And The Fight Continues

Well, here I am, nearly five years after joining the BladderCancer.net community. I have undergone nine TURBTs and received more than 30 intravesical chemo instillations. Through several urologists, the cancer has remained low-grade urothelial Stage 0 carcinoma for 20 years. Tomorrow, I begin the third round of intravesical induction--six weeks of instillations with Mitomycin--followed by a year of maintenance treatments every three months.

How the Cancer began

The long story: After finishing a year and a half of treatment with Gemcitabine, which didn't work, I completed another year and a half with Mitomycin, with better results. I celebrated the end of that ordeal in November 2024. However, with the discovery of bladder cysts (cystitis cystica) around the right ureter, we were on alert until the next cystoscopy. By October 2025, there was something more on the back bladder wall. A biopsy just before Christmas confirmed the same type of low-grade early-stage papillary malignancy as in previous years. So, here I go again, in yet another bout with chronic bladder cancer.

Here we go again

Needless to say, I did not expect to hear that I would be doing this again, at least not so soon. I don't know for certain why my body keeps making this annoying form of disease. The urologist who treated me in 2021 suggested that exposure to toxic chemicals while working in an auto plant altered my cell DNA. "Your entire bladder is malignant," he said. I suppose the mutated cells keep finding fertile places within my bladder to grow. But I got over feeling at fault a long time ago.

Nevertheless, I am committed to doing everything I can to fight them whenever and wherever they pop up. And I am much too stubborn to have my bladder removed. Therefore, the fight continues.

Complications from the procedure

While recovering from the biopsy, I developed a systemic infection, which the urologist started at the ureteral stent site. (A ureteral stent was placed to prevent scarring of the orifice after removing the cysts). The infection was further complicated by acute acid reflux, requiring a week of antibiotic treatment. During that time, I learned more about the benefits of acid-alkaline dieting for pH balance. It was quite effective for clearing up the GERD, and many alkaline foods are a recommended accompaniment to cancer treatment. I intend to adopt this lifestyle, along with spending some time in retreat, away from the stresses of current affairs, practicing Pilates and meditation during my healing process.

I must admit, however, that I am exhausted. But then, I remember that I am still alive and kicking after 20 years. I wonder about the existential meaning of my cancer experience. There must still be a lot of life ahead for me. In that case, I must continue to fight for my health. I do so by continuing to learn as much as can about bladder cancer and cancer in general. With every chance at defeating it, I adopt a new strategy, including diet and lifestyle changes. In the past, I worked while receiving treatments, because the doctor said it possible. I have always viewed my affliction as "the easy cancer," one that doesn't require the same level of care as more serious types. For the first time, I am taking a medical leave of absence to prioritize myself over the job. It is scary, and yet, it has taken all this time to realize that I deserve to focus on self-care, especially since I am already at full retirement age.

So, tomorrow, as the stent comes out, and I receive the first Mitomycin instillation of this round, I will be looking forward to a new healing chapter.