Preparing for BCG

10 years 3 months ago #45549 by pemquid
Replied by pemquid on topic Preparing for BCG
I had my husband go with me the first time I had BCG, as much for moral support as for driving as we are only 5 minutes from the hospital, but after that I went alone. I found that I did have some pain and spasms, especially the first few times I urinated after the instillation. However, I even had spasms after cystoscopy, so it wasn't unexpected. Sitting in a hot tub helped (in between trips to the toilet). If you find you have problems after your first treatment, you can ask your Dr. to give you a prescription for one of the medications given for "irritable bladder" and take that ahead of time. I used to take that plus a couple of ibuprufen beforehand. They will give you instructions about not drinking for a number of hours beforehand and emptyping your bladder right before the BCG instillation. The nurse also gave me a good tip which was to start drinking a lot of water about 1/2 hour before the 2-hour "holding" period is up and to keep drinking a lot thereafter. This will help flush the BCG out and thereby cut down on the irritative symptoms.

Over time if the symptoms are very severe they can cut the dose back to 1/3rd or even 1/10th and still have the same effect.

Best of luck to you!

Ann

Small TA Grade 1, May-06; recur (2 tiny), same, June-08; TURBTs both times. BCG begun July-08, dosage to 1/3rd May-10, completed treatment December-11. All clear since 2008.

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10 years 3 months ago #45542 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Preparing for BCG
Most of us have had annoying but bearable side affects. For me, after about the 3rd or 4th installation I learned I better know where the nearest restroom was within 30 seconds or I would go anyway! That lasted for 12-24 hours. You will likely have burning beside urgency. I think I remember more fatigue also.

It beats the serious chemo side effects for most. IF you have more serious reactions the dosage can often be cut 1/3 or even as much as 1/10 without losing efficacy (I think that is the correct word). There is more about BCG within this web site.

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.

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10 years 3 months ago #45541 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Preparing for BCG
I have always gone to my BCG treatments alone! It is about a 20-30-minute drive.
The side effects tend to hit a bit later...After an hour or so you really have to "go" but you bite your lips and get as close to a two-hour retention as you can!
The next few hours are quite uncomfortable...cramping, urgency....And then the next day or so you just feel awfully tired.

This is very do-able...You will be fine

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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10 years 3 months ago #45539 by Nix
Replied by Nix on topic Preparing for BCG
My husband drove the first round, but after that I drove myself . I think it is a good
idea to have someone with you at first, just to see how your bladder does with BCG, and to listen to the nurse for any helpful hints. Four ears are always
better than two:)

Nancy

Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07
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10 years 3 months ago #45538 by RHWilgus
Replied by RHWilgus on topic Preparing for BCG
How will I feel after my treatment? The receptionist said it would be okay for me to come alone and drive home afterwards. I am taking my wife along as my driver. It's not that I don't trust a receptionist, I just want to be careful. Any suggestions?

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10 years 4 months ago #45531 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Preparing for BCG
First, thanks for your Army service! As you have and will read there are many survivors here. I am 5 1/2 years out free from this disease. Pay attention to your URO, a second TURB is normal (I originally thought it meant he goofed up but, not at all) and BCG will likely destroy it from coming back. The follow ups are essential to stay on top of it should it come back. Keep postig and someone will have a helpful note or answer.

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.
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