We have reached a pivotal moment in my cancer journey. Today, my oncologist confirmed that I am currently cancer free. Although there may still be microscopic traces of cancer in my body, they are not visible or detectable at all. My scans are the equivallent to someone who does not have cancer.
The bigger part of the news is how exceptionally well I responded to the chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. For someone to be diagnosed with high-grade, muscle evasive bladder cancer that has metasticized to their lungs, to achieve cancer free status in five months is remarkable. Only 5% of bladder cancer patients have done this.
Now this does not mean that my cancer will not be back. But it does up the chances that it may stay away. As mentioned in a previous post, if I can go two years of cancer free status, the likelihood it will return lowers. That will be my next goal and milestone. (well, every scan from this point on will be a milestone)
So what's next? Well, I will continue to be monitored for cancer signs going forward, and may at some point go back on some form of immunotherapy maintenance. They are not sure of this option yet, as they continue to work on lowering my creatinine levels. I also have a follow up with a nephrologist (kidney doctor) just so they can have a quick look at my kidneys and treat any damage that may have been caused by the immunotherapy.
My oncologist also ordered an MRI be done on my lumbar spine area to get a better look at what might be going on with my leg pain and stiffness. Once they have figured that out, they will be able to treat it appropriately. At this point they just aren't sure what is going on with it.
Finally, my urological oncologist believes it's time now to take out my ureteral stents. He will make arrangements for that somewhere toward the end of April. With the stents out, the frequency of urination (which keeps me up at night) should go away, and I should be back to normal urinary frequency.
If not for the leg issue, and the stents in place, I would pretty much be back to myself pre-cancer. (with the exception of the weight gain and puffy face due to the steroids, and the immunotherapy) The weight should go back to normal for me, but it's going to take some time for sure.
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