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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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First, good to hear you are at Mayo, a first rate clinic which is important. I’m about to start my first maintenance series of BCGs after a successful initial series of 6 and a good report from my cystoscopy. My side effects have been minimal. Plus I do not have to stay lying down or rolling around. I’m told that’s old school procedure. I leave the clinic immediately after the procedure and drive home.
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2 Reactions@carmen332, getting a liquid drug directly into your bladder rather than giving it by mouth or putting it into your blood is called intravesical therapy. The drug is given through a tube (urinary catheter) that's been put into your bladder through your urethra.
There are 2 main types of medicines used in intravesical therapy:
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the most common intravesical immunotherapy for treating early-stage bladder cancer.
There are many discussions where members share their experiences with BCG, like this one:
- First BCG treatment: What to expect? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/first-bcg-treatment-what-to-expect/
See all using the group search: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/bladder-cancer/
Have you had your first treatment yet? How are you doing?
@jcarolyn, welcome. I hope things continue to go well for you with treatment. Have you finished BCG treatments now? How are you doing?
@mucimom, welcome.
Theracys and Tice are name brands of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
rBCG stands for Recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, which is a genetically modified version of the traditional Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) bacteria. It is available through expanded access programs to help address the BCG shortage.
Which type of BCG are you getting, @mucimom?