How did you deal with overactive bladder and BCG treatments?

Posted by rone1701808 @rone1701808, Dec 21, 2024

I had a aggressive tiny tumor in my bladder 17 years ago. I was treated at an office close by. I went through treatments without problems. 15 years later I developed a new moss like cancer. By that time I had an over active bladder. (OVB) I had a hard time retaining fluid with the second BCG treatment. A new type of cancer in my prostate and urethra was discovered earlier this year. I had a TURP and six weeks later began The BCG. I learned to restrict fluid and was able to keep the fluid in for 2 hours for 5 of the 6 treatments. My reactions to the treatments were severe OVB. Even though it’s been weeks since the treatments are finished I still experience OVB, and have to restrict fluid before bedtime The good news is that the last exam by urologist was good, no sign of cancer
Questions
Beside the doc’s physical exam of bladder and uretha what other tests should I do to make sure there is no remaining cancer.
Has anyone else had the OVB reaction? What if anything helped.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Cancer Support Group.

rone1701808 | @rone1701808 | Dec 21, 2024

I was asked if I was finished the BCG treatments. Yes about about 6 weeks ago

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 31, 2024

@rone1701808, great to hear that after treatment there is no evidence of cancer.

I think that @predictable might have some experiences to share about overactive bladder and bladder cancer treatments. You might be interested in this related discussion:
- Is there a link between bladder cancer and over-active bladder?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/question-on-bladder-cancer-and-oab/
In addition to physical exams, your follow-up care may include:
- cystoscopy and urine cytology to check for cancer (if your bladder isn’t removed as part of your cancer treatment)
- blood tests to check your overall health and how your kidneys are working
- CT urography, CT scan or ultrasound to check for cancer in the pelvis and abdomen x-ray or CT scan of the chest to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs

I'm bringing fellow members like @bruceb @sepdvm @drs460mayo @sue225 @mjklymasss, who can share more about followup testing to monitor for recurrence in their experience.

@rone1701808, when are you scheduled for follow up?

rone1701808 | @rone1701808 | Jan 1 11:45am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@rone1701808, great to hear that after treatment there is no evidence of cancer. I think that..." + (show)

Thank you for your suggestions for follow up tests. I will get those done.

My next cystoscopy is scheduled for about 2 1/2 months

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Jan 1 4:41pm

In reply to @rone1701808 "Thank you for your suggestions for follow up tests. I will get those done. My next..." + (show)

My husband had an aggressive bladder cancer and had bladder and prostate removed and now has a neobladder. He only had overactive bladder symptoms immediately after the BCG. The next day it was gone. Even without his bladder his rechecks include cystoscopy, urinalysis with cytology, urine culture and sensitivity, and CT Urogram at this point going from every 6 months to yearly. He has had all this done at Mayo in Rochester.
Congratulations on being cancer free and good luck with your rechecks.

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