Bcg and other health issues

5 years 1 month ago #56937 by Jack R
Replied by Jack R on topic Bcg and other health issues
Kimpricefinnamore

I have found it important that all of my treating doctors know all my conditions and treatments outside of their specialty, so that I can have the best care for ALL of my medical issues.

BCG "boosts" your immune system, calling it into action to fight bladder cancer. Steroids are used for a range of conditions, including managing (my) arthritis. BCG is locally active, and I am not aware of a direct interaction with other conditions; steroid use has caused concern among my doctors.

I have had doctors of different areas of practice concerned about how much steroids should be used given my multiple medical issues. Some docs have believed that BCG can reduce BCG effectiveness, others do not feel there is an issue. Some anesthesiologists and rheumatologists seem to believe that large doses of steroids are necessary.

I can't resolve conflicts such as steroid use, so I just make sure that all my doctors know what the others recommend. I let the doctors work it out. One of my doctors has agreed to be the contact with others to resolve medications. It helps a lot.

Do keep ALL of your doctors informed of problems and concerns as they arise. The care team can't help you until they know of a problem.

Best
Jack

6/2015 HG Papillary & CIS
3 Years and 30 BCG/BCG+Inf
Tis CIS comes back.
BC clear as of 5/17 !
RCC found in my one & only kidney 10/17
Begin Chemo; Cisplatin and Gemzar
8/18 begin Chemo# 3
Begin year 4 with cis
2/19 Chemo #4
9/19 NED again :)
1/2020 CIS is back
Tried Keytruda, stopped by side effects
Workin on a new plan for 2021

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5 years 1 month ago #56934 by Kimpricefinnamore
Replied by Kimpricefinnamore on topic Bcg and other health issues
I’m am in a Similar situation. I had my first BCG treatment for carcinoma in situ of the bladder this past Thursday. I also have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis which I have had for several years now , as well as an auto immune disease within my liver. I am wondering what the prognosis is for bladder cancer patients Who also have have auto immune diseases while taking BCG.

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5 years 1 month ago #56930 by Caregiver
Replied by Caregiver on topic Bcg and other health issues
Thanks for the heads up

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5 years 1 month ago #56928 by Jack R
Replied by Jack R on topic Bcg and other health issues
Caregiver

My arthritis flares for a day or two following each BCG instillation.

Hopefully, all of your husband's doctors and care team members are aware of each other and are interacting with each other to avoid any medication conflicts.

Your husband may or may not flare from BCG - but do keep your doctor informed of ALL problem that do arise. Help is available deal with problems and avoid unnecessary difficulty during BCG treatment once difficulties are reported.

Best
Jack

6/2015 HG Papillary & CIS
3 Years and 30 BCG/BCG+Inf
Tis CIS comes back.
BC clear as of 5/17 !
RCC found in my one & only kidney 10/17
Begin Chemo; Cisplatin and Gemzar
8/18 begin Chemo# 3
Begin year 4 with cis
2/19 Chemo #4
9/19 NED again :)
1/2020 CIS is back
Tried Keytruda, stopped by side effects
Workin on a new plan for 2021

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5 years 1 month ago #56926 by NotAlonewJesus
Replied by NotAlonewJesus on topic Bcg and other health issues
Amen. I am so glad to hear you are believers. Yes, going thru the healing process can be difficult at times but we know we are not alone. I will continue to keep you guys lifted up. God bless you. Sincerely, Michelle

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5 years 1 month ago #56925 by Caregiver
Replied by Caregiver on topic Bcg and other health issues
NotAlonewJesus: Thank you. Especially for your prayers. We are believers too and know that Jesus is our healer. It is sometimes hard to walk through the healing process. We live in NC. My husband is a veteran and is being treated at Salisbury. We believe we are getting excellent care there but because of the VA horror stories I do a lot of research too. I don't always just take their word for it. If you would like to connect sometime let me know and i will give you my personal email.

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