Benign or Cancerous tumor, Do you get BCG for both

9 years 3 months ago #47961 by Jay
Is the following normal? I had my first BCG on Monday. Yesterday and today, Friday, when I'm at home I have the urge to urinate all the time, every 15 minutes or so. If I go for a walk or get out of the house I don't have any urges for 1 or 2 hours? I do feel a very slight urge/tingle all the time, figure its from the procedure and I'm burning when going and I refuse to take the pills they gave me for that with the side effects of changing colors of everything, including contact lenses and skin!!! (phenazopyrid 200mg) Thanks for any input, Jay

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9 years 3 months ago #47955 by Jay
Thanks for your response. I do remember him using the term high grade, but also stating it was superficial, not getting into the muscle or lining. I will as for the pathology report!

I would assume what I'm experiencing is normal. I can go out for a leisurely 3 mile walk for an hour or so and not feel the urge to urinate. As soon as I walk in the front door to my house, "BOOM" the urge hits. Then, I sit down maybe for 15 minutes, as soon as I get up, there's the urge and it happens almost each time I get up. Annoying, but if it means the BCG is doing it's job, I'm good with it. Thanks again:-)

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9 years 3 months ago #47954 by sara.anne
Yes, it would appear that the tumor was malignant. The next time you see the urologist, or go to his office, ask for a copy of the pathology report. You will want to know if it was high grade or low grade and what type it is.

Your experience is about par for the course. Its purpose is to kick up the immune system so that it rejects the cancer. The side effects you are having indicate that it is doing its job. If they become too bad, your doctor can reduce the dose significantly and it will still be effective.

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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9 years 3 months ago #47953 by Jay
Wow, wondering now myself? Everything was moving so fast and I was sort of after the quick movement. I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer the same time, Urologist put that on hold to take care of the bladder. Urologist told me the tumor was cancerous, didn't see pathology report, going to check. Started BCG Jan. 5th. Felt okay on Tues., a little off on Wed, feel like crap today? Can't go back in time, hope I'm on the right track? At 62, still pretty active, hoping for better days after this is all over!

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9 years 3 months ago #47941 by sara.anne
What did the pathology report say about the characteristics of the tumor? I cannot imagine that you would be given BCG unless it is malignant.

Sara Anne

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

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9 years 3 months ago #47940 by Jay
I just had my first BCG treatment yesterday. I had a small tumor taken out just over a month ago. Whether the tumor is cancerous or benign, do you still or should you still go through the BCG treatment. Thanks

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