BCG Treatment and Self-cath

7 years 4 months ago #52350 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic BCG Treatment and Self-cath
I will add my 2 cents worth. The probability of a problem is very small, maybe a little higher in your situation. BCG was a concern also of mine but, my URO said if it was that toxic or dangerous he would not let his nurses handle it nor would he administer it. Practicing good hygiene has to the key. Plus, I'd just make sure your Doc consults an auto immune expert in case he considers that an issue.

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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7 years 4 months ago #52347 by Shinman
Replied by Shinman on topic BCG Treatment and Self-cath
Thank you for your response. I am so happy that you are nine years out and cancer free.

It is so reassuring to belong to this forum, for support and first hand information. I had the papillary tumor removed last Tuesday, but the pathology indicated CIS too. We meet with a Uro-oncologist this Tuesday.

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7 years 4 months ago #52334 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic BCG Treatment and Self-cath
Welcome to the Forum!!

BCG is absolutely the best current treatment for CIS, so it is well worth your efforts to have it. Remember that it is NOT an active TB agent, but one that was modified in the laboratory many many years ago to use as a vaccine in children. It is, however, a live bacterium, so caution is advised.

You ought to be fine as long as you are careful...washing hands and everything else carefully after use and using disposable, one-time-only catheters for this.
Of course, your doctor is the one to give you definitive advice on how to handle this.

As someone who had CIS and BCG, and is now almost 9 years cancer-free, I wish you the best of luck!!!

Sara Anne

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

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7 years 4 months ago - 7 years 4 months ago #52333 by Shinman
BCG Treatment and Self-cath was created by Shinman
I am newly diagnosed with CIS. I had the tumor removed 3 days ago. Urologist is recommending BCG. I self-cath as my bladder does not squeeze properly. Anyone else in my boat? I am concerned about TB infection since self-catherizing is messier than normal urination.

Of course, I am scared.I am a 65 year old man, never smoked, quite active, with significant auto-immune disease as well. Can anyone help me?

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