Thursday, April 13, 2017

LUCKY ME - 2 DIFFERENT CANCERS

Having over a dozen people in my family diagnosed with cancer, I've always approached "growing up" with - not if I will get cancer but when??

As you all know, it has been 3 years and 3 months since my Lung Cancer diagnosis and everything that journey has entailed.  Well, yesterday I had a Cystoscopy to check a mass in my bladder.

It is approx. 1.5 cm in size and it is Bladder Cancer.  It is not from my primary tumors in my lungs but a totally separate tumor.  According to the Urologist, I will have surgery to remove the tumor.  It is called TURBT procedure. TURBT is a procedure in which bladder tumors can be removed from the bladder wall. This is a procedure performed completely with a scope that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It is generally performed in the hospital setting as an outpatient with the patient anesthetized.

6 weeks after the surgery I will begin chemotherapy.  BCG, Bacillus Calmette-GuĂ©rin, is the treatment.  Bladder cancer is the only cancer in which BCG is commonly used. Other agents have been used in bladder cancer, but none has surpassed the effectiveness of BCG.  In my case the BCG will administered in an induction (once weekly for 6 weeks), wait one month, then maintenance (once weekly for 3 weeks) course. Another 6-week course may be administered if a repeat cystoscopy reveals tumor persistence or recurrence. Induction therapy combined with maintenance therapy every 3-6 months for 1-3 years may provide more lasting results. Periodic bladder biopsies are usually necessary to assess response.

I will have BCG and Opdivo concurrently (at the same time).

So there you have it.  I am officially a Lung Cancer Survivor and I intend to be a Bladder Cancer Survivor.

I am currently awaiting on the hospital to call me to schedule the procedure.  I will update as soon as I know more.  

I continue to thank you for all your love, support and prayers.

4 comments :

  1. Thinking of you, Jennifer! Sending up prayers for strength and healing for you.

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  2. You're strength and courage are an inspiration.
    Best of luck! ❤

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  3. Oh Jen I'm so sorry. It sucks! I have you in my continued prayers. May God give you the strength you need to get though this next round.

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  4. Still thinking of you Jennifer! You are a heck of a strong woman! Prayers are sent your way! Please update when you can.

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