Last May, during Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, I shared my personal story with the disease. I was so thankful that my tumor was found to be non-invasive and with surgery was eliminated from my body. No additional treatment was needed except for quarterly scopes.
I knew that bladder cancer has a 50 – 80 percent chance of return. Each time I went for my bladder scope at the urologist’s office between 2018 and 2019 — I faced my fears. Would Dr. F find another tumor? If he did find another tumor, would it be non-invasive? Or on the positive side, would my bladder be forever cancer-free?
Orange ribbons are the symbol of bladder cancer. Photo courtesy of BCAN.org.
Chapter two in my bladder cancer story
In December, I was joyful when I reached the one year milestone with no new tumors.
Sadly, in March, I wasn’t as lucky.
“There’s another small lesion,” said Dr. F as he took the cystoscope out of my bladder. I was numb – not physically but emotionally. How could I have cancer when I’m feeling fine? There were no symptoms – no UTIs, no blood, no frequency.
“That’s why it’s important to have your scopes every three months, so we can hopefully catch things before they advance,” said Dr. F.
The end of March, I had my second bladder surgery. The tumor was removed and I awaited the results. Dealing with bladder cancer (or any kind of cancer diagnosis) is scary. I was really scared.
“The cancer was non-invasive. It’s a different kind of tumor than the first one,” said Dr. F as he reviewed the biopsy report. My first tumor was a non-invasive papillary tumor that grows out from the surface, the second tumor was carcinoma in situ, also known as Tis (CIS), a non-invasive flat tumor. “When cancer returns like this we recommend six weeks of BCG treatments,” advised Dr. F.
I was glad that the cancer was non-invasive. However, this second cancer diagnosis felt like an empty pit in my stomach — or should I say in my bladder. Why couldn’t I be among the percentage where it never comes back? Why did there need to be a chapter two in my cancer story?
More men are diagnosed with bladder cancer than women. Stats from BCAN.org.
Preparing for my weekly BCG treatments
Two weeks after surgery I began my BCG treatments. According to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), which is a great resource for those with the disease, “Bacille Calmette-Guerin or BCG is an intravesical immunotherapy treatment that causes an immune or allergic reaction in the bladder. It has been shown to kill cancer cells on the lining of the bladder. It is often preferred for patients who have high grade tumors or who have CIS (like what I had), to reduce the risk of recurrence.
“BCG is a chemically weakened form of tuberculosis material. It works because the bacteria create an immune response in the bladder. Because the bacteria are weakened, there is very little risk of infection from the bacteria.”
For the past four weeks, I have had BCG instilled directly into my bladder each Tuesday. It is not a painful procedure. Once installed, I am sent home to baste my bladder with the BCG inside for two hours without voiding. “Recline and turn the body every 15 minutes so the bladder is fully covered with BCG,” said Dr. F. “If you can, also put your legs up the wall at some point so the BCG reaches the upper bladder where your tumor was located.”
Can I put my legs up the wall? That’s a yoga pose! Can I turn every 15 minutes? Absolutely! On goes the iPhone timer, chiming when it’s ready for me to turn. Left side, belly down, right side, on my back. Then the legs go up the wall. All good, my bladder is basting as it should for 120 minutes.
Ooh, ah, ooh, ah! Time to let it all out. For the next six hours I am required to add two cups of bleach to the toilet and let it sit for 15 minutes each time I relieve myself. This helps to prevent any BCG contamination, since it is a form of TB. I take this step very seriously. If there’s ever a pandemic come to my house. I have bottles of bleach, bleach wipes, a huge box of disposable gloves, antiseptic hand wipes. (Do you think this Type A person is going to let one raindrop of BCG escape? Ooh, ah, ooh, ah — no, no, no!)
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer. (BCAN.org)
Healing my body, my mind, and my spirit
As I head into the last two weeks of BCG treatments, I am pleased to say that I haven’t experienced any significant side effects to date. Yes, I’m tired the day of the treatment and the day after. And I do have some frequency issues from the bladder being irritated. Overall, it’s been so far, so good. Plus, I feel blessed that I am able to get these BCG treatments, especially after hearing that the drug is in short supply and not readily available.
While my body is healing, my mind needs to mend too. With my daily yoga classes and teaching on hold (for the most part except for restorative yoga) during these weeks of treatments, my mind has tended to wander. Sometimes it wanders down the rabbit hole – fearing a future with cancer. Sometimes it wanders into the past — didn’t I have enough with the loss of my spouse 10 years ago? Then through mindfulness and coaching from my BFFs, I bring my spirit back into the present, into the here and now where it should be — celebrating every moment and being appreciative for all I have and all I can do each day.
Listening to inspiring podcasts
I’ve had opportunities to listen to some inspiring podcasts as I relax and slow down. One of my favorites was Oprah’s Master Class (go to iTunes to listen) with the actor Jeff Bridges. Jeff says: “Life has ups and downs and it’s all about the journey. Strikes and gutters. (note that Jeff was referring to bowling) Highs and lows that’s all life is.” I’m grateful that I’ve had many strikes through the years, especially during my life after 50. Cancer is just one of the gutters. I need to get that ball out of the gutter and get ready for my next strike.
Another Master Class podcast I liked was with broadcast journalist Robin Roberts.”This too shall pass,” Robin said she used to say to herself as she battled through breast cancer, MDS blood disorder and a stem cell transplant. Today Robin is well and leaving Good Morning America to pursue a new beauty venture. You’re right Robin, I feel that way about my bladder cancer, “this too shall pass.”
The angels are sending me positive signs
I know “this too shall pass” because the angels are sending me positive signs. Take a look at the two angel cards I drew the past two Fridays at the beginning of restorative yoga.
♥ The first week my angel card said “Wellness: The recovery of health and wellness is here.”
♥ Last week my angel card said “Be Gentle with Yourself – You’ve been through a lot and need time to heal and recover.”
My wellness angel card.
My second angel card.
You see what I mean? These angels are sending me messages.
According to the team at Conscious Reminder, “angel cards represent a way of tapping into angelic guidance which comes from angels that follow us every day. Such angels are everywhere around us, so angel readings will be the way in which we can tap into the wisdom of those angels. We can present our problem, or ask some questions, and they will help us and guide us towards the solution.”
Although I haven’t had a true reading (maybe I’ll have to find someone to do that), I’m taking this as a sign that my focus for now is all about my well-being and getting my mind, body, and spirit ready for the next strike. For sure I will have more highs and lows during my life after 60. I hope the angels will always be by my side as I travel this journey.
Before I leave for this week, I want to say thank you to my blog readers who have been with me through the strikes and gutters during these past 10+ years. Your support means the world to me. My hope is that by sharing my stories I can help others who may be going through similar experiences and know that they are not alone.
Judi
Judi I wish you well and no more Cancer!!!! You are too wonderful to have to go through this again!
Thanks Haralee. I so appreciate your support.
As you know, we missed you in Portland, but I’m glad to learn you’re almost finished your BCG treatments, so you can get ready for your next travel adventure. Looking forward to seeing you this summer in Brigantine.
Thanks Suzanne. I can’t wait for summer at the Jersey shore.
You are so very strong in mind and body. You will heal well. Remember that the stream of life contains rocks of all sizes, from pebbles to boulders. You’re currently in a slightly rocky phase right now, but it’s still only pebbles over which you must travel. Soon, it will be clear sailing. That is my wish for you.
Naomi, thanks for your good wishes and support.
Reader R said: “I just saw your post about the return of your bladder cancer. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this, but you are doing so with such grace and positivity. Thank you for sharing your story. You have so many people in your corner. Please count me among them! Sending healing energy your way…
What an amazing post, Judi. So important and caring for you to share your journey. I have a good friend who went through this and she is doing great. Special diet and must use a catheter. Blessings.
Thanks Beth. I’m glad to hear your friend is doing well. I wonder what type of diet she is on.
Judi, I can remember like it was yesterday, an oncologist telling my wife and me that the best thing you can do when faced with a cancer diagnosis is to maintain a positive outlook. You’ve nailed it! Thank you for this inspiring post. So happy to hear you are paying attention, taking action and staying positive! Sending lots of light!
Thanks Clif. I so appreciate you reading the post and your encouragement. Glad that you beat cancer too!
It was interesting to read that BCG treatments cause an allergic reaction in the bladder and are able to kill cancer cells at the same time. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to go through something so serious as cancer treatments. It’s good to know that there are treatments out there to help in the fight though!
Laurel, it is scary to go through cancer treatments but it’s also good to read that others have had success with these treatments. I hope I do too.