I haven’t had any new procedures for my non- muscle-invasive- bladder- cancer since CT scans in 2019. With Mitomycin I certainly feel like it’s the devil I know, having had 42 rounds of it already in the “passive” treatment. There are two big differences with this EMDA: firstly the “active“ nature of it where the chemo is encouraged to go deeper and secondly being on a hospital ward when it takes effect instead of at home. New treatment is stressful until I know exactly what’s going to happen and how it’s going to affect me. It’s one reason I’m “bladder-blogging” to inform anyone going through it too.
After the EMDA the side effects were the usual with Mitomycin but more intense; an irritated bladder, increased “looing” and feeling tired. As expected the “vegan food” plan had only partially worked so I was grateful for emergency carrots, celery, veggie juice and cous cous brought in by my better half when he visited. Chats with cheerleaders, a magazine and Netflix helped me relax and zone out between trips to the loo.
Day two is often the worst day and it didn’t disappoint. It usually feels like a truck has hit me but this time a hurricane would be more apt. I tried to ignore the headache in the excitement of escaping early and when the hurricane passed I felt washed out, grey and listless with hardly any energy.
I have found some strategies to deal with feeling this washed out:
- Cancel plans and lay low
- Hydrate with water, herbal tea and juices
- Sleep as much as possible
- Relax don’t stress
- Do gentle yoga
- Meditate
- Do body scan meditations
- Eat tasty veggie rich foods when hungry
- Take long baths or showers
- Read, watch tv and wait for the worst to pass
The good news is if you feel it it is working!
Back for dose 2 of initial 6 on Wednesday!
Bladdergraffiti 