bcg

5 years 3 weeks ago #57016 by ella2004
Replied by ella2004 on topic bcg
Appreciate your response helped me !!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

5 years 3 weeks ago #57015 by ella2004
Replied by ella2004 on topic bcg
Thank You appreciate your information !

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

5 years 3 weeks ago - 5 years 3 weeks ago #57014 by ella2004
Replied by ella2004 on topic bcg
Thank You , Sara Anne your answer was insightful !

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

5 years 3 weeks ago #57008 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic bcg
There are multiple protocols for BCG. The most common is to have it once a week for 6 weeks. If after a few months you are clear many urologists recommend maintenance doses for up to two years. This has been shown to significantly increase effectiveness in high grade bladder cancer. In my case I had BCG once a week for three weeks every three months during the maintenance period. Different doctors have different recommendations,.
I would discuss with your urologist the pros and cons of maintenance BCG therapy.

Oncologists usually do not get involved in treating bladder cancer until it has spread outside the bladder.

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: ella2004

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

5 years 3 weeks ago #57006 by Regor
Replied by Regor on topic bcg
As my example (I've only been through 1 BCG so far, last week).

BCG once a week for 6 weeks (Induction)
6 weeks of a break/bladder healing
Cystography

If nothing show on Cryptography, go into Maintenance
BCG 3 weeks every 3 months
6 weeks of a break/bladder healing
Cystography

TURBT Jan 2019; Diag: CIS
Induction BCG (Mar 19) /Maint BCG (Aug 19)
TURBT Nov 2019; Diag: CIS
Repeat Induction BCG - Jan 2020 Complete
The following user(s) said Thank You: ella2004

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

5 years 3 weeks ago - 5 years 3 weeks ago #57005 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic bcg
Ella2004,

Welcome. BCG is normally done in the URO's office. All of 10-15 minutes as you will be asked for a urine sample just to make sure there is no UTI or bleeding. Once a week for 6 weeks is standard although don't get hung up 6. It was an accident way back when (45 years ago) where 6 just worked. May have as much to do with packaging as anything.

There are MANY protocols over time on how many etc. My URO had me do 6, wait 6 weeks then another 6 weeks of once a week and that was it. The most common would be 6 installations followed by 3 more after 3 months and repeated several times graduating to 3 every 6 months until done...usually over 3-4 years. I have read about once a month for a year among others.

Don't get too hung up getting the first 6 done on schedule. Many have irritations etc that sometimes push this over 7 or 8 weeks. The important thing is to try and the the 6 as a start. Ask away as you have other questions. Someone will have some insight.

DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
The following user(s) said Thank You: ella2004

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne