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Preparing for BCG
I have only been here for just over a month since I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. After the first procedure, the biopsy revealed non invasive type. The second procedure was done just two weeks ago and now we are preparing for 6 weeks of BCG treatments. I was in the Army for 22 years and I had to explain to my Army friends that BCG is not Birth Control Glasses which are issued to new soldiers. I guess I could use any encouraging remarks as I start these treatments. What should I look out for and what are some after effects.
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44 Replies
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The laser technique was done in the doctor’s office. He used the same equipment that he uses for scopes. I relaxed there and had a conversation with him while he laser-ed the few tumors.
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Hi RH. Congrats to you and your doc for a plan that had positive results. It’s time for the Happy Dance, and a welcome break in the routine. Positive thoughts will continue so you can hear those sweet two words after future scopes. On the laser technique, was that done right in the office, or did it require an out patient visit like the TURBTS?
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I’m going in for my 9th BCG treatment tomorrow. Like your husband, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer last October. After two TURBTs and 6 weeks of BCG treatments and then a rest for a month, we had another look and found a couple of small tumors. They were removed with a laser and that was followed by a dose of chemo. That was just a few days before I turned 62. Going back on 9 May, the doctor gave me the all clear. Hearing, “All Clear,” were the sweetest words you can hear. We are in the middle of three BCG treatments for preventative maintenance.
You both have to keep a positive attitude throughout. My wife was my rock. She was the one that kept me going in a positive way. My friends and coworkers helped, but my wife was and still is my best supporter. Finally, I just want you to know that prayers work.
My prayers and best wishes are with you.
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My husband was diagnosed 5/28, TURBT done 6/5, traumatic catheter caused a 5 hospital stay with bleeding. Invasive papillary urothelial cancer, high grade. BCG treatments scheduled for 7/23. Scheduled for a 2nd opinion on 6/27. He is 61, healthy otherwise. This rocked our world but we feel hopeful that treatment will work. Doing as much research as possible.
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I had my 3rd BCG treatment this morning. So far feeling OK. Did get real sleepy for a while. But that has happened after every treatment so far. I kinda expected it. I started drinking water at the hour mark. I think I over did it. 2 liters is definitely a little too much. So I’m gonna cut that back a little bit. Thanks always for listening and all the input you give. .
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When I was going through BCG a doctor had to be on the premises during the instillation. Maybe you Uro is in practice by himself?
Nancy
Nancy S
Ta CIS
dx Ta 11/06
dx Ta CIS 10/07
The BCG will still work fine despite your nagging delays. It’s great to finish that first round, then anticipate good results from the follow-up scope about 6 weeks later. Even if the scope is good, I would honestly anticipate more BCG for you down the road, to keep it that way. Your talk is good support too. Odd, my nurses were capable/qualified to perform the BCG if DR. had to be away?
Well I had to wait out 2 weeks because of bladder irritation and then bronchitis. Finally got my second treatment last Friday. I did start drinking water an hour before urinating. I did feel sleepy and a little achy for 24 hours. After that I felt fine. So I feel the water did make a difference. Thanks so much for telling me about it. I won’t be able to take BCG this week because my Dr is out of town. So hopefully back to it the following Friday.
kwhite…….I had to stop halfway into BCG with an infection, for antibiotics. Don’t worry, they will continue, and you’ll get the full round.
Good attitude, Kwhite! We’re pulling for you. Glad the water after 1 1/2 hours helped you. Thank you for passing on that good suggestion!
Anita
Anita
Forum Moderator
Caregiver
I am drinking lots of water. I just wish I had done so before releasing urine after BCG treatment. My doctor put me on keflex. But I had a reaction to it. So he changed it to bactrim. So far tolerating it well. But somewhere along the line the antibiotics caused a yeast infection. So he wants me to take diflucan. What a week. I keep trying to find the humor in it and stay positive.
My experience – start to drink about half an hour before time you should void. Then for the next couple of days keep throwing that wáter down – the more dilute the urine the less it irritates, and if you have picked up an infection, the constant flushing will help prevent it taking a hold.Just need to keep within dashing distance of the loo for a couple of days !!
I sorry to hear about the infection but once cleared you can continue. Glad he confirmed about how effective it is to have water after the BCG treatment, it really did help me.
Good luck to you!
Anne
Bladder infections are not uncommon when they keep sticking “things” up there!!
It probably doesn’t have a thing to do with the water…I had to delay several BCG
infusions either because of infection or, more commonly, the bladder was very irritated from the previous BCG.You are doing great!!
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
I went to Dr yesterday and they took a urine specimen. Sure enough it was a bladder infection. He put me on keflex. But I have to skip my treatment this Friday because of the infection. He did tell me something that I had already read on here and decided to do for my next treatment. He told me to wait until the BCG had been in my bladder for 1 1/2 hours and drink a lot of water. I didn’t do that last time. I waited until I emptied bladder before I started drinking water.maybe it could have made all the difference. Thanks for the input. I’m not gonna give up. I’m not a quitter. I am thankful that I found this group. The support and just reading what’s going on with others who are dealing with this disease helps me deal. Hopefully I can help others along the way my prayers are with you on your cysto. God bless.
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