Interferon. Has anyone had good results?

I had my cysto last week. The bladder looks good except for a perfect circle of inflammation around the neck where the urethra enters the bladder. I have no idea why, but this area is still inflamed and irritated. My urine cytology returned atypical cells, so my doctor wants to biopsy the site and we will see where this takes us.

What mystifies me is that the remainder of the bladder, which previously was covered with inflammation is now clear and normal looking. So, I don't know why the neck, which presumably had the most contact with BCG, would be the only area showing inflammation?

I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is still irritation from the BCG treatments. The area has always been inflamed since starting BCG treatment, but didn't come back as positive for cancer during the last biopsy. My doctor mentioned that atypical cells are not necessarily cancerous and are common when inflammation is present.

If it comes back positive, we will restart another round of BCG. If negative, then we simply continue on as we are now.

Vince

Hi Vince,

Good to hear that!

I had just 1 maintenance BCG back in Aug due to shortage and I am definitely happy with that. My doctor told me that one shot would just work fine.

I agree that food and intake (water) are critical. I have been working very diligently to keep my urine at a low alkaline level. Eat more vegetables and less red meat, no coffee/no alcohol. And of course, more exercise.

I do not know which works out but I believe that the changing of lifestyle is good. And I enjoy my life more,

Let's keep the good news coming!

That is great news. I have remained clear as well. Last Cysto and urine culture was at the end of July. I've now been moved out to Cysto every 6 months, which will take place in early January. I also never had to complete the maintenance treatments, as the shortage of BCG meant they were not giving it to anyone who had tested clear of cancer... Needless to say, that did not disappoint me one bit.

I still battle some irritation. My doctor believes that it is a remnant of the BCG treatments, and mainly impacting my prostate. I am on flomax until further notice. Life has returned to a semi-normal state. I am always aware of my fluid intake. I've stopped drinking coffee and my alcohol and red meat consumption are about 1/3 of what they used to be. I've been able to return to exercising on a regular basis.

It has been a long slog, but it keeps improving, so like you said, I just take it one day at a time.

Thanks and not sure how things will be ahead of me. Just one day at a time!

Thank you for sharing!
I am scheduled for my first cysto next week since my first round of BCG. Of course my stomach is starting to be in a knot worrying about the results and how well my body responded to the treatment.
I am a very positive person nature but I have to say this one is overwhelming

Ginette