the case, should we expect that this will be a long term treatment option as well? Thanks for any insight.

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@knshopper , thanks for returning with the update. What a relief that all went smoothly. How is your family member doing now a couple of weeks after finishing the 6th BCG treatment?

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