Connect
BCG treatment starts a week from today
I was first diagnosed in April 2024 after breaking my hip when I tripped on the curb, and fell onto the pavement in the street while checking my mail. Yes I’m accident prone….. 😂. When the hospital did my CT scan for my hip they also happened to discover what they termed a mass on my bladder. After being referred to a wonderful urologist, I’ve had 2 surgical outpatient procedures to remove the spots from my bladder lining, one of which was due to a reoccurrence of spots after a 3 month office procedure check. Thankfully so far neither time has shown any spread outside my bladder wall, But since I did have a reoccurrence, my urologist wants me to do 6 weeks of BCG. My very first one is scheduled for next week. I guess since this is new to me, I’m just asking for tips, suggestions, and what to expect from actual patients although I know the staff will be explaining some things to me. I’m nervous and not sure what to really expect. Any and all suggestions, shared experiences, or just good thoughts would be appreciated. Happy to be here and hope you or your loved one are doing well 🥰
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Cancer Support Group.
Connect
My first BCG treatment experience was 7 years ago and was caught early due to blood in my urine that was due to a 25 mile bike ride.
The high grade tumor was removed and yes the catheter was the worst part. I went through bcg treatments at full dose. Cystoscopy were 3 month, 6 months and then 1 year for the last 2 years. However, this April, tumor came back. Again tumor was removed, catheter was only for 1 day and still worst part. I have completed 6 initial BCG treatments and 3 maintenance treatments all at half dose due to bcg shortage. This was a blessing as my body was able to better tolerate this. I have 3 more maintenance treatments after scope in November. Praying it comes back clean.
As for BCG, everyone is going to react differently. The 1st 6 were not bad, just a little bit sore but always felt like I had to pee. The last 3 were more difficult but I can’t say enough to take AZO right after the treatments. They are a life saver but will turn your urine orange.
Good luck with your treatments.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@tom26 Thank you!
Well I’ve had to reschedule my first treatment until Nov.5th due to my mother passing away Oct. 20th. It was somewhat unexpected until over the weekend but I and my family were able to be with her when it happened. I’m still in a blur. I’m worried that I’m going to be in a pretty bad state of mind by the time Nov. 5th gets here. But i also know she would not want me to delay it any longer if possible. I so appreciate everyone’s advice and shared experiences. In the short time since I joined I have learned a lot. Still wishing you all the best and again thank you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI went through the 6 treatments in June and July. No problems with the treatments. I had to have 3 surgeries to remove everything and cauterize. I was under anesthesia for all 3 surgeries.
Not sure about your doctor's office but I was in the waiting room longer than what the procedure took.
At least for me, they numbed you down there (no general anesthesia) before inserting the tube and injecting the BCG. I was allowed to go home after the procedure but I had to hold in the BCG for at least 3 hours. Took a bit of doing but I did it for all 6 treatments. I am about to start my follow-up 3 BCG treatments. this is being done just as a cautionary and standard treatment.
The big problem- you are naked to world to see. A bit embarrassing but you will get used to it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction