Hi Jennifer, Thanks for explaining that, it actually sounds not too bad that type of chemo, why don't you want to go ahead with that? it sounds much better than the one through the port. No sides would be lovely. Anyway, I hope you work out a treatment suitable for you , thanks so much for talking to me, it does help . Wishing you the best, Cindi ... View more

Hi Jennifer66, It's kind of you to reply to my post, thank you. Is intravestical the same as the chemo going through a Port? My chemo is a little different for me as I have the Gemcitabine and Carboplatin ( which is the nasty one) I had a port put in under the skin below my right shoulder blade, and they inject the chemo through there. I'm now onto my second cycle and I am suffering quite a few sides but I try to get on top of them quickly and it helps along with sleeping pills if I'm too speedy ( from the horrible steroids in the chemo) and which I also have following the chemo to help stop vomiting. It was causing me to have halucinations, scary stuff, but the sleeping pill helps You're lucky to have avoided the side affects, really happy for you. Can I ask, did your hair fall out? although I think it's the Carboplatin one that does that? Thanks , Cindi x ... View more

Hi Richard, Thank you for thinking of me, I'm not too bad today, managing the sides now, but I don't know what I'd do without the sleeping pills the Oncologist prescribed me, when I first started chemo I didn't realise the steroids they gave me with the chemo would make it so hard to sleep and speedy, but the sleeping pill at night for the first about 4 nights after the chemo help SO MUCH!  I'm managing now to get out and walk a little. When I told you about the dog park, I didn't mean I have no pets, I've always loved animals, I have 3 cats, they are Burmese, 1 rescue and 2 brothers. they are quite a lot of work as they are always wanting to play and fussy eaters but that's partly my fault as I spoil them rotten!and they are inside cats, but have lots to play with and climbing posts galore. So sorry about your fur baby's passing, always so sad. Sometimes a cat can be happy in a small apartment if you can give it enough love and play, it'd be nice for you to have a companion. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time, but glad the pain's eased. When you see your specialist you should maybe write down questions to ask so you don't forget, like about the incontinence and why? will it last ? etc. After my operation I had a stent in for a while ,bypassing the bladder, but after a while that was removed and I'm ok in that way now, as only part of my bladder was removed,so hopefully you will be too at some stage. Do you have a bladder cancer nurse you can ring or text any questions to? usually there is one working with the Oncologists , my one answers pretty quickly if I text her. It can really ease your worries. Yes it's good when the sun comes out, everything seems happier 🙂 I'm off now to feed a neighbor's 2 chooks, we give them left over.... roast chicken!! 😆sounds weird but they love it, they also love being patted, very friendly girls, makes me happy being around nature. I wish you all the best for your op and hope you recover quickly, often the waiting and scary thoughts are worse than the reality, so hope it all goes well. Sending hugs, Cindi x   ... View more

Hi Richard, Well tomorrow I go in to have my big chemo session, and no, so far not really much hair loss, a bit of thinning, but nothing much. Gums & teeth fine, I make sure I brush twice a day and I was recommended to gargle with one teaspoon of bi -carb soda, which helps. Today I go and have bloods done so they can check how my body is coping. I'm glad you've got some meds for the anxiety, I know it's really no good telling you not to worry too much, because you just do don't you, but you will probably feel a bit better after your operation on the 30th ( not long to go) it's just so hard facing the unknown. You're a bit like me , I also love the gym and I've managed this last week to go back and do a bit of exercise ! so I'm not feeling too bad at all. I also like the treadmill, but I read my Kindle reader while on there so I don't get bored. After tomorrow I will probably lay low as I know Ill feel tired but it's manageable. Oh PLEASE don't look up Dr Google, it just freaks one out! a lot of what you read is out dated and also just untrue, don't torture yourself. I'm so sorry you've also had a hip replacement, not such a good year!! Aim towards fighting off this cancer and looking ahead with positive thoughts of a healthy 2025. That's what I'm doing.🙂 I don't know how you feel about dogs, but I find them therapeutic, and because I don't have one myself, I enjoy walking up to a dog off leash park near me and chilling out there, they are such happy souls and can lift the spirit. Last year I had breast cancer ( didn't have chemo though) and used to go and have acupuncture, it really helped my anxiety and helped me so much. ( I got through all that fine) You may find it helpful at some stage? Anyway, please let us know how you're going. I know you feel the 30th is hard to wait for, but it'll come along and then you will find out what the next step will be, honestly, they have come such a long way with treatments and when on chemo they monitor you so well and adjust it all to make it as comfortable as possible for you, try your best to think positively, trust in your team . Talk soon, hugs from Cindi xx     ... View more

Hi Richard,   Sometimes I think the "waiting" for surgery or results is the hardest part. But it comes and then good to get it over and done with. I'm so glad your going to get some help with anti depressants, any help  we can get is good. I've found the chemo is not as bad as I first thought it would be, I was prepared for much worse, so don't be worried about that too much. It seems they know how to help with side affects a lot these days thank goodness. This Thursday I go into the clinic for my chemo of Gemcitabine & Carboplatin. I'm onto my second cycle of chemo. On Wednesday I have my bloods done so they can see if they need to lower drugs or whatever, so they do keep a close eye on you. I also found that after chemo for a few nights I had a sleeping pill ( prescribed by oncologist) really helps me, so maybe you can discuss this with your Onc too? or you may not need it at all. Good luck with your surgery, where abouts are you? I'm in Sydney. I go to the Health Hub opposite North Shore Private hospital. Sending you hugs and best wishes, Cindi xx The unknown is scary I know, but your oncologist should be able to inform you of whatever you want to know, I found it helpful to write things down so I wouldn't forget what to ask my oncologist. ... View more

Hi Richard, I really understand what you are feeling as I am in the same situation in a way. I also went through the operation to do a biopsy , he found a big aggressive tumor in my ureter, so then he removed right kidney, ureter and part of bladder. I healed quite quickly because Ive always been a bit of a gym junky so fitness helped, but now waiting to go on chemo. I've taken it easy to let myself heal completely to get ready for chemo. I'm so sorry for you, it's hard isn't it, especially if you are used to doing exercise, and aren't allowed for a while, you just want to get out there and do something. I also used to be a smoker many years back, my Oncologist thinks that may be why I got this.  Try not to be negative, your specialist will sort it all out for you and work out the best plan for you. I feel seeing your GP about antidepressants is actually a good idea. I went on Lexapro antidepressants and I am feeling better.Talk to your specialist or GP. Sometimes we need a little help. Reach out here though also, it's good to talk with others who understand. You sound fit and healthy( apart from this) like me, so you can beat this, I intend to 🙂 It's very daunting hearing that you have cancer, I know, but its not the end of the world, many people get better, so try to think that way. Try to think positive ! Sending hugs to you, Cindi x ... View more

Thank you Dannyd, your advise is good, I'll try to be positive, yes I'm sure Ill get through it all ok, just hard waiting. Thank you 🙂 ... View more

Thank you so much for your response. Appreciate it x ... View more

Hi, Really sorry for your side affects. The hormone blockers aren't fun but some are worse than others. I had breast cancer last year and was on the hormone blockers too, I put up with it for a few months then changed to one called Anastozole ( after talking to my specialist) which I found had more mild affects for me. All of them pretty much do the same thing though, they block your estrogen. I think you should talk to your specialist about it, try a different one, that's what I did. Good luck, Cindi xx ... View more