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more treatment questions
I have been following different peoples posts, and it seems as though, while it does not seem excrutiangly horrible, the bcg treatment scares me to no end. I am waiting for the insurance company to ok me for a 2nd opinion, and in the meantime, I would ask if at the in situ stage of the cancer, has anyone had anything other than the bcg? Has anyone ever tried any alternative approach such as holistic? Another fear I have is about the bleeding. I am A-Fib and take coumadin. I know these are some of the things I need to explore with a uro, but I like to hear infor from actual patients. Thanks
I have really gained some insight into this disease and appreciate the support all who who have responded to my queries have given. Thank you7 Replies-
hi inland.
now half-way through BCG’s, it’s an easy 5 minute procedure. And following the disinfecting process for 6 hr afterwards. My biggest side effect was increased frequency. But as Sara cleverly said, hope my bladder is getting angry and starting to fight back. Someone on other medications or health issues would have more concerns, all of which should be addressed. Good luck.
RB -
I would also agree that your primary doctor and uro should consult about giving BCG while on Coumadin. They may want to do bloodwork (Like checking an INR) before any BCG treatments just to make sure your coumadin dosage is right. Most people tolerate BCG treatments fairly well, and the dose can alway be reduced if the side effects become bothersome.
Personally, I would not count on holistic treatments in place of standard treatments. High grade tumors (which CIS is) can turn deadly if ignored or treated ineffectively. There’s some info out there that certain foods or supplements MAY reduce the risk of reoccurance/progression, but I haven’t personally seen any studies that would convince me to go holistic as an only form of treatment. I think holistic treatments can compliment standard treatments, but not replace them.
47 yo, Ta G3
Diagnosed 11-24-10
BCG induction starting 12/17/10 followed by BCG maintance.
I would also agree that your primary doctor and uro should consult about giving BCG while on Coumadin. They may want to do bloodwork (Like checking an INR) before any BCG treatments just to make sure your coumadin dosage is right. Most people tolerate BCG treatments fairly well, and the dose can alway be reduced if the side effects become bothersome.
Personally, I would not count on holistic treatments in place of standard treatments. High grade tumors (which CIS is) can turn deadly if ignored or treated ineffectively. There’s some info out there that certain foods or supplements MAY reduce the risk of reoccurance/progression, but I haven’t personally seen any studies that would convince me to go holistic as an only form of treatment. I think holistic treatments can compliment standard treatments, but not replace them.
47 yo, Ta G3
Diagnosed 11-24-10
BCG induction starting 12/17/10 followed by BCG maintance.
I agree that your primary care doc and uro should consult on this.
However, BCG is NOT a bad treatment (been there, done that) and is often a very effective treatment for CIS. Nothing else has been shown to be as effective, and this CAN be a very dangerous, aggressive cancer.BCG generally causes fatigue and burning, after the immediate discomfort of the first few hours post-treatment. The side effects do get a little more persistent as the treatments go on…this is exactly what we want to happen…we want our bladders to get really “angry” and fight the CIS. Rarely there are some worse side effects…even aspirin has some!!!
Your doctor can reduce the dose if the side effects become too intolerable. By the time I finished my course, we were down to 1/3 the starting dose….some go as low as 1/10.
This treatment is a walk-in-the-park compared to the usual chemotherapy regimens that patients with other, systemic, cancers have to undergo. We should all be thankful that a treatment like this is available.
Those of us who have had BCG are here to answer your questions and give advice!!!
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
I agree with Pat — before you start with the BCG, your uro and the doctor who put you on coumadin need to have a chat. Best wishes to you.
Anita
Anita
Forum Moderator
CaregiverWhat did they do when you had your first TURB? Did they not wean you down off of your coumadin?
BCG is the most effective for CIS…bleeding normally is not a problem unless you get a real reaction to the BCG. Sometimes they mix it with interferon and its more tolerable. Some people have very little reaction to it after the first 24 hrs.
But taking the coumadin is certainly a consideration and needs to be addressed with your uro and whoever put you on the coumadin…cardiologist?
hi IW –
Sorry to hear you’re looking at BC treatments. I would really push your insurance for that 2nd opinion (quickly). You are your own best patient advocate. Also, your Uro is your best friend in all this. I would strongly consider his knowledge over any holistic treatment. (think Steve Jobs….) Others on the forum that have had BCG will find your post and chime in. Good luck with this BC road. It’s bumpy, but you will make it to the other end.
Prayers with you –
Lynda
Lynda3 years UTIs
Indiana Pouch – July 2010
Pulmonary Met. – May 2011
Chemo started June 2011Sign In to reply.
