alternative therapies for bladder cancer?

I was diagnosed and have subsequently received the initial treatment for MIBC - camera insertion, basic ultra sound  scan, CT scan, TURBT proceedure, followed lastly by an MRI scan to determine if there has been a migration into the bladder surrounding lymph glands. The surgeon consultant, the only consultant  seen so far before the MRI, seemed to conclude that the only solution is to remove the whole of my bladder - a horrifying prospect that I would  prefer to avoid!  We have a consultation with an oncologist next week, hopefully to get the results of the MRI scan and to give us the information about chemo. treatment, it's effects and success from his experience and knowledge, rather than relying on the information and anecdotal examples on the internet.  It has been a worrying time with my wife worrying most.   We feel that we are in a situation we cannot control after a lifetime of very healthy living  - not smoking or consuming alcohol, tea or coffee for me.   In order to feel that I have some control I have been looking at alternatives for helping my condition whilst waiting for the wheels of the NHS  to turn - they have been brilliant and very professional so far.   Turmeric and bicarb. of soda(baking soda) are two of the substances that seem to have lots of input online.   Has anyone real personal and succcesful experience of using these substances?  If so, one wonders how it would be possible to determine any positive effects without running the scanning gauntlet yet again?    I have even started looking at Herbal Medicine with Chinese Traditional Medicine next on my to do list.  It all seems better than just sitting and waiting.    Cancer is one of those unfortunate things that surrounds us all but you never really see it or understand it until you are personally involved.   Sorry to ramble on.  It's an age thing!

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    Hi Ralf

    Welcome to Cancer Chat, even though I'm sure that you would rather be anywhere else instead.

    I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It sounds as if you've already been through a lot with treatments and tests. without having to now consider total removal of the bladder - That wouldn't appeal to me either, although sometimes we don't really have a choice.

    Before you go to see the oncologist next week can I suggest that you would find it helpful to draw up a list of questions to ask him? I do this for every visit and take my husband along to write down the answers. You will find that you will only remember a very small percentage of the conversation at your consultation otherwise.

    I am glad to see that you are ready to ask him all the awkward questions, rather than relying on the Internet. This is a very sensible move, because it can be difficult to ensure accuracy with many of these. It does seem particularly unfair that you are a cancer victim, when you have lived a clean and healthy life.

    I see that you are looking at alternative therapies of different types. This is commendable. By all means research them this week. Write down anything that you are interested in and discuss these with your oncologist next week. Alternate medication can react with cancer medication, causing it to fail, so you do need to be careful.

    Do keep us up to date with your cancer journey. There is always someone here whenever you feel like talking.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine

     

  • Hi,

    I have just read your post being new to the forum. I hope you well. My husband is facing prospect of bladder removal. I wondered what your treatment finally became.