There is a LOT of information on the Forum about BCG and side effects. You can use the "Search" function at the top right of this page. Please remember that people who have very minor side effects are not as likely to post about them as those who have PROBLEMS.
What was your diagnosis from the pathology report? BCG is very effective in high grade bladder cancer; not so much if the initial diagnosis is low grade.
Briefly, the purpose of BCG is to stimulate the immune system of the bladder tissue to reject the cancer cells. While the side effects vary, the tend to be minor during the first few administrations and increase as the immune system kicks up (which is what you want to happen.) In my case the day of administration was uncomfortable, with cramping and urgency and some bleeding. The most noticeable side effect was fatigue for a day or so after, and, as the treatments continued I sometimes felt as if I had an acute UTI...with burning and urgency. I didn't feel great, but could have worked (desk job) after the first day. I didn't, for example, go to concerts where I would have had to climb over a bunch of people to get to a restroom quickly, or fly on a plane.
As I mentioned above, the side effects do increase as the treatments continue. For high grade bladder cancer, an initial induction period of 6 weeks is usually prescribed, followed by maintenance treatments....generally for three weeks every three months for two years. By the time I completed this, I was down to 1/3 the original dose (as little as 1/10th as been shown to be effective) and several times had to skip a treatment due to excessive irritation from BCG-induced cystitis.
BCG was not the most fun I have had
but was very do-able and I am now almost 11 years cancer-free.
You will do fine also
Sara Anne