Painful cystoscope

Sorry that your husband has to go through this. I am going to sound a bit harsh here, but want to be sure there is no misunderstanding the situation. From what you said, your husband has "carcinoma" (that is the Latin word for cancer) and it is "flat," I am going to assume that he has "carcinoma in situ" which is a form of bladder cancer that is more like a rash on the bladder lining than a tumor. CIS is high grade and very dangerous if not treated. High grade means that it is rapidly dividing and thus has the potential to spread, rapidly.

I also assume that your husband has been prescribed BCG treatments and that these are what is causing the problem. BCG IS THE TREATMENT OF CHOICE FOR CIS and probably the one thing that can prevent it from spreading other than radical cystectomy (bladder removal.) If your husband thinks the cystoscopy for a few minutes is painful, wait until he has to have traditional chemotherapy or have his bladder removed....these make BCG treatments seem like a walk in the park. By not continuing with the treatments he may be signing his own death warrant.

I have had the full course of BCG....6 treatments followed by maintenance treatments for two years. I also had CIS and now have been cancer-free for almost 9 years. It was worth it.

I realize that as a female the cystoscopy entry is not quite the Big Deal it is with some males. He needs to talk seriously with his urologist about options. More numbing gel, perhaps even something like Valium prior to the treatments. If he does not get sympathy/help perhaps it is time to find a new urologist.

BUT make no mistake about it....abandoning the treatments now will only lead to much worse later.

I wish you both the very best

Sara Anne

Marijodon,

Welcome! We are all sorry for the reason to be here but, pat yourself on the back for being an advocate!

Cystoscopes? No fun but, it is "uncomfortable for about 30 seconds going through the prostate. Painful? Not really. Yes, I pee razor blades for a few voids after. Make sure he does get the numbing gel/lubricant. Heck, I have had 15+ of those lovely tests. It is doable.

Just a few thoughts. First how bad are the side affects on his treatment? Some do have to stop...very few. Perhaps your husband could read some of our posts about BCG (I am assuming that is his treatment). While it is no fun, it is doable and it WORKS. Yes some pain urinating, some have bladder spasms, fatigue, chills etc. This is WAY easier than chemo. All of us will be happy to respond or interact if that helps.