I had completed the initial six BCG instillations but, unfortunately, have had very unpleasant side effects as a result - some lasting.

After the third treatment, I experienced the start of reactive arthritis which was especially painful in my right hip. Although the severe pain subsided after three or four months, following the final 6 treatments, I began having incontinence which has been steadily increasing since March 19th of this year. At times it has been so bad that before I can get to the bathroom, my super thick pad has been drenched and then so will my shorts which I wear in the apartment. Needless to say, this situation is a most unpleasant one. When I informed my urologist, he says "it will get better". No, it has not gotten better - only worse.

To increase my dismay, when I last had my cystoscopy it indicated not only the inflammation as a result of the BCG treatments but the emergence of two flat tumors. As I had the initial TURBT last summer, I will now again have another surgery in the near future to have these removed. I would hate to think that my doctor will begin the next three BCG treatments following this surgery. I am thinking "What is the point of that?" since this intravesical therapy did not yield the desired result of being clear after being scoped.

One needs a special kind of patience and endurance when given the bladder cancer diagnosis. Not only is it a long and precarious journey to do battle with these tenacious tumors, it is fraught with disappointment.

Wishing fellow members success toward a clear path and may it be sooner than later.