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My journey with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment

Posted by ggarrepy @ggarrepy, Nov 9, 2022

I’m a 77 year old female. I just started the first of six BCG treatments for T1 high grade bladder cancer. I was so worried that I would not be able to hold it for the two hours but I did it with no problem at all. Turned over every 15 minutes and felt fine. I’ve been back home now for a few hours and feel perfectly normal. So grateful!

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ljashton | @ljashton | Feb 19, 2023
In reply to @ggarrepy "Today is my sixth BCG treatment in Madison. I’m holding and turning for my two hours...." + (show)
@ggarrepy

Today is my sixth BCG treatment in Madison. I’m holding and turning for my two hours. The first three sessions were no big deal, but I began to react more and more with the last three. I’m hoping it is a sign that it is working. Will know mid January when we take a look.
With T1Hg I’m not playing games with this. If the BCG fails, this bladder is out!

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How did your January visit go? My husband had spots during cystoscopy and scheduled for another TURBT. Dr said 50% chance of recurrence after second round of BCG. Of course, this is presuming the spots are
noninvasive and BCG will be appropriate. Will know more after the procedure on the 28th.

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1 reply
ggarrepy | @ggarrepy | Feb 19, 2023
In reply to @ljashton "How did your January visit go? My husband had spots during cystoscopy and scheduled for another..." + (show)
@ljashton

How did your January visit go? My husband had spots during cystoscopy and scheduled for another TURBT. Dr said 50% chance of recurrence after second round of BCG. Of course, this is presuming the spots are
noninvasive and BCG will be appropriate. Will know more after the procedure on the 28th.

Jump to this post

Well, five weeks after my BCG treatment, I had a cysto and they found two spots so had a TURBT and it came back high grade, lamina invasive, which is what it was before, but also suspicious for muscle invasive. So I’m on the OR schedule for March for a radical cystectomy Ileal conduit. I’m considered a BCG failure. Very aggressive. Having a PET this week to check on a pelvic node. We will see how that goes. 🙄

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1 reply
ljashton | @ljashton | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @ggarrepy "Well, five weeks after my BCG treatment, I had a cysto and they found two spots..." + (show)
@ggarrepy

Well, five weeks after my BCG treatment, I had a cysto and they found two spots so had a TURBT and it came back high grade, lamina invasive, which is what it was before, but also suspicious for muscle invasive. So I’m on the OR schedule for March for a radical cystectomy Ileal conduit. I’m considered a BCG failure. Very aggressive. Having a PET this week to check on a pelvic node. We will see how that goes. 🙄

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So sorry to hear the BCG failed. Will pray for successful surgery and recovery.
We were truly surprised that cancer recurred. My husband feels fine- no symptoms- so it’s hard to go through it again with a 50% success rate. One thing I’ve learned through all this is that, with time,support, and trust in God, one can adapt to what ever comes along.

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1 reply
ggarrepy | @ggarrepy | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @ljashton "So sorry to hear the BCG failed. Will pray for successful surgery and recovery. We were..." + (show)
@ljashton

So sorry to hear the BCG failed. Will pray for successful surgery and recovery.
We were truly surprised that cancer recurred. My husband feels fine- no symptoms- so it’s hard to go through it again with a 50% success rate. One thing I’ve learned through all this is that, with time,support, and trust in God, one can adapt to what ever comes along.

Jump to this post

Exactly! Each person’s journey is unique and we have to respect God’s plan but sometimes I have a “Garden” moment where I wish the cup would pass me by, then I am okay lol

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ronbure | @ronbure | 4 days ago

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I was just diagnosed with bladder cancer last week and I am scheduled for a second Turbt on Jan 6, 2025 followed by BCG.

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roryc | @roryc | 4 days ago

Thank for sharing ...I hope mine goes the same

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