It is not reasonable to ask you not to be scared because it is a very confusing time for your family. But, as someone who is fairly new (Dec 08)as well,and still learning the ropes, I can assure you that this part of it is not that bad. BCG reacts differently in different people. I have had 6 so far with varying degrees of reaction. Jack has had 30.I have returned to work directly after treatment, gone shopping, and last time actually fell asleep with the darn stuff still in me.(Not reccomended!) My experience to date has been either no side effects or some burning, bleeding, and debris. That may sound scary in itself but it usually only lasts about 12 hours. A few tylenol helps alot as well as drinking alot of water and vegging out on the couch for a while. I take my treatments on friday afternoon so I don't have to worry about work and can laze around like a goddess all weekend if I want! lol
Your son, on the other hand, may have very little reaction and breeze right through it. Everyone is different.Do I look forward to another round? NO! But if it keeps the cancer away then bring it on! Hope this helps. Hey,I know that if I can do it - anyone can!

Take care

Hi Bcn33

As Cynthia has said, there are many here who have been dx with the same type of bladder cancer as your son. My path reports indicate I have TA Grade1 tumors. I was dx in January 2006, have had several BCG treatments, and have been cancer free now 16 months.
I know in the beginning it is very confusing and worrisome.
But you have come to a place here, where we fellow survivors can help and guide you through this ordeal.
Ask as many questions as you wish.
Ensure your son gets a copy of his pathology report.
We are here for you and your son.
Jack

First of all take a deep breath you have to know that there are all kinds of stages and grades of bladder cancer and if you study ones that do not apply it will only confuse you and frighten you badly. Here are a few links that will help you. Know that you and your son are not alone in this we are here and you are in the company of half a million bladder cancer survivors in America alone. Keep posting and asking questions information it the biggest gift that you can give your son at this point. Remember if treated right that non invasive bladder cancer has a survival rate of over 90%.

Excerpt from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancers Centers Bladder Cancer Page

Stage 0—cancer cells have formed a small lump on the surface of the bladder lining (papillary carcinoma) without growing any deeper. Or, cancer cells are growing on the surface of the bladder lining without making a bump (carcinoma in situ), and without growing any deeper.

http://www.bladdercancersupport.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=102

Excerpt from the Cleveland Clinic Bladder Cancer Page

Intravesical therapy - Cancer treatment that is placed directly into the bladder through a catheter rather than being given by mouth or injected into a vein. The most common form of intravesical therapy used in bladder cancer is immunotherapy. This treatment causes the body's own immune system to attack the cancer. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is considered to be quite effective for treating low-stage bladder cancer. BCG, a vaccine derived from the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, is placed into the bladder. The body's immune systems will then respond to the cancer treatment and destroy bladder cancer cells. BCG is usually given once a week for six weeks. Sometimes long-term "maintenance" BCG therapy is given. BCG therapy may be combined with a transurethral resection of the tumor. Other intravesical therapies include interferon (immunotherapy) and mitomycin C (chemotherapy). Interferons are naturally occurring compounds that can help slow the growth of tumors. They are administered directly into the bladder through a catheter, just as BCG. Chemotherapy with mitomycin C can also be administered directly into the bladder. The way chemotherapy works as a cancer treatment is by affecting the DNA of any growing cancer cell. When given directly into the bladder, chemotherapy won’t reach other parts of the body, thus limiting unwanted side effects that can occur with systemic chemotherapy, which affects other organs.

http://www.bladdercancersupport.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=15&Itemid=63

Having trouble moving this so had to do it manually posted for bcn33

Son recently diagnosed with bladder cancer.."in situ" Wondered about the treatments, they are using tuberculin, I understand. I notice references to BCG in posts, what is that? Just trying to understand without scaring myself any further.