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BCG PROGRESS
I am new to all this i have 2 questions,
#1 i am on Bcg installment 4 of 6 and it seems tike it gets harder each week is this common..#2 they say i also have low grade prostate cancer 3+3 what ever that is, but they say no need to do anythink about it, i say B.S. it is cancer and it is in my body and i want it out …any input is appreciated TY … ART
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5 Replies
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Wolfeborn,
Do enjoy the Holidays.
I take from your post that the wait, for the next scope to find out if the BCG has done the job, is rough. Yes, it is; we all want instant results.
The wait after BCG is needed to give the bladder tissues time to recover. Peeking in too soon can show inflammation that is hard to tell from cancer, and the BCG takes time to do the magic. Some sources suggest that it can take up to 6 months or so for BCG do all that it can.
SO, try to relax and really enjoy your time off from treatment while the BCG slowly goes about it’s business.
Best,
Jack
6/2015 HG Papillary & CIS
3 Years and 30 BCG/BCG+Inf
Tis CIS comes back.
BC clear as of 5/17 !
RCC found in my one & only kidney 10/17
Begin Chemo; Cisplatin and Gemzar
8/18 begin Chemo# 3
Begin year 4 with cis
2/19 Chemo #4
9/19 NED again :)
1/2020 CIS is back
Tried Keytruda, stopped by side effects
Workin on a new plan for 2021
I finished 6 weeks of my first time with bcg treatments now wait til jan for scope n results….gonna be long Holliday
I am now on my second round of BCG instillation for a non-invasive tumor. The first round very nearly eliminated the cancer, but a small spot remained. I did experience increasing irritation and urgency following each successive BCG treatment. I found that I can help eliminate the cramps, urgency, and burning by being pro-active. I take 1/2 of a 5 mg. tablet of Oxybutynin along with an antibiotic about 1 hour prior to instillation. Following instillation, I take 2 Axo tablets along with 2 acetaminophen. This allows me a modicum of comfort for the next two hours in which I have to retain the BCG. It helps me to keep it in for the prescribed time.
17 years ago, I was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer and underwent proton beam radiation. The treatment stopped the cancer, but the after-effects of the radiation likely caused my bladder cancer. My urologist said there was evidence of radiation burns on the bladder wall.
I have followed emerging information on the treatment of prostate cancer. Most likely, I would now be told to do “watchful waiting” as chances are, the slow-growing tumor would not have altered my life. Please keep in mind that all prostate cancer treatments have significant side effects. With surgery, you will likely encounter ED and incontinence. Radiation could make matters worse for your bladder. Although I am not a doctor, given the fact you are undergoing treatment for your bladder tumor, my advice is get a second opinion regarding what to do about the prostate cancer. Chances are you will be told that watching and waiting may be the best course right now. Research has shown that there is no difference in the life spans of those who have low-grade prostate CA and those who don’t. A lot can depend on your age, however.
Best of luck! Hang in there!!
TY VERY MUCH ALAN GOOD LUCK
Wolfeborn60,
Welcome. Answering directly to your questions. BCG for almost all symptoms and irritation are cumulative. Urgency, soreness, fatigue etc grow. The good news is these also uaually mean it is working. At the end of my regime which was a total of 12 I couldn’t hold it more than 30 minutes.
Prostate? While I have not had prostate cancer MANY that I know have nothing done if it is slow growing. The reasoning is something else will eventually end our loves and why do something invasive that is probably not needed.
With 2 cancers, personally I think I’d get a second opinion at a major teaching or hospital that deals with bladder cancer as those two organs are simply too close in the body. Chances are pretty good the advice you got is good, that is just me. Also, you will probably
outlive both of these!Someone else may have another insight or opinion.
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.Sign In to reply.