Anyone had gemcitabine and docetaxel for Bladder Cancer?

Yes, I had hair loss. They don’t mention this as a side effect but after I completed the treatments my hair returned to “normal”. I guess not everyone experiences hair loss with these treatments.

Hi, I’m sorry that you are experiencing issues with the treatments. I did start out with BCG but after the 3rd dose I developed hematuria/ heavy bleeding so this was discontinued. Then I started on gem/doce treatments. I did have severe pain from the gemcitabine drug (burning & spasms). The docetaxel side effects were similar but not as severe. After each treatment I had bladder spasms & a burning sensation & abdominal pain that would last a day or so. The fatigue lasted for months. I was fortunate to be able to complete the six weekly treatments & monthly treatments for almost a year. I mentioned to my nurse that these drugs were quite harsh & she said it was destroying the cancer cells & that was good. So I would remind myself when I thought I couldn’t take it any more…I pray your symptoms will ease up but if they are too hard on you please inform your doctor because there are other drugs that they are trying out for bladder cancer. Keep me updated…I will be praying for you.

@deb2024, was this your first treatment method, or did this follow BCG? I’m also high grade non invasive, and bio marker test showed I would do better with gem/doce. I’ve just finished my second dose in the six week, once a week phase. Did you have significant abdominal bloating with your treatment? Mine was stronger with this second dose than the first and painful, wondering what to expect going forward. I have a call in to my doctor just to check. Hope you’re doing well and would be interested to hear how your journey has been going.

I finished my 6 week induction 3 weeks ago and have been losing a lot of hair. Might be the gem/doce or might be stress and anxiety, not sure, just hoping it lets up soon.

Diagnosed with bladder cancer 2004; had Mitomycin & pathology negative 2020 & 23. Decided to visit Mayo for different perspective. Turbt 4/25 with blue light tech. Which was why I went to them, carcinoma in situ. About to have my fifth of six treatments 7/22. No reel problems other than some fatigue & diminished sex capability ( can’t orgasm)

Probably blood in the urine is a pretty common indicator of cancer, it was for me. Went to the hospital alarmed with all the blood. Turns out, while alarming, it usually isn't necessarily a dangerous amount. I found that after some BCG treatments, bleeding happened. If you are on blood thinners, that could aggravate the situation. As the disease progresses and/or treated you may have occasions for more bleeding. If you are on Eliquis, something I discovered (but I'm a case study of only one right now) when I split my two daily 5 mg doses into four 2.5 mg doses evenly spread during the day (3 meals and bedtime, the bleeding subsided and stopped. Check with your cardiologist before experimenting on yourself. Everybody is different.

It all started with a ruputred tumor and peeing blood like i never experienced before. my first surgery was in jan of this year with chemo treatment (gemcitabine and docetaxel). had a 2nd surgery with chemo treatment (gemcitabine and docetaxel) on june 26th because my follow up was inconclusive. unfortunately cancer cells were present. starting 6 weeks of chemo (gemcitabine and docetaxel) on july 29. started to experience hair loss. do you think i'll loose all of my hair? i am still stage 1 but cancer is pretty aggressive.

Thank you Diane.

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"

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.