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Mitomycin-C Revisited
I had previously posted some questions regarding side-effects of mitomycin treatment, and thought I should post a follow-up. My TURB and mitomycin treatment occurred on Jan 8, and a few days following, I started to experience very frequent, strong urges to urinate and significant end-stream burning. Visible bleeding occurred for about 8 days. Now, nearly 2 months later, the urges have diminished, but I am still experiencing the burning – uncomfortable, but tolerable – and still have occasional bleeding (small amounts). Is there cause for concern? It seems to me to be an inordinately long recovery period.
An additional concern is that my doc wants to start BCG treatments as soon as possible. Is that advisable at this time? I’m concerned that the lingering effects of the mitomycin treatment could exacerbate any side-effects of the BCG and am thinking that BCG treatment should be delayed until I’m done with the current burning and bleeding. Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated.
Don7 Replies-
I had 8 weeks of Mitomycin C, and other than a rash on my hands did well, except one complication. My urologist poked too vigorously with the catheter one time. The catheterization was painful. Urinating the Mitiomycin out through the injured urethra resulted in urethritis, which recurred with every subsequent treatment. Since the urethritis developed only after the traumatic catheterization (the 4th or 5th one) I’m certain it was the cause. I’ve paid the price with a urethral stricutre which now continues to give me trouble. So urge your urologist to proceed gently.
-Warren
TaG3 + CIS 12/2000. TURB + Mitomycin C (No BCG)
Urethral stricture, urethroplasty 10/2009
CIS 11/2010 treated with BCG. CIS 5/2012 treated with BCG/interferon
T1G3 1/2013. Radical Cystectomy 3/5/2013, No invasive cancer. CIS in right ureter.
Incontinent. AUS implant 2/2014. AUS explant 5/2014
Pediatrician
Thanks kinadida…I hope I can say the same thing. I’m scheduled for eight weeks. Over-kill from a conservative doctor? I was told he will use 20mg rather than the 40mg that I hear horror stories on other sites. Again, thanks for the support
dx – Aug 2005
Five reoccurences (last 12/09 Ta high grade)
BCG Started 10/09 (2 6wk treatment)
BCG Maintenance started 4/10
Everyone responds different and my uro also did not make a big deal out of it. I was still a little concerned. However, I had 6 weeks of mitomycin, finishing in Dec 07 and didn’t have a moment of discomfort or any side effects. I was grateful as I know that is not everyone’s experience. Good luck to you. Hope you have an easy time of it.
am also new here…I start my first round of mitomycin next week (Monday) and also worried about the side effects. My urologist gives the impression that it is no big deal. I was first diagnosed in July of 2005 and just finished with my second surgery for a reoccurence. I guess I am looking for some reasurance that this treatment is less painful thant the TOR.
dx – Aug 2005
Five reoccurences (last 12/09 Ta high grade)
BCG Started 10/09 (2 6wk treatment)
BCG Maintenance started 4/10
Thanks, Rosemary & Patricia. It does sound like something unusual is going on. The chemical cystitis notion seems well worth pursuing. I’ll be seeing my uro Monday morning & I will be sure to discuss this possibility with him. Thanks again.
DonSounds like you may have chemical cystitis which happens sometimes with this drug…i would certainly make your uro aware of it as there are drugs to counter it……..Pat
Dear D.,
I’m really surprised to hear that you are still having after effects from Mitomycin.
I had a treatment with each of my TURB’s (about 6 weeks apart) and had zero problems with after effect.
If you are having burning and bleeding, for whatever reason, I would only assume that BCG’s are going to make it worse. My experience with BCG is that the burning and bleeding increased exponentially with each successive treatment.
This is really a call for your Doctor to make. He should be completely aware of all your bladder issues before going forward with the BCG.
During the midst of the worst of my burning and bleeding during BCG’s the Uro gave me a prescription of Prosed and it really helped with the burning, but not necessarily the bleeding…
It’s a lot to think about, but should be discussed thoroughly with your Doctor.
Please keep us posted.
Your friend,
Rosemary
Rosemary
Age – 55
T1 G3 – Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006Sign In to reply.
