Arpegio,
I will offer a couple of comments, but they won't answer your question.
First, some of the mystery about BCG is discussed in the FAQ by Mike O'Donnell at
thomaschallenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Mike-ODonnell-Protocol-long.pdf
The FAQ starts on page 13. The article is getting old, circa 1999.
As O'Donnell says, we have the SWOG/Lamm schedule because it has shown to be better than other schedules that have been tried.
Dr. Lamm has agreed with that, and in his blog he notes (not quoting) "there has been such success with the SWOG schedule that it would take a huge number of patients on another schedule to provide evidence of a better treatment plan. Dr Lamm also agrees with hold off treatments when necessary, giving time for the bladder to recover from a prior treatment. Over all, Lamm gives the impression that staying as close as reasonable to the SWOG schedule is important, but some variation .is acceptable.
I have had that discussion with a number of doctors. I have yet to meet one who is absolutely rigid on time between BCG treatments.
I would like a nice simple, one treatment plan is the best for all cases of bladder cancer. No one seems to have the answer. There IS a wide variation in treatment plan between doctors, and none I have asked have been able to give me a good reason for not following SWOG.
On the other side, many in this forum have reported short courses of BCD, without follow up treatment, and are doing well.
So , Is it OK to delay a BCG treatment ? I **Think** Dr Lamm believes it is. Nobody knows because no doctor will test that change on a large series of patients.
Unsatisfying answer. Sorry.
Best,
Jack