Linda
Congrats on finishing your initiation phase, I hope all has gone well and you were able to handle it okay.
Regarding your question - there are BCG shortages, but that doesn't mean you will not be able to get follow-up treatments. An open discussion with your health care team with this specific question is probably the first place to go for answers. Remember, they are there to help you, but you must be diligent in asking for direct answers.
I was involved in a research study (until I cold no longer tolerated the maintenance schedule) looking at the TICE strain (American version of BCG) and the TOKYO strain (European version of BCG) - so there were not shortage issues. I was in the TOKYO arm of the study, receiving 80mg installations, I did the initiation phase and 2.75 rounds of maintenance after which my bladder could no longer tolerate the treatments (interstitial cystitis resulting in bladder crippling [i.e. spasms, pain, frequency, continence issues]).
I have since been on the mend and most of the crippling (the term my oncologist used - not an actual medical condition) have cleared up.
When we decided I could no longer participate my doc explained that when this treatment was first develop only the initiation phase was performed, but over years of treatment usage there has been indication that follow-up maintenance improves outcomes (although it is only about a 2% difference).
I am currently being monitored with cystoscopies q3 months, but I should be changing to q6 months soon as it has been almost 2 years since I was diagnosed.
I have been told by my onco doc, as well a another urologist I sought out for more insight, that I am cancer free. That for all they know, the cancer won't come back, it is the cysto's and cytology that will continue until I hit the 5 year mark that will tell the ultimate outcome.
I am unsure if this has helped or not, but I just wanted to provide my experience, strength, and hope on the question.
Please keep us in the loop of your journey and remember you are not alone in all this - we are with you (here and in spirit) as you progress.
Ciao