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I am an 80 year old male diagnosed with Bladder Cancer

Posted by antonone1 @antonone1, Jan 23 9:14am

The cancer is a result of being stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1966. I was diagnosed in the Spring of 2024 and have been participating in a Clinical Trial at Johns Hopkins Hospital since the Summer of 2024. I undergo monthly doses of Gemcitabine followed by Docetaxel. Every 3 months, I undergo a Cystoscopy.

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royce | @royce | Jan 24 6:30am

We're pulling for you. I have had one cystoscopy and came out clear. I know it hurts and afterwards . . . Hang in there!

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Jan 24 9:27pm

Hello @antonone1. How are you doing with this treatment? Have you had problems with any side effects? You must be having good results so far. Keep it up!

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antonone1 | @antonone1 | Jan 25 6:35am

It has been going well, I am tired for a few days after my monthly chemo session, but by the 3rd day I am back to my regular exercise routine. The first couple of sessions took some getting use to doing. The cystos have have no impact on my activities at all.

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Retep51 | @peter51f | Jan 26 3:23pm

Great that you are doing good.

Why did the doctors not do the traditional treatments like BCG first instead of a clinical trial?

When I first went to my urologist, we discussed treatments. He pretty much said he would do cyco and TUBT which I had 2 and the 6 BCG treatments and 3 more 6 months later. He also said there are clinical trials out thee but wanted to do the traditional treatments first. If I still had cancer after the checkups then he would discuss a clinical trial. I just had my second checkup where the doctor scoped me and he said everything looks good. He also took a urine sample to look for any cancer cells since I had a concern with my higher white blood count.

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antonone1 | @antonone1 | Jan 26 4:29pm
In reply to @peter51f "Great that you are doing good. Why did the doctors not do the traditional treatments like..." + (show)
Profile picture for Retep51 @peter51f

Great that you are doing good.

Why did the doctors not do the traditional treatments like BCG first instead of a clinical trial?

When I first went to my urologist, we discussed treatments. He pretty much said he would do cyco and TUBT which I had 2 and the 6 BCG treatments and 3 more 6 months later. He also said there are clinical trials out thee but wanted to do the traditional treatments first. If I still had cancer after the checkups then he would discuss a clinical trial. I just had my second checkup where the doctor scoped me and he said everything looks good. He also took a urine sample to look for any cancer cells since I had a concern with my higher white blood count.

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@peter51f ... At the time, I was living in Washington, DC and was asked if I would be interested in participating in the Clinical Trials at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. I the project extensively interviewed with the head of the program and decided to do the Trial based on the reputation of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Max Kates, conducting the trial.

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