Since it is not clear that, at this stage, your husband would be facing bladder removal (the term is "cystectomy") the urologist no doubt thinks that it would not be in your best interest to discuss in detail things that probably have no bearing on his case. However, I know that you can't help wondering about it. Just let me say that there are many people here on this forum who have had this procedure done and are leading full lives. If you have to face this, which we trust that you won't, there is lots of information available.
The usual BCG treatment schedule is for a 6-week once a week series. This is then followed by maintenance treatments ...once a week for three weeks..every three months until two years have passed. This may be where you got the idea
that it is used multiple times. I think the urologist indicated that if the SERIES didn't work, cystectomy would be the best option. Sometimes, if the BCG series doesn't work, BCG plus interferon is tried.
However, IF the BCG doesn't work, and the cancer returns, there usually is no option but to remove the bladder. Your husband, however, is a long way from thinking about this remote possibility now.
Wishing you both the best of luck. He is fortunate to have you on his side!
Sara Anne
