ThriveWell Cancer Foundation Dude Eric Bockler: Bladder Cancer Survivor
For 56 years of my life, I had no significant physical limitations and rarely got sick.
During my working life, I had been a Naval Aviator, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant and
Computer Science High School Teacher.
My PCP referred me to Urology San Antonio due to occasional blood in my urine and
passing of some blood clots which caused me no pain. In June 2021, my life was unexpectedly changed forever when a golf ball sized tumor was detected in my bladder. Upon removal, the pathology report showed I had a High-Grade Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. I was referred to a bladder cancer specialist within Urology San Antonio. In August 2021, I was accepted into a clinical trial and selected for the “experimental”
chemotherapy & immunotherapy treatment. I received a combination of Enfortumab-vedotin (Padcev®) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) through 35 infusion treatments.
The process included surgery to remove my bladder, prostate, seminal vessels and some
lymph nodes. The doctor built an internal neobladder from a section of my small
intestine connected between my kidneys and urethra. The goals of the clinical trial were
to remove the cancer, not have it return and to extend your life. Problem was they are not
worried about your remaining quality of life. During my clinical trial, I got in touch with the Veteran’s Administration (VA). It was through the VA that I was introduced to the ThriveWell Diva & Dude program. My cancer health issue was treated though Urology San Antonio but I was offered no further assistance for my numerous treatment side-effects or other issues resulting from my life changing cancer reality. I’m currently working with the VA, trying to get my treatment side-effects under control and better deal with my life changes. Some of the challenges I have are fatigue and motivation. If I did what I feel like and had energy for, I would probably never leave the comfort of my house. Problem is
that isn’t much of a life. I need to force myself to get out and have some quality of life. This is where ThriveWell fits in. They have tons of free activities as part of their Diva&Dude Program that they encourage you to get involved in.
Here are some of the activates I participate in:
• An Exercise Class with the assistance of a Personal Trainer
• Artful Healing (I’m proof you need no artistic skills.)
• Nutrition Classes
• Thriving in Every Color Support Group – this is important as you get the opportunity to talk with other cancer patients/survivors who can relate to what you are going through.