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BCG in contact with tumor? (High grade CIS)
I have had 4 of the 6 initial treatment infusions
Of BCG. My Doc has not given any specific instruction about making sure the BCG makes direct contact with the tumor. CIS. Is direct contact to the tumor advised for the immune response go into effect? I read several articles where body positioning is required to make sure the BCG covers all the bladder lining. Some articles about BCG therapy does not recommend anything other than holding in the BCG for 1 to 2 hours, nothing about positioning. I do find holding in the BCG is easiest if I drive around in my car (Obviously in the sitting position). -
7 Replies
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sara.anne: That would be great for all of us!!! Thanks, Jay
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Jay, my story is a happy one, so far. Finished the BCG and BCG maintenance (I had CIS) and went from every three month cystoscopy exams at two years, to every six months up to 5 years, and now see my wonderful urologist only once a year!!!
So far no further treatment or anything!!!I am quite aware that this beast can return, but mostly I do not think of it at all….until a few weeks before my annual exam.
You will do this also!
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
sara.anne: I know everyone is different, but after the 3 months of treatment for 2 years, what happened then? I not near that timeframe yet, will have my questions ready when the time comes, just trying to see what other courses people have taken? I so glad I’m thinking 2 years out, before this forum I wasn’t even thinking 2016!!! Jay
Jay, Thanks for the input. I have not had surgery, just a biopsy diagnosing CIS flat tumor and a denuded. Pappilary something. I have read that you don’t want to get the BCG in the bloodstream. I am in the full on immediate BCG treatment…
Sara.anne, Not overthinking is pertinent to me in a big way. Thanks for the input…
Alan. Thanks, the Ballon image works…
Karnak
Welcome & glad that you found us but, as we also are sorry you have a reason to be here!
As far BCG installation. The bladder is similar to a small balloon or so I am told. Actually a muscle. My URO laughed when I asked if I should roll around. He said when empty the installation should pretty well be bathed in BCG. That said, I still played the game rotating every 15 minutes for 2 hours like a broiled chicken (picture this as funny)! I figured anyway it cant hurt, and that is my 2 cents worth. As you travel this journey, keep posting someone should be around to answer questions.
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.
Hi there!
I had the complete series of BCG…..6 weeks of basic and then maintenance every three months until 2 years had passed. Now almost 8 years in and still doing great.
I, too, had read that you should probably roll around a bit, and have read conflicting advice on line. But my urologist told me that the bladder is NOT that big and that just ordinary movements are plenty. He advised me not to overthink this!!! So I pass this advice on to you!
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
I’ve only been around here for a short time, but my urologists wanted everything healed inside my bladder before any BCG treatments. Before being treated at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), I had one BCG in a doctors office, told to go home, hold the BCG in, roll from side to side, back to front for 15 minutes each for a total of 2 hours and then urinate. I was also told to increase my water intake. This BCG treatment was the worst after effects I had and I think it was the drive home, letting the BCG sit in the bottom of my bladder. My 2nd of 6 treatments and my 1st 3 week maintenance were at CTCA. They keep you at the Hospital, do everything methodical, step by step and monitor you for the 3 hours from beginning to end. You have lab work before hand, prep, the instillation and make sure you are fine afterwards. There have been several examples of BCG treatments, but I do know my first BCG treatment was not what I wanted again. Good luck, Jay
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