Alive and Still Kicking
Well, it's been at least two years since I shared an update as a moderator and advocate for this bladder cancer community. That's because I have been busy with life and continued treatment since my cancer recurrence in 2021. Yes, in the three years that I've been at this, I have seen three friends receive various cancer diagnoses, complete chemo treatments, and continue to thrive.
Bladder cancer returned
Meanwhile, I had a TURBT without chemo in the first year, followed by a 6-week induction of intravesical gemcitabine and 1-year maintenance. I was unable to hold it in my bladder for any reasonable time. Unfortunately, when the cancer recurred in June 2023, we switched to MMC or Mitomycin C.
After the standard 6-week induction and another year of maintenance with the other drug, I have no evidence of disease. Surprisingly, I have tolerated MMC with no visible side effects. However, I still have several maintenance doses to finish the year of treatment.
Doing what it takes
No, I am not considering a cystectomy because my bladder is currently healthy. Will I do so if the cancer should recur? Not likely. I learned about halfway through this 3-year ordeal that I am living with a chronic disease. As exhausted as I am from driving up to Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle for treatment, I will do what it takes to keep killing the cancer. As far as I am concerned, life is still good.
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