BCG Treatment Journey

Hank,  Sounds like you are heading in the right direction.  My only suggestion, not related to BCG, which ever hotel/motel you are using, sign up for the rewards program.  If you end up on my 3 year program, you might gather enough points for a couple of free nights.  Glad your treatments are going well, hope your outcomes continue.  Eddie

Eddie, glad to hear you have the first course of 6 BCG treatments behind you.  I am praying your cystoscopy is encouraging news.  I had my second BCG treatment yesterday.  The instillation went smoothly, and I did my flipping around at the motel.  I have yet to experience the burning that I know is coming.  Probably the least favorite part so far is the insertion of the catheter.  I requested that they use the smallest one, and so far they have complied. Still not my favorite part, but I know it is necessary.  I now have 4 to go, and a cystoscopy scheduled for April 25th.  I appreciate your posts and hopefully others can learn something from the thread.  Good Luck!!

6 down and about 21 to go. I had my 6th BCG Treatment yesterday. Everything went as expected. As in the past, holding it for 2 hours went well. I have learned how to moderate my liquid intake so I can get the full benefit from the treatment. The next 6 to 8 hours were pretty much as usual. Better than treatment #4 but not as good as treatment #5. All the urgency and burning was tolerable and again, after about 8 hours, things subsided as if nothing had happened. I hope that continues in the future. OK, 3 weeks away from a cystoscopy so the Doc can tell me which direction we are heading in. I will post my results and plan once she tells me. Keep pushing everyone, my prayers are with you all!! Hank, I hope everything went well on Monday. Eddie

Hey, Thanks for keeping us newbies posted.  I had my first BCG infustion on Monday and was pleasantly surprised how smoothly the procedure went.  Before the nurse started, I asked that she use the smallest catheter she had and she stepped out and came back with it.  She was worried that it would take too long to infuse the BCG, but it turned out to not be an issue.  I experienced no burning sensation after the two hour wait.  I consider myself lucky for that, but thanks to Eddie, I kind of know that future treatments, I may not be so lucky.  I also bought the AZO and intend to use it if needed.

Five down, 22 or so to go. I had my 5th BCG treatment on Tuesday. Since the 4th one was a little tougher, I decided to try a product for stinging/burning and urgency called AZO. I took it at the 2 hour mark, just before I expelled the dose of BCG. Everything went as normal during my treatment and the 2 hour waiting period again. The second emptying went smooth also. Then as usual I would start to feel burning for the next 6 or 7 times but this time it was greatly reduced from the 4th treatment. Maybe the AZO worked. I also had an orangish tint to the urine (from the AZO) and my urgency was not as bad as last time. I had plenty of time to get to the bathroom. Now don't get me wrong, it still sting/burned a little but nothing like the last time. Then, as before, it all calmed down about 8 hours in. No urgency or burning, still a little Orange. I took a second dose of AZO about 4&1/2 hours after my first urination to carry me thru the final hours. Number 6 next Tuesday, then a 3 week break and in for a Cystoscopy (camera check) to see what it looks like in there. That will determine my future course of action. I'll keep you posted. Eddie

Hank, You are finally on your way.  Having my 5th tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.  I think I am going to try AZO this time.  Couldn't hurt, just makes your pee a little orange for a short while.  Let me know how it goes today for you.  I'll stay in touch.  Eddie