BCG Side Effects: What's your experience?

Posted by rjlpool502 @rjlpool502, Jul 17, 2024

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.

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

@mrollins

I 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?

Jump to this post

@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?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.