Carcinoma In Situ diagnosis

duhhawaiian:

I don't know what would work best for you but I can tell you my personal experience. I have CIS and originally had the 6 week induction
phase of BCG. Had the follow up cystoscopy and cytology. They were suspicious. Had a turbt and biopsy showed CIS. Dr said that does not necessarily mean BCG failed for me because on some patients it takes a little longer to work, I believe he said it could still work up to 6 month's. He did another 6 week induction of BCG on me. My next three cystoscopies have been negative. Last two cytologies have been negative. Waiting for the results of latest cytology that was done on 2/4/22. Bottom line is so far staying with BCG has worked for me. But your decision will be between you and your doctor. Each of us has unique circumstances. Fortunately my CIS did not spread all over the bladder. It was just small area's on the dome and one side. My doctor does three weeks of maintenance BCG after my quarterly cystoscopies as well. So far I have had 18 BCG treatments.

I've read that Gemcitabine can be an effective treatment as well. 

Good luck on your decision and keep us posted! We all learn from each other.

Clyde

Hi Sara Anne,    I had the TRBT about 9 months ago for gross bleeding in bladder. .  Then did the 6 weeks of BCG.  My urologist said the bladder looked ok after the cystoscope.   I asked about doing the maintenance BCG but he said we don't do it that way.  Had the cystoscope 3 months later and it looked fishy so I got the urinalysis.  That came back suspect so we did the biopsy.  The biopsy came back with CIS.  Would you do the BCG again or Gemcitabine like the urologist wants to do now.  Not a good situation now.  I'm thinking BCG myself.    Thank you much,     Duhhawaiian

Update: Had my 3 month cystoscopy and cytology test and both were negative for cancer! Now I'll start my next round of maintenance BCG....#'s 16,17 & 18 for me. 

The Dr did see some inflammation  in the bladder from the BCG. So far I've tolerated the BCG well. Hopefully that will continue. It's amazing how BCG can work to stimulate your own body to get rid of CIS in the bladder. I'll never complain about any minor side effects from BCG. Definitely worth it!

Good luck to all on this journey of ours!