BCG maintenance or periodic cystoscopy?

Posted by quahog @quahog, Aug 24 7:34am

This is an update on my issues with BCG maintenance. My original diagnosis with a single small (2 cm) high grade NMIBC was successfully treated with Turbt and six BCG treatments. Cystoscopy showed no new growths and biopsies showed no CIS. My Urologist urged BCG maintenance to decrease the chance of a recurrence and I agreed to the 3, 6 and 12 month maintenance program. Unfortunately I had become very sensitive to the treatments toward the end of the first six and the maintenance program increased my sensitivity to the point that the side effects had become extremely difficult and more so after each instillation. Flu like symptoms, urgency, burning, abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, fatigue, etc., lasting several days. Cystoscopy after the three month treatment showed NED and after discussion I'm thinking to stop the maintenance program and instead opt for cystoscopy at three months, then every six months. What do you think? Right choice or should I reconsider the BCG maintenance program?
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fmfran | @fmfran | Sep 16 5:32pm

I had my maintenance BCG followed by a scope. He found one suspicious spot. Now I'll have surgery to remove it. I would stay with the treatments if I were you.