BCG Treatments Questions

9 years 4 months ago #47503 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG Treatments Questions
He won't give you BCG if there is any blood, microscopic or other, present. They always do a urinalysis before to check for this and for any signs of infection.
You did have a "wound" in the bladder from the TURB biopsies so it is not surprising that it opened up a bit...not quite healed.

Usually they wait a bit longer than two weeks before starting BCG....and this is why.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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9 years 4 months ago #47502 by alanlee
Replied by alanlee on topic BCG Treatments Questions
Thanks folks for your kind replies. Now I have another issue all of a sudden....there is some blood and a few clots in my urine, and I am scheduled for BCG Wednesday.....I called the Dr. who said to drink lots of water and he will check with me tomorrow, but he might need to postpone the treatment.

Has anyone had that issue? Its been 2 weeks since my last TURPT and there were no clots or blood until yesterday. :unsure:

Thanks in advance!

alanleee

2/2011: diagnosed with non invasive Type1 stage1...and had turbt in march....first follow up 5/19/11, had laser again as it re-occurred.
10/12/2011 TURPT with more bladder laser....still non invasive..
11/17/14 diag. with CIS non invasive, beginning BCG 11/26/14
2/2015 BCG did not work, had another...

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9 years 4 months ago #47501 by Theoks
Replied by Theoks on topic BCG Treatments Questions
My husband has CIS and has done well with the BCG treatments . We were told to use bleach for six hours after the treatment . Generally he has done well with the treatments with only one treatment where the BCG was reduced. The trick is to drink lots of water after the treatment and stay close to a bathroom . Usually by the next day or two you are fine . We are only a 1/1/2 years since diagnosis but so far the BCG is working. His regimen was 6 weeks of treatment then 3 treatments every 3 months for 3 years. Good Luck!

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9 years 4 months ago #47499 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG Treatments Questions
If I remember clearly, the bleach routine lasts about 4 hours or so. If you are like I was you will be uncomfortable for the duration of the day of the treatment with urgency and sort of crampiness. The next day I was OK, although often felt a bit of fatigue. Of course, your mileage may vary....

Have a happy Thanksgiving!!

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
The following user(s) said Thank You: alanlee

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9 years 4 months ago #47497 by alanlee
Replied by alanlee on topic BCG Treatments Questions
Thanks for your reply. I am just jittery. I am also concerned about the cleaning up after going, process...how often does that last? Anyone have anything to share about that? I understand the reasons but how long after the first time, do I have to continue using bkeach, not flushing, etc etc etc.

I have not changed my travel plans either. Is that wise or am I kidding myself. In between treatments I have some plans (thanksgiving, Christmas). Family stuff but I would rather not just sit around. Anyone have any experiences to share?

Many thanks to everyone.

alanlee

2/2011: diagnosed with non invasive Type1 stage1...and had turbt in march....first follow up 5/19/11, had laser again as it re-occurred.
10/12/2011 TURPT with more bladder laser....still non invasive..
11/17/14 diag. with CIS non invasive, beginning BCG 11/26/14
2/2015 BCG did not work, had another...

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9 years 4 months ago #47492 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG Treatments Questions
I had CIS then the BCG regimen you mentioned and am now cancer-free for six years. BCG is a cake-walk compared to bladder removal, so it is definitely worth a try. IF it should return after that, then that is a different story. I know that if it returns, for me, it would be "ggodbye bladder." BCG has been shown to significantly improve the odds, especially with high grade such as CIS. But this is a very personal decision and one only you can make.

As for the BCG, as you said there is a LOT to read about it on this Forum. I found it to be uncomfortable, but very do-able. It was nothing anywhere near what friends of mine who had chemo went through.

Best of luck to you

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
The following user(s) said Thank You: alanlee

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