The Treatment Plan

A few weeks ago, our family got the news no one ever wants to hear: Dave has high-grade, aggressive, muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Those words hit hard, and while they’re scary, we’re focusing on hope, strength, and the incredible care he’s receiving.

Because the cancer has moved into the muscle wall of the bladder, it has the potential to spread if left untreated. Because of that, the standard approach, and the one recommended by Dave’s doctors, starts with systemic chemotherapy.

We’re so grateful that Dave is under the care of Dr. Maha Hussain at Northwestern, one of the leading oncology specialists in urologic cancers. Warm, but direct, she reminded us how important it is to start treatment quickly, saying, “Where your cancer is today is not where it will be tomorrow.”

Over the last few weeks, Dave has had labwork, CAT scans, and an echocardiogram. The results from all of these tests will help ensure that he is healthy enough to receive Dose-dense MVAC, an aggressive four-drug chemotherapy regimen given in 14-day cycles.

After chemo, Dave will need a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) to ensure the best chance for a cure.

We know the road ahead won’t be easy, but with the right doctors and the love and support from all of you, we’re ready to take it one day at a time.