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First BCG treatment: What to expect?
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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@gkarsin, how did the cystoscopy go? Any update on the results of your biopsy and what happens now?
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1 Reaction@colleenyoung yes. Not muscle invaded. My doctor gave me three choices:
1. Do nothing now and look at it in three months
2. Have BCG instillations in six weeks weekly for six weeks
3. Haven’t bladder removed
I chose #2 which was also his recommendation
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1 Reaction@colleenyoung
I had my second cystoscopy last Thursday to take a muscle biopsy. It showed no cancer so now after it heals up in six weeks I will have the BCG instillments every week of six weeks. I am not looking forward to the catheter without anaesthesia as having my catheter removed was difficult so I will ask my primary doc for something to take to relax or sedate me.
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1 Reaction@gkarsin
I've done 3 of my 6 BCG installations thus far. Number 4 is scheduled for next Tuesday. Agree that the catheter insertion is probably the worst part, but manageable. They do deaden the tip so the initial insertion isn't that bad, but you then do feel the tube going in the rest of the way. However once that part is completed, the rest is cake. My concern is that if they gave me something to "relax or sedate", then they wouldn't let me leave immediately to return home. (FYI, the first time you must stay 2 hours regardless). So I'd recommend that if the catheter insertion is the worst part of our cancer story, great; just tough it out for the brief insertion moments!
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3 Reactions@jlp27
Thank you for posting this as I am having my first BCG instillation in a few weeks and my main worry is the catheter insertion. I plan on taking something to relax me so my wife will drive me home.
I had BCG treatments after 2 TURBT for non-invasive tumors. I was required to roll from one side to the next every 15 minutes to be sure all sides of my bladder was coated. The only discomfort I had was when I urinated the BCG out of my bladder. Lots of burning and feeling like I needed to go some more every few seconds. I learned to take a Tylenol and a dose of pyridium after urinating. After 6 treatments, the burning was somewhat worse, but tolerable. The insertion of the catheter was not a big deal except for the exposure, if you know what I mean. I had 6 treatments but still had growth. Because I had bronchospasms after surgeries, my urologist agreed to remove tumors in the office which was much better for me. A numbing agent was put into my bladder prior to the removals by laser, and I did not experience more than a pinching feeling inside my bladder. I had two more sets of 3 BCG treatments after cystoscopies every 3 months. I was a little more tired than usual, but did not bleed except immediately after the removals. After those treatments, I was clear at 3 then 6 months. It has been a year since my last cystoscopy. I go this month to see if I am still clear. I pray I am, but if a person has to have cancer, so far this has not been as bad as so many have suffered through. I think about it every time I urinate. But I am thankful that it has not interfered with my ability to enjoy life. I hope your experience is ok and that the treatments are successful!
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2 Reactions@wifey9
Thank you. I am about to go through this. I had bladder cancer 15 years ago. It was small and burned out during the scope. I then had a few reoccurrences over the years which were also burned out. I have scopes every six months or so depending on if there was a reoccurrence. This last scope showed two small toumers. Next week I go in to have them removed and I am totally concerned. I have never had BCG but perhaps this time?
Thanks for the description. Anything else I should be aware of?
@baer I can't think of anything right now. But if I do, I will get back to you. I suggest you try heart rhythm meditation. It has helped me stay calm in the difficult times. I am going to pray BCG will help you. I do believe you need to proceed to a medical intervention besides surgery and hope you and your physician choose well now and in the future!
Im in your shoes now... BCG recommended. How did it go or is it going? ❤️❤️
Doing well with it!
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