Jack's Story

[Jack Moon]

Jack’s Story: (Co-founder of Bladder Cancer Canada)

Diagnosis: TaG1-2: Superficial Non-Muscle Invasive, Low/Medium Grade bladder cancer

Treatment: TURBTs, BCG, Mitomycin

I was diagnosed on November 28th 2005 with TA Grade 1-2 bladder cancer. I had three tumors including1 tumor that was 5cm in size and Grade 2. When I had my first TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumour) surgery on December 5th, 2005, I spent 3 days in hospital due to excessive bleeding in the bladder.

In February 2006, after healing from my TURBT surgery, I began a regime of 6 BCG treatments, once a week for 6 weeks. I had 2 infections which delayed a couple of the treatments by 1 week each. I completed the 6th treatment in late April. I had no unusual side effects from the treatments other than urgency and burning during the day of each treatment.

My next check-up (cystoscopy exam) was in May of 2006, and 1 small tumor was found.  It was a TA Grade 1 (superficial, low grade). My second TURBT surgery was in June 2006, followed by an additional 6-week round of BCG treatments. This set of treatments did not get completed until September due to numerous infections. Again, I experienced no side effects except for urgency and burning the day of each treatment.

My next cystoscopy check-up was in December 2006 and I was clear. Now I am thinking we have this beat! My following cystoscopy exam was in April of 2007 and again all clear.

Now I was moved to a 6-month cystoscopy check-up schedule for a short period of time, so my next cystoscopy check-up was to be in October 2007.  1 small tumor was discovered at this exam, and again diagnosed as a TA Grade 1.  I was not feeling too good about the results at this point.

My third TURBT surgery was on November 10, 2007, followed by 1 instillation of a chemotherapy agent called Mitomycin C. After a lengthy discussion with my doctor, I persuaded him to let me have a third round of 6 more BCG treatments.

THIS WOULD BE MY LAST TURBT!!!!!!!!!!

I did seek a 2nd opinion at a major cancer centre at this time. They agreed with my original diagnosis and treatment plan.

The next 6 weekly treatments starting in January 2008 were no party this time. The side effects were numerous and lasted 2-3 days. Bladder urgency and burning when voiding lasted for 24-36 hours.  Muscle spasms and fatigue set in. I also experienced numerous bladder infections.

My urologist sent me to an infection specialist. After many tests, the specialist could not find any specific causes. He recommended that I start cranberry supplements and to take an antibiotic called Ciproflaxin 1 day preceding any further cystoscopies.  I have not had any infections since and still take the cranberry supplements to this day.

I then started 12 monthly BCG maintenance treatments which were completed in January 2009.  I was clear at my next follow-up cystoscopy check-up exam. In 2010, I was still “all clear” so my cystoscopy check-ups were moved to 6-month intervals.  In 2013, I continued to be “all clear” so I graduated to annual check-ups. I have been cancer free since 2007.

My diet changes through the journey have not been many, other than reducing red meat, and adding more vegetables to my diet. I started taking Vitamin D supplements in 2007, after seeing the results of a research project from Rochester that reported patients that consumed higher levels of Vitamin D showed an increase in positive results of BCG treatments.

I honestly believe that I kicked bladder cancer’s ass by being pro-active and keeping an extremely positive attitude.

BCG = Bladder Cancer Gone!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

• This topic was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Jack Moon.

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