1. < Bladder Cancer

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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rjlpool502 | @rjlpool502 | Feb 14 10:58am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@rjlpool502, how did the scraping and biopsy go? Any update?" + (show)
@colleenyoung

@rjlpool502, how did the scraping and biopsy go? Any update?

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Good news, see my reply to vars57 I just posted for full news.

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rjlpool502 | @rjlpool502 | Feb 14 10:54am
In reply to @vars57 "I have high grade (CIS) non invasive bladder cancer. I just finished my 6 week induction..." + (show)
@vars57

I have high grade (CIS) non invasive bladder cancer. I just finished my 6 week induction with Gemcitidine/ Docetraxel. Side effects varied but were tolerable. Have a Cystoscopy on March 12th to see if the cancer is gone.

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I also had High Grade/aggressive NMIBC. Finished chemo back in Nov 2024 then had cystoscopy Jan 7th. Dr was concerned about red inflamed areas in bladder so opted for another TURBT with Blue Dye to look for cancer cells and then do a biopsy. Had this done Feb 4th, little scraping necessary and all samples came back negative for cancer. Hurray! Now starting once a month chemo for 3 months then another cystoscopy to look inside and will go from there. May have to do chemo monthly for several years if continues to work. PS _ I had BCG treatments early last year which did not work. If I can keep the C away with monthly chemo I am fine with that! Good luck to you!

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1 reply
vars57 | @vars57 | Feb 14 9:24am

I have high grade (CIS) non invasive bladder cancer. I just finished my 6 week induction with Gemcitidine/ Docetraxel. Side effects varied but were tolerable. Have a Cystoscopy on March 12th to see if the cancer is gone.

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2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 12 8:45pm
In reply to @rjlpool502 "Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so..." + (show)
@rjlpool502

Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so have to go in for another scraping and biopsy Feb 4th. Have had both BCG and Gem/Cit chemo don't know what next. At least no obvious cancer tumors this time. Maybe ???...

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@rjlpool502, how did the scraping and biopsy go? Any update?

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1 reply
ljashton | @ljashton | Feb 1 11:52am
In reply to @ljashton "Yes it’s once a month for three months after the cysto- as long as he stays..." + (show)
@ljashton

Yes it’s once a month for three months after the cysto- as long as he stays clear. Although fatigue and frequent urination are his usual symptoms, he still gets anxious prior to treatments. Once a month definitely gives him time to recoup. We are so thankful this treatment is effective and we were able to find it closer to home. We are from Kansas and almost committed to spending 6 weeks in Rochester in the winter… brrr. Found that KUMed Center in KC offered it. They are great!
I’m not sure how long he has to do this regimen- but I would think he’ll be done by June or July.

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Giving an update on treatment. His last Cysto showed a small spot. It was taken off and a biopsy done- the good news is it’s low grade- so his treatments will continue. This was a little discouraging after two clear prior cystos . We have learned to not be so alarmed. We just appreciate the treatment and the fact that his bladder is in ok shape.

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meandmybadbladder24 | @meandmybadbladder24 | Jan 24 11:43am
In reply to @rjlpool502 "Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so..." + (show)
@rjlpool502

Had a cyctoscopy last week and Dr again sees some red spots that concern him so have to go in for another scraping and biopsy Feb 4th. Have had both BCG and Gem/Cit chemo don't know what next. At least no obvious cancer tumors this time. Maybe ???...

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Wishing you every good thought for your Feb 4 appointment. Sending you lots of positive energy that the red spots will be gone! All the best to you!

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judilafleur | @judilafleur | Jan 24 6:52am

My treatments have been cut to half/dosages due to National Shortage.
I just had my 4th of 6 BCG treatments. My physician had removed 2 small high grade tumors.

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deb2024 | @deb2024 | Jan 23 7:24pm
In reply to @kjv12345 "Were your treatments done directly in the bladder and had hair thinning?" + (show)
@kjv12345

Were your treatments done directly in the bladder and had hair thinning?

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Yes directly in the bladder. The hair thinning could also be attributed to stress and dealing with the fact that I have cancer and not just the treatments.

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fighting50 | @fighting50 | Jan 23 6:33pm
In reply to @meandmybadbladder24 "Thank you for sharing. It’s interesting you will receive your treatments for 24 months. I wonder..." + (show)
@meandmybadbladder24

Thank you for sharing. It’s interesting you will receive your treatments for 24 months. I wonder if the duration of treatment as well as the length of time the chemo is held is dependent upon what stage and grade the cancer is diagnosed to be at.
My bladder cancer is a ‘0’ stage as it hadn’t invaded beyond my bladder lining, however, also it is ‘intermediate’ grade as I had numerous tumors. The likelihood of tumors returning is apparently higher bc I had many tumors.
Do you know why and would you be willing to share why your treatment plan is for 24 months? Completely understand if you’d rather not share this information.
Thank you for what you have shared. I am appreciative.
Best to you in your treatmentts going forward.

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Also, I did have a recurrence after my initial six weekly Gemdose treatments, so I did not continue with the full 24-month treatments. I was told that a 24-month course was expected, but it would only be once a month.

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fighting50 | @fighting50 | Jan 23 6:26pm
In reply to @kjv12345 "Were your treatments done directly in the bladder and had hair thinning?" + (show)
@kjv12345

Were your treatments done directly in the bladder and had hair thinning?

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I also experienced thinning hair after getting Gemdose.

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