first time to BCG treatment

4 years 5 months ago #58530 by sara.anne
Replied by sara.anne on topic first time to BCG treatment
There is a LOT about BCG on this Forum. If you use the search function at the top right of this page you will find a lot to read about. BCG is very do-able although it does have side effects. You will be asked to try to keep it in your bladder for about 2 hours.....not always easy to do and it is no big deal if you have to void early. I live about 25 minutes from the doc's office and was always able to get home.

The things that happen after the instillation are usually urgency, burning, and sometimes blood in the urine. The most common "side effects" are, first, fatigue. For the first few installations that is about it. The side effects DO increase as the treatments continue and this indicates that your immune system is kicking up which is exactly what you do want to happen. These discomforts..burning, urgency, and fatigue usually...are certainly easier to bear than the side effects from chemotherapy!

Remember when you read other's experiences with BCG in Forum posts that people who have no problems are not the most likely to post. We are very fortunate to have BCG as it is a real life-saver for those of us unfortunate enough to have high grade bladder cancer.

Please ask any questions that you may have. You will do well

Sara Anne

Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

4 years 5 months ago #58529 by JERRE
first time to BCG treatment was created by JERRE
had turmor removed, not in the muscle, but need to have 6 weeks of BCG do not know what to except.
need to know the truth, live alone, no family age 78

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne