Mixed Topic - BCG Questions

10 years 2 months ago #45716 by rbmc
Replied by rbmc on topic Mixed Topic - BCG Questions
All doctors have been advised of the BC/MF by me, the patient. Otherwise, they have no way of knowing what the other is up to. The immune deficiency issue just arose, so no time to ask yet, besides here.
Maintenance is only 3 treatments, so 2 more to go. Just one doesn't seem sufficient to quit now. I will continue with #2 tomorrow morning.

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10 years 2 months ago #45715 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Mixed Topic - BCG Questions
I guess if I had concerns such as yours, I would specifically bring this up with the urologist and the other doc. Wouldn't depend on them "knowing" what the other was up to.

Also, if you are only two treatments away from finishing the BCG, if probably wouldn't affect the effectiveness of the maintenance treatments to discontinue them now. My urologist says that many of his patients are not able to complete the entire series due to side effects, even at reduced dose. He is not terribly concerned if they are near the end of the series.

Sara Anne

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

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10 years 2 months ago - 10 years 2 months ago #45712 by rbmc
Mixed Topic - BCG Questions was created by rbmc
In my last 12 month update post, I 'veered' off topic to mention my new non-BC diagnosis, Myelofibrosis. Relentless snooping to better understand this condition has found some perplexing information regarding treatment for both BC and MF. I have 2 more BCG's to complete the maintenance treatment. I just started medication for MF (Jakafi). MF (or the med), can develop low white blood counts, an 'immune deficiency'.
Patients with low immunity are advised to avoid injections of 'live virus'. Some are even advised not to be around other people that have had them. In the confusion, up pops BCG, as being "questionable" for people with low immunity.
Both MF doctors, and the Urologist, are informed of both conditions and current treatments. Neither has expressed any concern of one affecting the other. BC itself seems to have no association/connection to MF. I will present my curious questions to them again. Has anyone else ever experienced a situation of 'low immunity' in regards to BCG treatment?
MF also alters red blood counts, high or low. Mine is low. One of the cautionary side effects of BCG is to notify your doctor if red counts start to drop. Why, and has anyone experienced this kind of condition? Thanks for listening to my confusing questions.

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