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My journey with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment

Posted by ggarrepy @ggarrepy, Nov 9, 2022

I’m a 77 year old female. I just started the first of six BCG treatments for T1 high grade bladder cancer. I was so worried that I would not be able to hold it for the two hours but I did it with no problem at all. Turned over every 15 minutes and felt fine. I’ve been back home now for a few hours and feel perfectly normal. So grateful!

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nygammy | @nygammy | 5 days ago
In reply to @dks2500 "@nygammy yes, it’s not unusual to have a second TURBT. Interesting you will be getting BCG..." + (show)
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@nygammy yes, it’s not unusual to have a second TURBT. Interesting you will be getting BCG monthly. Usually it’s initially weekly for six weeks.

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@dks2500 I am getting immunotherapy once a month after BCG or chemo is started. If TURBT shows no cancer in muscle than BCG will be started. Otherwise I guess chemo. I believe BCG is weekly. Sorry If I confused you. God Bless and heal us ALL

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divey | @divey | 5 days ago
In reply to @sws56 "I just had my first treatment yesterday. I was so overwhelmed going in but I have..." + (show)
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I just had my first treatment yesterday. I was so overwhelmed going in but I have to say everything went very smooth. I live 45 minutes from the clinic so my first 15 minutes on my stomach I stayed there then I was able to roll side to side in the vehicle on the way home. I have had no issues thus far. We live in the country so we have a private septic system which was a huge worry for us, with the amt of bleach we had to use. Using a hat worked out. I know hearing good news on here is helpful. Good luck and prayers to all.

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@sws56 that’s great news! Thanks for sharing! I had my first BCG Thursday. It went well. We will keep you in our prayers. May you have continued success and comfort!

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divey | @divey | 5 days ago
In reply to @nygammy "@divey i am new to this unwished for group. God Bless and cure all of us...." + (show)
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@divey i am new to this unwished for group. God Bless and cure all of us. My Dr. did say something about that pretzel thing. I am having cystoscopy after surgery removal of tumor. then they will decide if BCG is worth it or do i go straight to chemo. Guess that's the pretzel. Again my prayers and huge hugs to all.

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@nygammy stay strong! Stay positive! Use the power of prayer! We’re all gonna get through this thing with God’s help! Hang in there

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nygammy | @nygammy | 4 days ago
In reply to @makaylinh "I had my first BCG treatment last week and my second tomorrow. I am a 20..." + (show)
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I had my first BCG treatment last week and my second tomorrow. I am a 20 year old female and my first went really well! Hoping both of ours in the future continue to go well!

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@makaylinh we must ALL stay strong as God and the medical world guide us through our journey. May we ALL become 100% healed!!!

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johngw | @johngw | 2 days ago

I’m a 78 yo male my cancer was discovered at my annual urology appointment. Small amount of blood in urine. Biopsy revealed cancer in situ. Non attached
I started bcg in about 6-7 weeks. I’m going for number 3 on Thursday. I had no trouble with the first. They sent me home to rotate. All went well. Number 2 went well for about 48 hours. Then the flu like symptoms came on me. Tylenol for pain, a taste of NyQuil for coughing and congestion. Chat GTP says that simply means it working. I’m hope and praying for number 3. This is my first experience with any type of cancer. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | 1 day ago
In reply to @johngw "I’m a 78 yo male my cancer was discovered at my annual urology appointment. Small amount..." + (show)
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I’m a 78 yo male my cancer was discovered at my annual urology appointment. Small amount of blood in urine. Biopsy revealed cancer in situ. Non attached
I started bcg in about 6-7 weeks. I’m going for number 3 on Thursday. I had no trouble with the first. They sent me home to rotate. All went well. Number 2 went well for about 48 hours. Then the flu like symptoms came on me. Tylenol for pain, a taste of NyQuil for coughing and congestion. Chat GTP says that simply means it working. I’m hope and praying for number 3. This is my first experience with any type of cancer. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

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@johngw I'm sorry you are dealing with this and hope BCG can work for you. If you are not tolerating it make sure your medical team knows all of your symptoms. Don't shrug them off or downplay them with your doctor and nurses. Some people just cannot do BCG. There are other alternatives is necessary and you should keep in mind that a second opinion never hurts if you are feeling like you do not have the right choices.
My husband tolerated BCG well and got into the maintenance portion of treatment until his cancer returned and was then a BCG failure. There are more options now than even 6 years ago when he was being treated. He ended up with bladder removal and neobladder and is cancer free now. Good luck to you.

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