What are the side effects of chemo before bladder surgery?

Welcome to the community, and thank you for reaching out during what must be a challenging time. Chemotherapy side effects can vary significantly from person to person and depend on the specific medications used, but common experiences include fatigue, nausea, changes in appetite, and increased infection risk. Many community members find it helpful to discuss preparation strategies and coping techniques with their care team before treatment begins. Connecting with others who have walked this path can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your treatment journey.

I have ta3 mibc, I decided to have bladder removed, and cancer goes with it. As for chemo, I was on cycle of 6hr cisplastin, 2 weeks off then a 1 hrs treatment. To shrink the tumor. The 6hr treatment will most likely make you weak, the 1 hrs is ok. If need more info, contact me. If you decide on keeping bladder you will have chemo treatments rest your life, if decide on removal, you have 3 urinary diversion options. The neo and Indiana pouch require permanent self catherization, whereas the ileal conduit requires only changing bag every 3-5 days. You can view each option on YouTube in detail and make your decision. I chose ileal conduit, surgery not yet scheduled but is near. Good luck on your journey and may God be with you.

Thank you so much Gary Patterson. They've told me it's a probable bladder removal after installing a port and doing chemo. I won't know for sure until I see the Oncologist in early April. I will also opt for the ileal conduit if it comes to that. Is there chemo after the surgery too or just monitoring?

Just monitoring make sure cancer not come back

I have bladder cancer. I went through 3 rounds of chemo and they’ll remove my bladder May 5th. The chemo made me sick, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and extremely fatigued. I’m getting anxious now because it’s getting closer and I know the pain is going to be horrible

Pain depends on your urinary diversion options, ileal conduit is less painful and they have you up walking next day, expect 5-10 day hospital stay, but can't go home till either pass gas or have bowel movement.

Thank you Gary. I’m getting the Ileal Conduit.

Thanks Margaret. I pretty much expect the same treatment plan you described. I have only been talking to my urologist and the cancer care coordinator at the hospital. I don't see the Oncologist until next week to know for sure. Im a little anxious about all of it too. It's natural to feel that way, no one looks forward to suffering. I hope you have a good support team they are making a big difference for me. You're doing the right thing and connecting with people here that can really understand what you're going through. I also read an article in this app about music therapy. It's been so helpful. I made a Playlist that brings me so much peace and calmness. I highly recommend it. Meantime, know that people here care, we're rooting for you, and I will pray for you.

I chose the conduit when they removed my bladder and prostate (and vesicles and lymph nodes) a little over 3 months ago. Pain was high but tolerable without opioids. Worth mentioning is the itching that develops after 6+ hours of robotic surgery. All incisions itch like crazy, even months later. I use triamcinolone cream, which works well. I now have a Masters degree in stoma pouch change. And ongoing PET scans and Signatera tests to keep eyes on relapse.

What tyie of aggressive cancer do you have? I had Sarcomatoid Urethiel carcinoma. I had radical surgery without chemo first. I do have a stoma. I’m also 71.

Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma

I have micropapillary invasive, with carcinoma in situ and lymphovascular invasion. The surgeon didn't get a sample of the muscle wall be the believe it has invaded the muscle as well.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer August of 24. they removed the tumors and tried giving me chemo but I couldn't hold it so it didn't work. fortunately they didn't have to take bladder out but it did move out to the liver. and lungs. I've been on katruda and has helped a little because it's now in stable condition. the last two CAT scans been on it for just over a year. The only issue is with about 3 months ago it affected my joints and I think my arthritis has flared up which I never had. also they put me on pills just recently for thyroid issue so I start those today as well