Gemcitabine vs. BCG

I have no other health issues, other than bladder cancer. Would have liked to try BCG Immunotherapy first, but I guess that is not an option.

Non Invasive High Grade T1-G3 for 3 1/2 years with 4 TURBT followed by BCG 1st 3 TURBT then developed BCG-Osis reaction so switched me to 6 weeks Gemzar/Gemcitibine since. Truth is with BCG the "Gold Standard" mine was returning 4-6 month intervals requiring another TURBT and all rest. Since went on the "Low Expectations" Gemzar I just got my 3rd 3 month "Clear Cystoscope" and am doing cysto x 3 months with 3 weeks Gemzar maintenance chemo between each scope. Each case is different this is who I am. God Bless and fight the vile disease with every tool you have.

Hello,

New Member, this is my first post. I am a 41 year old male diagnosed with Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Ta low value in August of 2019. I am currently on my second recurrence (3rd TURBT procedure scheduled for July). Non-smoker, however Mother who is 72 was also diagnosed with the same cancer. Would have enjoyed another 30 years before this diagnosis but this was the hand I was dealt.

After this procedure I plan to follow up with Intravesical treatment. While I thought I would be a candidate for BCG treatment it has been explained to me that "I am not sick enough" to be given BCG treatment and instead my treatment option is limited to Gemcitabine (8 weeks Consecutive) then followed up with Monthly installations for 10 additional months. If I were to qualify for BCG my understanding is this would be 6 weeks BCG. Obviously 6 catheters, is way more appealing then 18 catheters.

Putting the unpleasant catheter experience to the side, it has not really been explained to me (Or I have not asked the right questions) the difference between immunotherapy vs. chemotherapy for someone in my position. While I have reviewed some scientific information regarding Gemcitabine vs. BCG, there does not appear to be anything conclusive as to the benefit Gemcitabine over BCG. Is Gemcitabine an experimental treatment? BCG has been used for over 40 years as a proven treatment for NMIBC. Has anyone had experience with Gemcitabine administered via catheter for an entire year with good results?

I am aware there is a BCG shortage which has Doctors putting people in my position on alternative treatments. However it is frustrating that there is a possibility I might very well benefit from Immunotherapy vs. Chemotherapy, but Immunotherapy is not an option even after my third TURBT.