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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donchaz2u | @donchaz2u | Jun 19 12:52pm

In reply to @dianeh330 "I'm so glad your doing good God bless you stay positive I always say to my..." + (show)

Thank you Diane.

dianeh330 | @dianeh330 | Jun 19 10:51am

In reply to @donchaz2u "My name is Chaz. I am 77 y/o and have high grade aggressive NMIBC. I've had..." + (show)

I'm so glad your doing good God bless you stay positive I always say to my self " there is someone worse off than me"

donchaz2u | @donchaz2u | Jun 18 4:52pm

My name is Chaz. I am 77 y/o and have high grade aggressive NMIBC. I've had two surgeries with all tumors being removed. I receive my treatment at the VA Medical and had the opportunity to enter a research study where I receive gemcitabine and docetaxel in comparison to BCG treatments. I completed my third gemcitabine/docetaxel treatment without incident. My process is a bit different. I receive the gemc and hold it one hour. Following its removal I receive the doce and I go home where I hold it for an hour or more. I use one bathroom throughout the day and sanitize it with Clorox after each use. So far so good.

deb2024 | @deb2024 | Jun 16 7:12pm

In reply to @rjlpool502 "The chemo is in two stages. First you hold for 1.5 hours then void out and..." + (show)

I had these treatments at Mayo and they let you leave after the last instillation. They do not keep you in a room so even if you remained at the facility you would have to use the restroom and they automatically flush so using chlorine tablets would not work. We would leave & drive home 4 hours but I had a driver. I would usually sleep in the back seat for the 90 minutes and then stop at a rest stop and void out. I could not have driven myself and was very fortunate to have a driver. Hope this info helps.

rjlpool502 | @rjlpool502 | Jun 16 7:07am

In reply to @deford "Can I drive 5 hours home after gem/doce treatment?" + (show)

The chemo is in two stages. First you hold for 1.5 hours then void out and then they put the second in and you have to hold that for 1.5 hours and then void out. Suppose you could do it on the way but they recommend putting a bleach tab in toilet after doing so and letting sit 15 minutes before flushing. Maybe could do it at Mayo and then drive home. Warning chemo can make you feel pretty lousy! Do you have someone could drive for you? Good Luck.

deford | @deford | Jun 15 1:18pm

Can I drive 5 hours home after gem/doce treatment?

honey750 | @honey750 | May 28 2:44pm

In reply to @sepdvm "I know some people have success taking d-Mannose to prevent UTIs. My elderly aunt was put..." + (show)

Thank you for your advice. I take D- Mannose, Cranberry pills and a probiotic. I will look into the Utistat.
I just finished my 6th chemo. I have burning and irritation. I don't have a UTI, this time. I was told that maybe a gynecologist could help me, so I will go that route for now. Thank you for the time to help me out. Blessings to you and your family.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | May 27 8:10pm

In reply to @honey750 "Hi, I am on my 5th Gemstone/ Docetaxel. The first two were fine. The 3rd, 4th..." + (show)

I know some people have success taking d-Mannose to prevent UTIs. My elderly aunt was put on a concentrated cranberry drink called UTIstat due to repeated UTIs. After a year of use she has not had another infection with symptoms. These medical grade products must be diluted into juice or another drink to be palatable. I would want my urologist and oncologist to approve of a product before I would start it.