Starting BCG treatments what should I expect.

6 years 7 months ago #53799 by jjadus
Thanks that's what I thought. I have a standing order at the lab where I go for testing. I was instructed to give a urine sample every Monday for my BCG on Friday. I was so bummed about the cancelation of my first treatment. I was getting myself psyched up but I guess it's better to be safe.

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6 years 7 months ago #53798 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Starting BCG treatments what should I expect.
Too many white cells is another way of saying that there were signs of a bladder infection . They will never administered BCG if there's any sign at all of an infection present.

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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6 years 7 months ago #53797 by dtat60
Jjadus,

I have been through the initial 6X treatments and 1st 3X maint. treatments. I don't see my Doctor for the treatment. The Med Tech does it and it takes less than 15 minutes. I usually don't drink anything before going in just to make sure that my bladder is pretty empty.

First drop my trousers (leave socks and shoes on), they use a "16 French red rubber catheter" (it doesn't have the ballon- not needed), they inject a syringe of lidocaine, lube the end of the cath and insert. You don't really feel much until it passes through your prostate (assuming your male) and then just a slight sting. Just fight the urge to tense up by breathing deeply. She then lets your bladder drain if necessary (usually not in my case) and connects the vial of BCG (50cc) to the cath. It only take a couple of minutes and then she withdraws the cath - usually painless.

Not something you look forward to but not too bad. I had very few symptoms for my first 7 treatments but did have blood in urine for my last two. It went away after the first day. Drink lots of fluid after the holding period and it will usually burn some for the first 2-3 times you urinate. I usually take AZO if I have much burning and it helps. After the first day I've experienced very little symptoms other than a little burning and having to "go" a lot. I was told to let them know if I had any issues and they could reduce the dosage next time.

In my case I do think it inflamed my prostate because I could feel definite burning after sex - but not a big deal.

I'm sure everyone is different but this has been my experience. I hope it helps calm your anxieties. We are fortunate to have these treatments and just hope it continues to work for all of us.

Good Luck,
Dave

08/16 Blood in Urine;09/16 CT Scan, RPG, Cysto;10/16 TURBT;12/08 BL TURBT;01/17 6X BCG;05/17 NED, 3X BCG, 9/17 NED, 3X BCG,1/18 NED, 3X BCG,7/18 NED, 3X BCG
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6 years 7 months ago #53796 by jjadus
Well I was supposed to start my BCG treatments tomorrow but I got a call from my urologist to postpone the treatment. My urine sample came back from the lab with too many white blood cells. Not sure what that means, not given an explanation. Rescheduled for next Friday. Has this happened to anyone and what does it mean, getting concerned.

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6 years 7 months ago #53795 by jjadus
Hi cityxx, Thanks for letting me know about your experience with the BCG treatments. Tomorrow is my first treatment all and any feedback is enormous help to me. Thanks

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6 years 7 months ago #53794 by cltyxx
Jjadus,

I started my BCG about 1 month ago and on my way to 5th tomorrow.

I had wondered how to hold for 2 hours before my 1st treatment until I saw it was just only 50 cc liquid. It was not like a 500 ml water bottle, :)

Good luck!

Cltyxx
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