Beginning BCG

7 years 3 months ago #52553 by LillianG
Replied by LillianG on topic Beginning BCG
BCG isn't much fun, but it's doable, beats the alternatives, and works well for many. I've had a total of 12 treatments (6+3+3) and I start my third set of maintenance treatments in 2 weeks. It's been six months since my last set of BCG maintenance treatments, and I'm doing much better. The extra 3 months between treatments helps a lot.

I still get my treatments at full strength. The only thing I can recommend is to drink plenty of liquids after each treatment. I usually start consuming clear water about 20-30 minutes before my 2 hour hold time is up. That way, when the 2 hours are up and I can void the BCG, it's diluted and doesn't sting as it passes through my urethra. After I flush my bladder with a good 32 oz or more of clear water, I start drinking warm green Matcha tea, which seems to really soothe my bladder.

Hang in there and take care of you,
Lillian G

5/2015 4x2cm HG Ta Papillary TCC; 6 initial BCG followed by 3 sets of BCG maintenance. Ten scopes - all NED. Now at scope 1x year.

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7 years 3 months ago #52551 by Jay
Replied by Jay on topic Beginning BCG
Oh yeah, no fun at all!!! I've completed 2 years of BCG now and in February I start my first BCG after 6 months. It's been a nice break. Hopefully it won't be too bad for you, It may sound old school, but I found out lots of chicken soup afterwards helps flush me out! Jay

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7 years 3 months ago #52550 by Alan
Replied by Alan on topic Beginning BCG
I agree the whole thing is no fun BUT, I always asked myself is this really so bad? Chemo is brutal and a lot worse. This is doable! When this course is past you'll likely be saying the same. We also will still be here for questions, rants (they are OK also as it IS no fun), and other comments.

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.
The following user(s) said Thank You: lotech35

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7 years 3 months ago #52549 by mbmccauley
Replied by mbmccauley on topic Beginning BCG
So in a couple of hours I begin my first BCG treatment. Nervous and apprehensive. I know what I'm told but I still don't know what really to expect. The two hours of laying in different positions don't worry me so much. I just hate the thought of the catheter again.

8/9/16: 2cm tumor found on CT
8/10/16: cystoscopy
8/18/16: TURBT; HG Non-Invasive
9/29/16: 2nd TURBT clear
Completed first BCG regimen: 1/31/17

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7 years 3 months ago #52548 by Sean T
Replied by Sean T on topic Beginning BCG
Thanks Sara Anne. I came back to edit my post as I thought it might not be clear. I'm glad you got it.

08/16/16 - TURBT - 1 tumor, T1HG, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 1.8 cm, non-invasive papillary.
BCG treatments (15 doses total - last March, 2018). As of latest cysto, As of May 4, 2023 - cancer free!

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7 years 3 months ago #52547 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic Beginning BCG
The odds of getting TB from BCG are very very very low. It is an "attenuated" bacterium...that is it has been modified to make it hardly infective. It was first developed almost 100 years ago to vaccinate children.

The protocol I used was the one cup before flushing...and waiting about 20 minutes to flush...each time for six hours. Sometimes I "went" a couple of times during that 20 min!!

You will be fine

Sara Anne

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