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BCG Treatments - Bacteria in my urine

Posted by caflynnr1 @caflynnr1, Feb 21 2:19pm

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 High Grade Bladder Cancer in October, found by accident after a CT scan was done upon having a Diverticulitis attack and no knowing what it was. (New diagnosis)

I have had 4 of my 6 BCG treatments to date. The side effects have been minimal thankfully. But every time I go in and provide a Urine sample there is a lot of bacteria in my urine. I had to forgo 2 treatments because the culture appeared to show an infection was present, but then after 3 full days of waiting, the culture showed there was no infection, just a lot of bacteria.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to lower the bacteria in my bladder? I have been taking 3 Probiotic pills a day along with 2 Cranberry Supplements, drinking a lot of water for the past month but the level seems to remain the same. I am told there is no medication to reduce the bacteria.

Anyone else experience this?

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caflynnr1 | @caflynnr1 | Mar 12 3:00pm
In reply to @sepdvm "I understand your concern @caflynnr1. This is one of those circumstances where the judgment of our..." + (show)
@sepdvm

I understand your concern @caflynnr1. This is one of those circumstances where the judgment of our medical providers is so important. They are likely weighing the risks of delay with the risks of continuing treatment during a true UTI. We have to hope they make the best decision for our care. Unfortunately medicine is not always black and white, but frequently shades of gray, so personal opinion, past experience, conservative vs aggressive practice style all come into play as well. Please keep us updated as you continue your treatment.

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Hi Sue,

I met with my new Dr. last week and gained some insight.

I never see the Dr when treatments are given. They are administered by a Nurse and the Urinalysis is not shared with the Dr unless there is a UTI only known after growing the culture for 3-4 days. Although I shared my concerns about delays in treatment to the Nurse requesting what I can do to reduce the bacteria each time, the answer was always nothing she was aware of.

The new Dr asked me if anyone had discussed options to avoid delay in treatment to which I told her no, that I ask every time there was a delay. So....it became apparent to me the Nurse should have been relaying my concerns to the Dr and never did. There lies the problem, LACK OF COMMUNICATION between the Nurses and the Dr! The new Dr prescribed a lose dose Antibiotic to get me through my last 2 treatments, now am down to 1! YIPPEE.

Bottom line, keep being your own advocate.... I should have been more insistent that the Nurse contact the Dr with my concern! Lesson learned!!!

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