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Anyone have trouble holding chemo in bladder for the hour?
My husband has non invasive muscle bladder cancer and had a round of BCG without any incident. However, he had a new growth so urologist started him on chemo. He had first round without any problem but yesterday he had the first infusion and within 1/2 hr was unable to hold urine for the rest of time. They terminated the session. He has had no problem with any other infusions. Nurse said they will need to use a balloon and clamp on catheter next week. Has this happened to anyone else?
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I have had gem/doc for several sessions. I take oxybutinen 2 hrs before I also limit my liquid intake starting the night before. Not great but Im able to hold it in.
Trying not to think about the spasms is tough
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1 ReactionYes!! I tried oxybutinen and it did not work for me. My bladder could not handle BCG or CG. I am scheduled for bladder removal surgery on September 3rd.
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2 ReactionsI don't know if this is a timely reply or not. I saw that someone suggested limiting fluids ahead of the gemdoce treatment. I do that and feel very thirsty, but the one time I had a bit to drink before the treatment, I got uncomfortable toward the end, and the nurse commented on how much urine had been added during the hour and a half of holding the first dose. She said the body is going to make urine whether you drink or not, if the body is hydrated. However, when I strictly limit fluids, I am less uncomfortable during the time my bladder is filled with the chemo. I would rather be thirsty. A friend gave me a bag of hard candies to take with me, as she had done during her chemo. I might try that next time to keep thirst away without adding water to my system.
And this might sound strange, but I am speaking from professional experience. If you can learn to go into a light trance - using a recording, etc., time will pass more quickly. Being relaxed won't make you urinate, either, just like we typically stay dry when asleep.
I asked my Dr. At GA Urology about this because I was worrying about it. His reply was i'll be happy if you hold it 15 min. Actually I have had no problem holding it for 1 hr 45 min to 2 hours. Just finished my 6 weeks of bcg. I must admit after about 3 hours the pain and burning was miserable for another 4 hours. Much better the next day.