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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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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kjv12345 | @kjv12345 | Jan 23 1:51pm
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’m not sure why once a month for 2 years and only for a hour for each but I’m on number 6 today and so far so good
Maybe it’s helpful it is only once a month my cancer is very low grade but does seem to come back hopefully this works

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kjv12345 | @kjv12345 | Jan 23 1:44pm
In reply to @deb2024 "Yes, I’ve had hair thinning." + (show)
@deb2024

Yes, I’ve had hair thinning.

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

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3 replies
deb2024 | @deb2024 | Jan 22 4:30pm
In reply to @kjv12345 "Have you had any hair thinning on your two year treatment" + (show)
@kjv12345

Have you had any hair thinning on your two year treatment

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Yes, I’ve had hair thinning.

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1 reply
meandmybadbladder24 | @meandmybadbladder24 | Jan 21 7:39pm
In reply to @kjv12345 "I am having the same treatment but I go once a month and this will be..." + (show)
@kjv12345

I am having the same treatment but I go once a month and this will be for two years. I have completed 5 of the 24 treatments.I barely drink any fluids the day of my treatment. I only have to do one hour before voiding it for both.
I understand how 90 would be very hard to do as one hour I feel is tough.
Hope this helps.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
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