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BCG Side Effects: What's your experience?
Had BCG treatments just over a month ago and had a few side effects I wanted to let others know about. Posted before about extreme fatigue. Two hour naps, go to bed early and get up late. Did not hit me until after my 6th treatment. For about two weeks after that last treatment had some other issues also. I have Acid Reflex Disease, some arthritis and IBS. All three acted up very badly after sixth treatment. My medicines seemed to stop working for the acid reflex and my arthritis was worst ever. The IBS was bad too. Worst seemed to clear up over next two weeks. Just a heads up.
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@mrollins, I hope you saw the helpful replies from @swh @judilafleur and @knottiebc. As always, everyone experiences side effects differently. As you can see from the replies, fatigue is something you will likely have to contend with and learn how to pace yourself when the fatigue hits.
While not bladder cancer specific, you might find this discussion helpful too:
- Fatigue and cancer treatment: How do you cope?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fatigue-in-cancer-treatment/
As @swh says, she chose to have treatment on Friday to use the weekend to recover. Sue, did you find your energy returned throughout the week up to the next treatment?
@knottiebc, a diagnosis like cancer can be very loney, even if surrounded by people. It's tough to go through it alone. I'm glad that you found this forum to help connect with others living with bladder cancer. Pets like your Sheltie cannot be underestimated for the help and healing they bring:
- What Pets Can Do: Health and Healing
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-pets-can-do-health-and-healing/
Knottie, is your fatigue improving since the end of BCG treatment?
Just completed 6th BCG treatment. Other than extreme fatigue, I am okay. I am a 90 year old widower with no family nearby. I live alone and the only company I have is my Sheltie. There are no support groups for bladder cancer or depression in the area. This loneliness is hard to handle. Suggestions as to how to deal with this would be much appreciated.
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1 ReactionI experienced fatigue but that was easy to deal with.
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1 ReactionFinished 6 week treatment in October with no problem only some fatigue. I did Friday morning treatments so I could rest on the weekend. I didn't drink anything before treatments and only starting drinking water 1-1.5 hours during hold so I could void at 2 hours & start bleach disinfection. Others have reported similar so hopefully all will go well for you too. Waiting is the hard part.
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1 ReactionI start my 6 week BCG treatment at the beginning of January. Praying it doesn’t make me sick. My doctor told me it was for one hour. Does anyone know if it’s different for everyone?
Yes, I’m on the three infusion therapy treatment also and noticed some bleeding and more tired from when I had the six infusion treatment.
I am on stage two with the three infusion therapy treatments. One thing I noticed I do get some very slight bleeding and I do feel tired. Other than that it’s not that bad.
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1 ReactionSue,
Lets think positive, maybe you will not deal with any side effects. According to my doctor, some ppl feel fine throughout all bcg. Praying for you
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2 ReactionsIve had 6 wks bcg then 2 rounds of 3 wks bcg. I dealt with fatigue following the 4th treatment and beyond. Haven’t had bcg since April, although I continue to feel more tired than usual. I hope your side effects subside.
I had my 2nd BGH yesterday. Feel ok today. I had a difficult time holding in the medicine after the procedure. Leaked several times before two hrs were up. Had no problem on the 1st treatment
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