Just over three months since finishing my cancer treatments and I'm getting my energy back a little more each day. After twice starting and then stopping my morning runs due to extreme fatigue, I've started again this week. It is really amazing how much harder it seems this time. Due to bad weather, I've been running this week on a treadmill and have been shocked at how slow I'm running compared to previous 3 month recovery time.
My next cystoscope is on April 29th. With an all clear, I will then be on an annual cycle of cystoscopies for the rest of my life. Four years ago, when I was diagnosed, having a cystoscope annual for the rest of my life seemed like an ordeal that I will hate and never get to use to. After being scoped 10 times in the last 4 years and with my drug regiment of a pain pill and a valium before each procedure, it certainly not as bad as it seems.
I don't know if it all cancer survivors or just me, but even after all I've gone through, it seems a little surreal. I guess that is the great thing about our memories. We dwell on the positive much more than the negative. I've finished this long segment of my journey through cancer and come out the better for it. Hopefully, people suffering from bladder cancer will be able to go through my blog and find information and inspiration.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Thursday, December 18, 2014
27 Treatments Complete
I finished my 27th and last BCG Treatment. In many ways the day was quite surreal. I knew that it was the final treatment and that I should be celebrating, but the 3rd treatment in each series of three hits you the hardest and there is was very little time to sit back and reflect on what is soon coming to an end.
This last series of treatments had the BCG potency cut back to 50% of the normal dose. This was done to lessen the side effects. The first and second treatments were very normal and had side effects hit me at the normal time. The three main side effects were 1) chills, 2) fatigue and 3) bleeding in the bladder. The bleeding in the third treatment went about 20 hours, which is about 17 hours longer than normal. It has finally stopped this morning. A fourth side effect hit me yesterday and it can be best described as chemo brain. I was trying to remember my country club member number during the day and I could never get the four digit number correct. I knew that I was close, but not until this morning did I actually remember the number. This was quite troubling to me, considering that I've known and used this number almost weekly for over 5 1/2 years. This fuzzy brain effect is why I don't answer business emails during treatment days.
It's been a long, long journey. I've endured 1 CT Scan, 2 surgeries, 10 cystoscopies and 27 BCG treatments. I've tried to always keep my goal in mind during these 45 months of not wasting this cancer. Trying to keep grinding away until the end. That we are here to fight for our lives and to do whatever it takes to stay on this earth to be with our loved ones and draw closer to our God. I've come to grips with my mortality 45 months ago and have seen friends die from cancer and other beat cancer back. I'm hopeful for a long life without cancer and look forward to spending many more years with my wife, family and friends.
I don't know when it is finally going to hit me that I'm through with the treatments. I've been living with this stress for so long, it probably is going to be in January when I'm on the beach in Hawaii. I'm looking forward to this two week celebratory trip and plan on getting some sun, playing some golf and eating some great food with the love of my life.
This last series of treatments had the BCG potency cut back to 50% of the normal dose. This was done to lessen the side effects. The first and second treatments were very normal and had side effects hit me at the normal time. The three main side effects were 1) chills, 2) fatigue and 3) bleeding in the bladder. The bleeding in the third treatment went about 20 hours, which is about 17 hours longer than normal. It has finally stopped this morning. A fourth side effect hit me yesterday and it can be best described as chemo brain. I was trying to remember my country club member number during the day and I could never get the four digit number correct. I knew that I was close, but not until this morning did I actually remember the number. This was quite troubling to me, considering that I've known and used this number almost weekly for over 5 1/2 years. This fuzzy brain effect is why I don't answer business emails during treatment days.
It's been a long, long journey. I've endured 1 CT Scan, 2 surgeries, 10 cystoscopies and 27 BCG treatments. I've tried to always keep my goal in mind during these 45 months of not wasting this cancer. Trying to keep grinding away until the end. That we are here to fight for our lives and to do whatever it takes to stay on this earth to be with our loved ones and draw closer to our God. I've come to grips with my mortality 45 months ago and have seen friends die from cancer and other beat cancer back. I'm hopeful for a long life without cancer and look forward to spending many more years with my wife, family and friends.
I don't know when it is finally going to hit me that I'm through with the treatments. I've been living with this stress for so long, it probably is going to be in January when I'm on the beach in Hawaii. I'm looking forward to this two week celebratory trip and plan on getting some sun, playing some golf and eating some great food with the love of my life.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Treatment #25 is Done.
After two weeks in a row of failing to have my treatment, due to having too many blood cells in my urine, I finally had no blood show up in the testing. I was given antibiotics after the second failed test and it certainly did the trick of clearing out any infection that may have been causing the blood cells.
The installation of the BCG was the easiest of all the treatments that I've had. Getting catherized is never a pleasant procedure and so I decided to change my mindset this time. Instead of dreading the procedure and trying to relax, I decided to just process the feeling of the catheter differently. What this means was to just realize that the feeling of the catheter during the whole process was the normal feeling of the procedure and to follow it in its journey. It's not so much that it is painful, but that it just feels different and unpleasant. It worked this time and we'll see if it make a difference next time.
The two hour holding time was spent rocking as the weather was a little too cool to go for a walk. The time did not fly by and I was counting the minutes at the end as it was getting a little unbearable. The six hours of flushing the bladder went without any blood (as is normal for a first treatment) and I drank about 1 1/2 gallons of water and lemonade during that time. I was able to eat some grilled chick from Chik fil A this time and that was very unusual to want solid food with all the fluids I was pushing through my stomach.
Lastly, I have to give kudos to my buddy, Dana, who helped to attend to my needs during the 8 hours. Nancy was out of town due to a my treatment schedules not going as planned and Dana agreed to fill her spot for me. When you are diagnosed with cancer, we all have friends that tell you that they are willing to help you whenever you have a need. Well, I asked Dana to help with the unpleasant duties of flushing the toilet 15 minutes after I filled it with BCG laced urine and 2 cups of bleach. He did it without complaint. He was a great help with the flushing, getting me to and from the doctor's office and running to get me lunch. Most importantly, I enjoyed having him to talk to during treatment day and being my friend since we first met in Atlanta in 1987.
The installation of the BCG was the easiest of all the treatments that I've had. Getting catherized is never a pleasant procedure and so I decided to change my mindset this time. Instead of dreading the procedure and trying to relax, I decided to just process the feeling of the catheter differently. What this means was to just realize that the feeling of the catheter during the whole process was the normal feeling of the procedure and to follow it in its journey. It's not so much that it is painful, but that it just feels different and unpleasant. It worked this time and we'll see if it make a difference next time.
The two hour holding time was spent rocking as the weather was a little too cool to go for a walk. The time did not fly by and I was counting the minutes at the end as it was getting a little unbearable. The six hours of flushing the bladder went without any blood (as is normal for a first treatment) and I drank about 1 1/2 gallons of water and lemonade during that time. I was able to eat some grilled chick from Chik fil A this time and that was very unusual to want solid food with all the fluids I was pushing through my stomach.
Lastly, I have to give kudos to my buddy, Dana, who helped to attend to my needs during the 8 hours. Nancy was out of town due to a my treatment schedules not going as planned and Dana agreed to fill her spot for me. When you are diagnosed with cancer, we all have friends that tell you that they are willing to help you whenever you have a need. Well, I asked Dana to help with the unpleasant duties of flushing the toilet 15 minutes after I filled it with BCG laced urine and 2 cups of bleach. He did it without complaint. He was a great help with the flushing, getting me to and from the doctor's office and running to get me lunch. Most importantly, I enjoyed having him to talk to during treatment day and being my friend since we first met in Atlanta in 1987.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
The Last Three Treatments Are Set To Begin (well sort of)
With my successful and clear cystoscope two weeks ago, I was set to begin the first of my last three BCG treatments today. But, similar to a year ago, I've had to postpone the treatment by a week, due to blood cells in my urine sample this morning.
We don't have any explanation to why the blood is showing up again, but we can rule out cancer in the bladder lining, because of the clear results that I received two weeks ago from the cystoscope. When blood is showing up in the test, you can get very sick from treatment, so we will take this week off and try to start up the treatments again next week. It is a little depressing to have this setback, when you get yourself all geared up mentally to spend the next 8 hours doing battle against this disease.
We don't have any explanation to why the blood is showing up again, but we can rule out cancer in the bladder lining, because of the clear results that I received two weeks ago from the cystoscope. When blood is showing up in the test, you can get very sick from treatment, so we will take this week off and try to start up the treatments again next week. It is a little depressing to have this setback, when you get yourself all geared up mentally to spend the next 8 hours doing battle against this disease.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Half Strength BCG Makes A Big Difference
I'm happy to say that my installation was 100% better than last week. There were no issues at all with the catheter and that was a huge relief after what happened last week. Hopefully, it was from better relaxation on my part.
The BCG strength was cut in half for this treatment, due to the bad side effects that I had during treatment number 21. BCG treatment effects and side effects are cumulative in nature as you continue to bombard the inner lining of the bladder with TB. Not only do the three treatments in a row have a cumulative effect, but so does all the other treatments over the last three years. Dr. T had stated that we could either stop the treatments all together because of the side effects or cut back on the strength. He was very impressed with getting through the first 21 treatments and said that we have gotten further into the treatments than most. I decided that I would go with the half strength on the 24th (last of the three in May) and see what happens.
What happened was that instead of a very intense 6 hours (after the two hours of holding the BCG), it was only intense for the first 3 hours. Still the constant running to the bathroom during the start, but the last 3 hours were much less in the trips to the toilet. I still had a sore bladder at the end of the day, but it was much more manageable this time. The bleeding was still evident throughout the day, but it was at the regular levels versus what I experienced in session 21 last fall.
It is not unusual to cut back the strength as I have seen in posts at www.gotbladdercancer.blogspot.com the author had the lower dosage recommended by Dr. Lamm himself. I feel that the key is to try to get to the end and if the last of the three treatments in a rotation has a lessor does, that is okay if it gets us to the end.
My next Cystoscope will be on October 29th and then the final 3 treatments will be in November. I've started my research on a two week Hawaiian vacation for the following February.
The BCG strength was cut in half for this treatment, due to the bad side effects that I had during treatment number 21. BCG treatment effects and side effects are cumulative in nature as you continue to bombard the inner lining of the bladder with TB. Not only do the three treatments in a row have a cumulative effect, but so does all the other treatments over the last three years. Dr. T had stated that we could either stop the treatments all together because of the side effects or cut back on the strength. He was very impressed with getting through the first 21 treatments and said that we have gotten further into the treatments than most. I decided that I would go with the half strength on the 24th (last of the three in May) and see what happens.
What happened was that instead of a very intense 6 hours (after the two hours of holding the BCG), it was only intense for the first 3 hours. Still the constant running to the bathroom during the start, but the last 3 hours were much less in the trips to the toilet. I still had a sore bladder at the end of the day, but it was much more manageable this time. The bleeding was still evident throughout the day, but it was at the regular levels versus what I experienced in session 21 last fall.
It is not unusual to cut back the strength as I have seen in posts at www.gotbladdercancer.blogspot.com the author had the lower dosage recommended by Dr. Lamm himself. I feel that the key is to try to get to the end and if the last of the three treatments in a rotation has a lessor does, that is okay if it gets us to the end.
My next Cystoscope will be on October 29th and then the final 3 treatments will be in November. I've started my research on a two week Hawaiian vacation for the following February.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Treatment Off To A Rough Start
Treatment #23 did not start out very well. Getting the catheter into my bladder was a major effort and took three tries. During the attempts my mind raced back to treatment #8, where it also took three tries and the pain of the attempts along with the high residual pain for an additional two days. Well, Dr. T did eventually get the catheter and medicine into my bladder and it left me feeling very light headed. Dr. T left the room and said that he would see me in another week and somewhere between trying to get off the table and get to my pants, I blacked out. I came too laying on the floor and on my side. I looked down and saw that I was unclothed from the waist down and deducted that I had fainted. After getting my clothes on, I got the attention of my doctor and he had the nurses get me some water and started to take my blood pressure. I remember that my second blood pressure test was 80/52, which is very low. After getting Nancy to come back and passing my final blood pressure test, I was released to go home.
The normal 2 hours of rocking and 6 hours of drinking and peeing went very well after such a horrible start. I did not have any appetite, but did eat dinner and some freshly baked chocolate cookies. Thankfully, I've had no residual pain from the three attempts of the installation and now a day later, my only issue is a sore right side of my head that evidently struck the floor quite hard from the fall.
Next week is the last treatment until November. We have decided that we will cut the strength of the BCG in half, so that we do not experience the large amount of bleeding that we had in the third treatment last fall. The third of the three treatments always has the most complications due to the cumulative effect of three treatments in a row.
Please pray for an easy installation next week and a minimum of side effects and pain.
The normal 2 hours of rocking and 6 hours of drinking and peeing went very well after such a horrible start. I did not have any appetite, but did eat dinner and some freshly baked chocolate cookies. Thankfully, I've had no residual pain from the three attempts of the installation and now a day later, my only issue is a sore right side of my head that evidently struck the floor quite hard from the fall.
Next week is the last treatment until November. We have decided that we will cut the strength of the BCG in half, so that we do not experience the large amount of bleeding that we had in the third treatment last fall. The third of the three treatments always has the most complications due to the cumulative effect of three treatments in a row.
Please pray for an easy installation next week and a minimum of side effects and pain.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Treatment #21
I thought that with about 7 months between treatments that today would be an easy day, but I was wrong. Installation and the two hours holding period were pretty routine. The next six hours were just as intense as the last treatment with the only difference was the bleeding levels were below normal. Although 12 hours after the installation I was still passing blood.
The best news was that I had no chills today and wanted to eat at the end of the day. I'm very thankful that I only have two treatments to go this month and three more in November. Also, thankful for the answer to prayer today that the bleeding would ease up.
We go again next Wednesday morning...
The best news was that I had no chills today and wanted to eat at the end of the day. I'm very thankful that I only have two treatments to go this month and three more in November. Also, thankful for the answer to prayer today that the bleeding would ease up.
We go again next Wednesday morning...
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Three Years Cancer Free
The cystoscope showed no signs of cancer today. Three years have passed since the tumor was removed and I've gone through 21 treatments. My next treatment starts in two weeks and I will have three BCG treatments in May. Dr. T said if the treatments continue to be as bad as the last one that we can stop or reduce the BCG to only 50% strength. I told him that I would rather go to the reduced strength over quitting before we finish the 27 treatments. He told me again that the majority of patients do not make it to the end and that I'm doing very well. Looking forward to the challenge.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Two Days Until Next Test
It's been a while since I last posted on my blog and I thought it was time to let everyone know that I'm two days away from my next cancer testing. I go into the clinic at 8:20am on Wednesday to have the next cystoscope procedure done. If all clear, we should start the next three rounds of BCG treatments two week later and go through the end of May. These treatments are preventative in nature and are the reason (besides prayer) that my cancer has not returned. If all goes well, I will finish up with the last three treatments in Nov/Dec of this year.
Pray for a smooth and pain free procedure with clear results. It is always a very difficult procedure to go through, but it is a much more effective way of finding any early stage cancer cells versus the CT Scan.
I'm feeling very good right now and continue to believe that we have the cancer at bay. I will post on Wednesday the results.
Pray for a smooth and pain free procedure with clear results. It is always a very difficult procedure to go through, but it is a much more effective way of finding any early stage cancer cells versus the CT Scan.
I'm feeling very good right now and continue to believe that we have the cancer at bay. I will post on Wednesday the results.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Last Treatment of the Year is Done.
Treatment day today was very intense. It started out very nicely with me no blood in the urine test and a very easy installation. The weather was very nice this morning and I walk/jogged my typical 2 miles at the start of the two hour holding period. Then the six hours of practically constant motion of drinking fluids and voiding the bladder. I lost more blood today than probably all of the other treatment days combined. The cumulative effect of three treatments back to back really wreck havoc with my bladder and I'm now more understanding of why it is hard to get to the end of the 27 treatments. I have 6 treatments to go and we will start again in April after a clear cystoscope on April 9th.
My son, Andy, was home to help me today, but because of the frequency of my trips to the bathroom, he was needed as much as I had hoped on the flush patrol. But, he did make some great chocolate chip cookies and homemade chicken noodle soup, which were probably the best help I needed today.
The tally for the day...it was a hugely draining day today (no pun intended). The normal treatment day chills quit around the end of the 8 hours. Already started to take some Tylenol for my body aches. Extremely happy that it is over and that I have 6 months to get my strength back.
My son, Andy, was home to help me today, but because of the frequency of my trips to the bathroom, he was needed as much as I had hoped on the flush patrol. But, he did make some great chocolate chip cookies and homemade chicken noodle soup, which were probably the best help I needed today.
The tally for the day...it was a hugely draining day today (no pun intended). The normal treatment day chills quit around the end of the 8 hours. Already started to take some Tylenol for my body aches. Extremely happy that it is over and that I have 6 months to get my strength back.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
No Treatment Yesterday
My last BCG treatment of the year was postponed a week, due to my failing an urine test. You always have to provide a urine sample before any test or procedure at an Urologist office. Yesterday, my sample had too many white and red blood cells in the urine to proceed with the BCG, without getting very ill from the drugs. So, we wait until next Wednesday and try again. The presence of the blood could indicate that I'm having a small infection in the bladder. I'm not feeling any different than usual, so it is a little perplexing. I'm taking this time a nice little break and hope that we can get the treatment done on Wednesday the 6th.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
#20 Was No Fun
Treatment #20 Day was a tough day. It started good with an easy installation (broke in another new nurse) and a nice two mile walk during the holding period. But, it went downhill from there. The frequency of voiding the bladder was a record high and for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours it was every 15 minutes, which is way too many. Bleeding was back as I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting it to last until bedtime. It does tell you that the Treatments are working, even if it is not any fun to see. Chills were not as bad this week, but the pain levels certainly went up. By the end of the day, I had a very sore bladder and needed some Advil to get to sleep. It was a day that reminded me why we make the statement, "he is fighting cancer." I've been very fortunate that many of my treatment days were relatively smooth and easy. Yesterday was not one of them. Last treatment of the year is next Wednesday and then only two series left next year in May and December.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Treatment #19
The time between my last BCG treatment and this one was a long time, but you don't forget what it was like. I had to break in a new nurse at the doctor's office by making her switch out the correct catheter, but other than that the installation went by smooth. It was raining today, so my two mile walk was substituted with two hours in the rocking chair to slosh the BCG around the bladder. The six hours of flushing the bladder was hectic. Side effects were limited to the chills starting pretty quickly, but it was nice to have no bleeding this time.
Next treatment starts again next Wednesday.
Next treatment starts again next Wednesday.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Semi-Annual Test Clear Today
My semi-annual cystoscope test today showed no signs of cancer in the bladder. As always, it was a big relief. I went back home after the test and slept another 2 1/2 hours, until noon. Then on the couch watching the Presidents Cup and taking my pain pills for the rest of the day.
Next up are my BCG treatments starting on Wednesday the 17th of October, continuing for a total of three treatments. Then I will get to wait another 6 months before getting scoped again. By the end of 2014, with no recurrence, I will be completely done with the BCG treatments and only facing the scope once a year after that.
I'm heading to bed tonight a thankful man.
Next up are my BCG treatments starting on Wednesday the 17th of October, continuing for a total of three treatments. Then I will get to wait another 6 months before getting scoped again. By the end of 2014, with no recurrence, I will be completely done with the BCG treatments and only facing the scope once a year after that.
I'm heading to bed tonight a thankful man.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Going to miss Winn Ann Simser
Part of the personal interaction experience of having cancer is meeting and talking to other people fighting this dreaded disease. Last year, I found out that my former New Richland neighbor, Winn Ann Simser, had the same kind of bladder cancer as I have. It was news that made me mad, because Winn Ann is one of the best people you will ever find. I didn't want her to have to endure the pain of fighting this disease, but she did it well.
I went to visit Winn Ann and Jim in Fairmont last year to see how she was doing after having surgery that took out her cancerous bladder and created a new one for her. I cried when I walked into her house, because it really hits you hard to see someone you love going through the same thing. We had a great visit, she never complained and was so supportive of me. I shed some tears when I left her that day as well. When I talked to her a few months later and she was having trouble with the new bladder, she never complained. She took it with her normal grace and kindness. At the end of the call she was again very supportive to me.
Winn Ann and I shared a great faith in God and the power of prayer. She talked to me about how she could feel the prayers that were offered up to God on her behalf and how much comfort she felt from those prayers. I replied that I experience those same feelings from prayers and that when people ask how they can help me, my reply is to pray for me. All the years we lived next door to each other we never talked about our faith. But, when you get diagnosed with cancer, it is that faith that gets you through the day and it is that faith that binds you closer together and gives you the hope and assurance that in the end it is going to be okay. Phil 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die gain.
My family loved having Winn Ann, Jim, and their four sons, Bill, Mike, Mark and Dave living next door. Winn Ann and Jim did a great job of parenting four rambunctious boys. Jim had a MN High School Hall of Fame coaching career, but was a better husband than he was a coach. Visiting with Jim last summer really taught that cancer hits both the husband and wife. His phrase of "when we were diagnosed" was something I had heard from other husbands who had wife's with cancer. He taught me to be just as concerned for Nancy as she is for me. When the Bible says, "that two shall become one", that it is in everything you experience in married life. Seeing pictures of Winn Ann with Jim in a hospital gown during their 50th wedding anniversary showed me again of what a great couple that they were. I'm certain if was a great comfort to Winn Ann to have Jim by her side through her battle and holding her hand as she passed on to her next life.
I cried again today as I found out that Winn Ann has passed. I'm going to miss Winn Ann. I'll miss having her to talk to about what it is like fighting cancer. I will miss talking to her about prayer. But, I look forward to seeing her again one day.
I went to visit Winn Ann and Jim in Fairmont last year to see how she was doing after having surgery that took out her cancerous bladder and created a new one for her. I cried when I walked into her house, because it really hits you hard to see someone you love going through the same thing. We had a great visit, she never complained and was so supportive of me. I shed some tears when I left her that day as well. When I talked to her a few months later and she was having trouble with the new bladder, she never complained. She took it with her normal grace and kindness. At the end of the call she was again very supportive to me.
Winn Ann and I shared a great faith in God and the power of prayer. She talked to me about how she could feel the prayers that were offered up to God on her behalf and how much comfort she felt from those prayers. I replied that I experience those same feelings from prayers and that when people ask how they can help me, my reply is to pray for me. All the years we lived next door to each other we never talked about our faith. But, when you get diagnosed with cancer, it is that faith that gets you through the day and it is that faith that binds you closer together and gives you the hope and assurance that in the end it is going to be okay. Phil 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die gain.
My family loved having Winn Ann, Jim, and their four sons, Bill, Mike, Mark and Dave living next door. Winn Ann and Jim did a great job of parenting four rambunctious boys. Jim had a MN High School Hall of Fame coaching career, but was a better husband than he was a coach. Visiting with Jim last summer really taught that cancer hits both the husband and wife. His phrase of "when we were diagnosed" was something I had heard from other husbands who had wife's with cancer. He taught me to be just as concerned for Nancy as she is for me. When the Bible says, "that two shall become one", that it is in everything you experience in married life. Seeing pictures of Winn Ann with Jim in a hospital gown during their 50th wedding anniversary showed me again of what a great couple that they were. I'm certain if was a great comfort to Winn Ann to have Jim by her side through her battle and holding her hand as she passed on to her next life.
I cried again today as I found out that Winn Ann has passed. I'm going to miss Winn Ann. I'll miss having her to talk to about what it is like fighting cancer. I will miss talking to her about prayer. But, I look forward to seeing her again one day.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
No News Is Good News
I have been getting inquiries lately from people who were wondering how I was doing and asking why I haven't posted anything in three months. The answer is that no new is good news.
My treatment and cystoscope schedule has been changed, now that I've gone two years without any recurrence. Instead of being on a three month cycle, I will be on a 6 month cycle for the next two years. So, my next visit to the doctor will be on October 3rd for a cystoscope examination. If all is clear, then I should start my next three weeks of treatments on October 16th.
My fatigue is gradually getting better each week, but still not back to normal. I have started to take vitamin B12 and I think it is helping. I have also been pushing myself out of bed each weekday morning at 5:20am to go run a couple of miles before work. It is amazing how fast you lose your physical stamina after a few short months. But, I'm running a little faster every day and hope to compete in the Best Buddies TN 5K in August.
My treatment and cystoscope schedule has been changed, now that I've gone two years without any recurrence. Instead of being on a three month cycle, I will be on a 6 month cycle for the next two years. So, my next visit to the doctor will be on October 3rd for a cystoscope examination. If all is clear, then I should start my next three weeks of treatments on October 16th.
My fatigue is gradually getting better each week, but still not back to normal. I have started to take vitamin B12 and I think it is helping. I have also been pushing myself out of bed each weekday morning at 5:20am to go run a couple of miles before work. It is amazing how fast you lose your physical stamina after a few short months. But, I'm running a little faster every day and hope to compete in the Best Buddies TN 5K in August.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Two Years Cancer Free
It was two years ago yesterday that my cancerous tumor was removed from my bladder and after my Cystoscope today, I know that I'm still cancer free. The scope procedure went very well today and my pain medication has kept me pain free all day. I will now have 6 months off before I go back for my next cystoscope. Then I will have my treatments a couple of weeks later.
My doctor stated that we will still have treatments until the end of 2014. But, then we will be finished with the BCG treatments. He also stated that the odds of recurrence go down after getting through the first two years. While I will be getting scoped for the rest of my life, the stress will definitely be much less after getting past this big milepost.
Thank you to everyone that have sent up prayers on my behalf. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like to have gone through these two years without my belief in God and the power of prayer. Being a Christian does not mean we will not have trials in our life. It means that we have the confidence that we will be okay no matter whether we live or die.
My doctor stated that we will still have treatments until the end of 2014. But, then we will be finished with the BCG treatments. He also stated that the odds of recurrence go down after getting through the first two years. While I will be getting scoped for the rest of my life, the stress will definitely be much less after getting past this big milepost.
Thank you to everyone that have sent up prayers on my behalf. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like to have gone through these two years without my belief in God and the power of prayer. Being a Christian does not mean we will not have trials in our life. It means that we have the confidence that we will be okay no matter whether we live or die.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Another Series of Three Treatments are Done!
Yesterday, I finished my last treatment in this series of three. Each treatment day gets progressively harder as you go through the three treatments. The last treatment had the usual installation procedure and I was able, due to the nice weather, to take a two mile walk during the two hour holding period. Besides being good exercise, the walk also helps to break up the two hours and unlike the first two treatments, I was not worried about making it to the end of the two hours.
My six hours of flushing the system dragged on as usual and because of the progressive nature of the three treatments, I had blood showing up for about four hours, versus only two hours for treatment #2 and none for treatment #1. It is not unusual to have the bleeding and it makes you feel like you know the BCG fluid and virus is working. I also had chills for most of the six hours, but they went away before bedtime. I was left with a bladder that aches and is still quite sore 24 hours later.
I spent the afternoon watching the second season of Downton Abbey and I'm looking forward to getting into the current season three. My daughter wants to go on a family trip to see the actual abbey and it will put on my bucket list as I love England.
The next major milestone will be April 10th, when I have my two year cancer checkup with the dreaded cystoscope. The two year anniversay is very important as any recurrence after the two year mark will put you probably back to square one of starting the BCG treatments all over again, versus the removal of the bladder. It's important to keep the orginal part as long as possible.
Thanks for everyone's prayers and concerns...
My six hours of flushing the system dragged on as usual and because of the progressive nature of the three treatments, I had blood showing up for about four hours, versus only two hours for treatment #2 and none for treatment #1. It is not unusual to have the bleeding and it makes you feel like you know the BCG fluid and virus is working. I also had chills for most of the six hours, but they went away before bedtime. I was left with a bladder that aches and is still quite sore 24 hours later.
I spent the afternoon watching the second season of Downton Abbey and I'm looking forward to getting into the current season three. My daughter wants to go on a family trip to see the actual abbey and it will put on my bucket list as I love England.
The next major milestone will be April 10th, when I have my two year cancer checkup with the dreaded cystoscope. The two year anniversay is very important as any recurrence after the two year mark will put you probably back to square one of starting the BCG treatments all over again, versus the removal of the bladder. It's important to keep the orginal part as long as possible.
Thanks for everyone's prayers and concerns...
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Two Down and One to Go.
Today was the second of my three weeks in a row of having my BCG treatments. This series of three will all be started at 8 in the morning, which is a blessing because the 8 hours are over between 4-5 pm. Just like last week the installation went extremely quick and well. They changed the protocol on how they administer the treatment and I'm not going to gross you out, so just take my word that the change is effective.
Today went well and I was able to get through it with just one pain pill. It was about in the middle of the pack for pain and didn't really call for taking any additional pain pills. It was the first time in a couple of treatments that I experienced blood while I voided my bladder. It is normal with this kind of treatment and certainly not excessive.
It was a long day that started with being waken by tornado sirens at 3 am (no tornado, just high winds) and then my normal alarm at 6am. I have my normal, sore and worn out bladder, but it is worth it with the continued great results.
With nothing good on TV during the day, I went through the entire first year (7 hours) of Downton Abbey. A very well done series by PBS. I'm looking forward to seeing the second year next week and getting up to date on the current season three very soon.
Today went well and I was able to get through it with just one pain pill. It was about in the middle of the pack for pain and didn't really call for taking any additional pain pills. It was the first time in a couple of treatments that I experienced blood while I voided my bladder. It is normal with this kind of treatment and certainly not excessive.
It was a long day that started with being waken by tornado sirens at 3 am (no tornado, just high winds) and then my normal alarm at 6am. I have my normal, sore and worn out bladder, but it is worth it with the continued great results.
With nothing good on TV during the day, I went through the entire first year (7 hours) of Downton Abbey. A very well done series by PBS. I'm looking forward to seeing the second year next week and getting up to date on the current season three very soon.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Sweet #16.
My eight treatment hours are done and it was again one of the best of the sixteen treatments.
The one thing that I've come to understand over the course of my 16 treatments is that you never know what to expect. You know that it is not going to be an easy day and like a good roller coaster, you just hold on to your seat and go where it takes you. I'm very thankful that today went well.
The doctor's appointment was early at 8 in the morning and I still don't have the early morning routine down for how much I can drink before going into the doctor's office. It is important to hold the BCG in the bladder for the entire 2 hours, while I sit in the La-Z-Boy and rock to keep it sloshing around. Needless to say, I was counting down the minutes and knew exactly when the 120 minutes were finished. I pumped myself with fluids all day and almost set a record for the number of trips to the bathroom. It seems that the more fluid intake the less pain I experience, so today was a good day.
I reread John Piper's, Don't Waste Your Cancer, this morning and it put me in a great frame of mind. I highly recommend the book to anyone going through cancer treatments.
Now I have six days of recovery and it all starts again next Wednesday at 8 am.
The one thing that I've come to understand over the course of my 16 treatments is that you never know what to expect. You know that it is not going to be an easy day and like a good roller coaster, you just hold on to your seat and go where it takes you. I'm very thankful that today went well.
The doctor's appointment was early at 8 in the morning and I still don't have the early morning routine down for how much I can drink before going into the doctor's office. It is important to hold the BCG in the bladder for the entire 2 hours, while I sit in the La-Z-Boy and rock to keep it sloshing around. Needless to say, I was counting down the minutes and knew exactly when the 120 minutes were finished. I pumped myself with fluids all day and almost set a record for the number of trips to the bathroom. It seems that the more fluid intake the less pain I experience, so today was a good day.
I reread John Piper's, Don't Waste Your Cancer, this morning and it put me in a great frame of mind. I highly recommend the book to anyone going through cancer treatments.
Now I have six days of recovery and it all starts again next Wednesday at 8 am.
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