BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?

12 years 9 months ago #37921 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?
Well, I hope someone else will chime in here....My understanding is that for low-grade, first occurrence, papillary tumors, BCG is not always very effective and is not always given. So not sure about the dose/timing.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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12 years 9 months ago #37920 by DougG
Bambi,

It is hopeful that the pain, etc. associated with the BCG means that it is doing its work. Has your husband talked to the doctor about reducing the strength of the BCG? I think Sara Ann mentioned going to 1/3 strength. Is your husband feeling any better?

Anita (Doug's wife)

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12 years 9 months ago #37919 by dgarlick
Sara,
Generally when the tumors are removed, and they are low-grade non-invasive. Are there usually more than 6 treatments with BCG?
dgarlick

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12 years 9 months ago #37914 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?
Sorry that you have "communication problems" with your uro.
If it continues, you might need to consider a change?

go to
www.bcgoncology.com/drlamm/
for some very good information on BCG treatment options. Dr. Lamm has done a LOT of highly regarded research in the area and is considered a reputable expert in the field.

As many of us have learned, it is absolutely necessary to become an
expert of sorts so that you are able to participate in decision-making in your treatment. If your doctor doesn't encourage this partnership, .......

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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12 years 9 months ago #37913 by lustron591
Replied by lustron591 on topic BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?
thanks for the idea of reducing dosage -- i have no idea what i was given and had no idea there were dosage options. hmmm ... then again, my doc isn't much of a talker and has the bedside manner of attila the hun.

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12 years 9 months ago #37911 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG treatments- Any tips for easing discomfort?
My sincere sympathy!! (been there, done that)
What dose of BCG are you on? As we progressed through the
series, my uro reduced the dose down to 1/3 the original, which
made it much more manageable. Dr. Lamm, whose protocol many of our doctors are following, says that it is possible to go down to 1/10 the "ususal" dose. My uro says that the only reason for the "usual" initial dose is that this is how it was originally packaged and distributed by the manufacturer....how is that for science!!?
Anyway, you might discuss a reduction in dose with your doctor.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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