BCG follow-up

15 years 11 months ago #14960 by Nix
Replied by Nix on topic BCG follow-up
Thanks Craig,

I appreciate the info. I have researched everything I can, and you are so right when you say it comes down to the individual. My Uro has been very supportive when I get second, third and even forth opinions from other doctors. One at Barnes St Louis, another cancer Uro here in FL and also the Moffitt Cancer. All concur - I was hoping bladder will take all BCG I need. I was a little alarmed when the Dr at the Moffitt Center said he had to remove bladders because of the BCG not cancer. (Of course, I panic frequently since BC) :)
So far so good, Two clear cysto's hoping for one more June 9th. I am finally getting to a normal life in between cystos.
I did have an infection after the second one (out of three) I am hoping the antibiotic takes care of it.

Good luck in May, I hope your Uro stays on the maintanance - that seems to be the best avenue.

Nancy

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07

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15 years 11 months ago #14954 by cstockton
Replied by cstockton on topic BCG follow-up
Nancy,

It is wise of you to be researching and asking questions, of both your urologist and others. Concerning the reduced dose, I believe that this is done if your reaction to the full dose is too severe. Each person has to decide for themselves how much of a reaction they can handle. For myself, I have decided that if the dose is tolerable (even if uncomfortable) then I will continue with full dose. For me, reducing the risk of recurrance is more important to me than reducing my discomfort. But, again, everyone has to decide these things for themselves.

My own reactions to the full dose (81cc) have been a feverish feeling on the evening of the treatment, and bladder spasms until evening. I have found that eating and drinking nothing from two hours prior to the treatment until my first voiding (two hours after) has helped ensure that the treatment impacts my bladder as expected (debris and blood during the 6 hours after my treatment). For the first three treatments, I was taking large amounts of water immediately after receiving the instillment, and feel that this may have diluted the treatment too much. I now hold off drinking until after my first voiding, and drink 13 ounces following each voiding there after. This seems to help clear out my bladder quickly, and I believe to reduce what could be greater reactions. Like you, I do feel very tired the next day, and sometimes am still a bit drowsey the day after that.

Keep in mind that Tb in your bladder triggers your immune system at many levels, which is exactly what helps kill any cancer that may be developing there. Just like any bacterial infection, your body will get exhausted. If your body's reaction is too subtle, then the treatment may not be causing the desired result. I am encouraged to hear that your body IS reacting to the treatments in the manner you describe, as that seems to fall well within the desired results noted in Dr. Lamm's protocol.

Concerning the schedule, it appears that the regimen you are on is what is called the SWOG protocol, which is recommended by Dr. Lamm, and seems to be the most widely used. At the bottom of the document (linked by Patricia), you will find a summary of the schedule, which has helped me to plan ahead for what is to come.

Lastly, hearing about your experience after three rounds of treatment is encouraging to me. I just finished up my 6-week initial treatment, and have my next Cysto mid-May. At that time the urologist will let me know what will be the next step (he seems to be trying different regimens with different patients).

Be encouraged!!

Craig Stockton

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15 years 11 months ago #14948 by Nix
Replied by Nix on topic BCG follow-up
Hi Patricia,
That was my concern - A cancer Uro told me that he has had to remove bladders not because of the cancer but all the bcg. The bladder had shrunk. I will ask my Uro if the thinks a smaller dose is wiser. I guess I will see in June - hopefully the scan will be clear! Thanks Pat- you are always there!

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07

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15 years 11 months ago #14947 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic BCG follow-up
Nancy you might want to read Dr. Lamm's protocal...there's a bit of a difference in that he recommends reducing the dosage on subsequent use......
blcwebcafe.org/drlammsprotocol.asp
Pat

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15 years 11 months ago #14946 by Nix
BCG follow-up was created by Nix
I completed 6 BCG in late Nov. Had a Cysto in early Jan. All clear. Another Cysto in March and just finished my maintenace (3 BCG) yesterday. I am scheduled for another BCG in June if all clear another 3 BCG. Then my Uro said I would go to 6 month BCG.
I am doing fine with the BCG - full strength - just some spasams I did take some medication for the spasms this time and it did help - I had about 3 hrs of spasms (better than the 12 hr I had before}- and the last two BCG's I have been very tired the next day.
Is this the normal schedule? 6 BCG - 3 BCG - 3 BCG and then 6 month.

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07

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