First BCG treatment: What to expect?

Posted by dswanson @buena, Apr 1 12:26pm

Yesterday marked my first adventure with BCG. The treatment went well. I was surprised by the small amount of BCG that was administered. I expected to experience a full bladder but, in reality, had no uncomfortable fullness. I thought I would be asked to lay in various positions to allow the BCG to reach my entire bladder. That wasn't necessary. I remained on my back for 60 minutes with a pillow, a warm blanket and a tv remote control. (I remained because I am incontinent and the BCG would have leaked out had I been released after administration of the medication.) Since my departure, have experienced burning sensations when urinating and a tiny amount of blood, but no other symptoms. Have been flushing twice, washing my hands and keeping my Depends in a separate bag for disposal. Otherwise, no special measures. Doing fine and grateful for the compassionate care and expertise available in Urology at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Also appreciate this helpful web site. Thanks Mayo.

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Retep51 | @peter51f | Apr 7 6:05am

I have read there are several possible side effects. So far mine are not that bad. Hope yours will not be the bad ones.

I too have the burn. I take Phenazopyridine. It is sold OTC, got mine at Walmart. It works pretty good. Only drawback (and do not laugh) it turns your urine orange. OK you can laugh. I did the first time I peed orange. My doctor said that is normal and I can take the drug to reduce the pain.

I am on my 3rd BCG treatment.
The Tech who did the injection told me that I need to hold the medicine for at least 2 hours. They did empty my bladder for the treatment. I told them I could do that and I was let home just after the treatment. So far I have held the treatment for 2.5-3.0 hours. A bit ruff but I managed it without to much of a problem,

I had a couple side effects so far. After the treatment, for about 3 days I get very fatigued quickly. I also lost my appetite. In 3 weeks I lost 5 lbs. I force myself to eat something nutritious everyday. And a few foods like steak makes me gag. The other side effect, my blood sugar is going crazy. I am very controlled now with exercise and diet. I am a diabetic but some mornings when I check my blood sugar it is high 160-200 in the AM. Sometimes it becomes very low like 65-75. I called my urologist and he is calling me back today.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 9 5:10pm

@buena, how are things going with treatment? How many sessions have you had now?

@peter51f, how are you doing? Have you been able to improve your appetite and get enough calories?

Retep51 | @peter51f | Apr 9 10:27pm

Treatments are going OK. I still get fatigued for a couple days. By the 3rd day I am pretty much back to my normal. My other health issues are still with me through.

I started writing down my glucose readings that I take each morning. Over a 2 week period 4 days I am high 185-240, 7 days my normal 95-105, and 3 days I was low 68-75. I cannot explain the swing.

Still not much of an apatite. The last 2 weeks only lost 1 lbs. My usual eating is eggs in the AM. My wife makes chicken soup which I eat everyday or canned soup. If I cut it up into small sizes I can eat some sort of cooked chicken sometimes.. I also do my macaroni for the carbs. All small portions. I do take a 30 gram protein shakes just about every day. Beef or pork is a no go still.

dswanson | @buena | Apr 10 8:19am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@buena, how are things going with treatment? How many sessions have you had now? @peter51f, how..." + (show)

Thanks for asking. Had burning sensation and a tiny amount of blood in urine for a few hours after my first treatment. None after second. No discernible side effects at all. Catheter insertion and removal are the only uncomfortable aspects of treatment. I have a tee time tomorrow and am interested in seeing how my body deals with 18 holes of golf. I'm optimistic, but also wondering if treatments yet to come may yield challenges not yet encountered. Still thankful for the small amount of BCG used for these treatments. After insertion into my bladder, I could not even sense its presence. I'll include a photo of the vial as an FYI to others facing treatment. The amount is 50ML as indicated by the nurse's finger.

fmfran | @fmfran | Apr 10 9:45am

I had my first treatment yesterday. I really can’t point to any side effects at all. I stayed at the urologist office and used a comfortable table to lie down and change positions every 30 minutes. I kept it in for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The nurse had me urinate before I left.