BCG treatment starts a week from today

Posted by lauriejw @lauriejw, Oct 15 6:52am

I was first diagnosed in April 2024 after breaking my hip when I tripped on the curb, and fell onto the pavement in the street while checking my mail. Yes I’m accident prone….. 😂. When the hospital did my CT scan for my hip they also happened to discover what they termed a mass on my bladder. After being referred to a wonderful urologist, I’ve had 2 surgical outpatient procedures to remove the spots from my bladder lining, one of which was due to a reoccurrence of spots after a 3 month office procedure check. Thankfully so far neither time has shown any spread outside my bladder wall, But since I did have a reoccurrence, my urologist wants me to do 6 weeks of BCG. My very first one is scheduled for next week. I guess since this is new to me, I’m just asking for tips, suggestions, and what to expect from actual patients although I know the staff will be explaining some things to me. I’m nervous and not sure what to really expect. Any and all suggestions, shared experiences, or just good thoughts would be appreciated. Happy to be here and hope you or your loved one are doing well 🥰

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Profile picture for wifey9 @wifey9

I had BCG treatments after 2 TURBT for non-invasive tumors. I was required to roll from one side to the next every 15 minutes to be sure all sides of my bladder was coated. The only discomfort I had was when I urinated the BCG out of my bladder. Lots of burning and feeling like I needed to go some more every few seconds. I learned to take a Tylenol and a dose of pyridium after urinating. After 6 treatments, the burning was somewhat worse, but tolerable. The insertion of the catheter was not a big deal except for the exposure, if you know what I mean. I had 6 treatments but still had growth. Because I had bronchospasms after surgeries, my urologist agreed to remove tumors in the office which was much better for me. A numbing agent was put into my bladder prior to the removals by laser, and I did not experience more than a pinching feeling inside my bladder. I had two more sets of 3 BCG treatments after cystoscopies every 3 months. I was a little more tired than usual, but did not bleed except immediately after the removals. After those treatments, I was clear at 3 then 6 months. It has been a year since my last cystoscopy. I go this month to see if I am still clear. I pray I am, but if a person has to have cancer, so far this has not been as bad as so many have suffered through. I think about it every time I urinate. But I am thankful that it has not interfered with my ability to enjoy life. I hope your experience is ok and that the treatments are successful!

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@wifey9
Thank you. I am about to go through this. I had bladder cancer 15 years ago. It was small and burned out during the scope. I then had a few reoccurrences over the years which were also burned out. I have scopes every six months or so depending on if there was a reoccurrence. This last scope showed two small toumers. Next week I go in to have them removed and I am totally concerned. I have never had BCG but perhaps this time?
Thanks for the description. Anything else I should be aware of?

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Profile picture for baer @baer

@wifey9
Thank you. I am about to go through this. I had bladder cancer 15 years ago. It was small and burned out during the scope. I then had a few reoccurrences over the years which were also burned out. I have scopes every six months or so depending on if there was a reoccurrence. This last scope showed two small toumers. Next week I go in to have them removed and I am totally concerned. I have never had BCG but perhaps this time?
Thanks for the description. Anything else I should be aware of?

Jump to this post

@baer I can't think of anything right now. But if I do, I will get back to you. I suggest you try heart rhythm meditation. It has helped me stay calm in the difficult times. I am going to pray BCG will help you. I do believe you need to proceed to a medical intervention besides surgery and hope you and your physician choose well now and in the future!

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Im in your shoes now... BCG recommended. How did it go or is it going? ❤️❤️

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