BCG

Hi Garviv.

I have done a total of 18 installations. The side effects are very different,  depending on individual reaction.  I found better to stay in hospital for the whole duration of the treatment even though you can leave after it has been put in (so they told me). I try to sleep and relax. Remember to follow the disinfection rules... if the BCG giver you irritation, paracetamol is your friend...

You may feel flu like symptoms for a day or two and have difficulty passing urine. This gets worse with time.... 

Apparently more than 90% of thebenefits from BCG come after the first year (15 treatments) so hang in there for at least 1 year... then evaluate the side effects. All the best.

Hi Garviv, 

I've just finished my first 6 weeks course of BCG (yesterday).

I stayed in the hospital whilst the BCG was in me. I didn't have any issues with it being inserted, the catheter is only in for a couple of minutes and felt nothing more than a slight stinging.

Holding the BCG in for a couple of hours did get tough a couple of times. 

Overall I found it not too bad with very little side effects, slight headache and tiredness.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment.

Hi Many thanks for your observations and advice. I will keep you posted. Garviv

Hi BFG, Thank you I hope my treatment goes as well as yours Garviv

Hi Garviv

I finished my first six BCG treatments a couple of months ago and last week had a cystoscopy which showed my bladder to be clear. Apparently, I now go onto maintenance which, I believe, is three treatments every three months and a regular cystoscopy. This can last up to three years (if all is going well).

With the first BCG you have to stay in the hospital for an hour and then release the chemical. If all goes well then you can go home after subsequent treatments and dispose of the chemicals, carefully, in your own toilet. The nurse will explain what you need to do to kill the bacteria.

The actual insertion of the catheter is mildly uncomfortable and there's the usual loss of dignitity but I think we're all becoming accustomed to that lol. Side effects for me are a need to use the toilet more often and discomfort in both my bladder and my bowels and I mean discomfort, not pain. A couple of extra trips to the toilet in the night and pretty much back to normal in the morning.

Good luck with your treatment.

HH

Morning HH I am so pleased your treatment went well with a positive result. Many thanks for your insight and advice Garviv

Hi Garviv,Best wishes for your treatment.Love Jane 

Hello winters 60 (Jane)

Just returned after an enjoyable round of golf. Many thanks for your kind words. Garviv 

Hiya Garviv, I found having the first 6 instillations not too bad at all and I had three chemo in between which were easier as only in for 30 minutes. After the first Bcg, where I stayed at hospital, I went home for the all the others. Took paracetamols when needed and took it easy the next day, then back at work following day. I have recently had three more and it seems a bit harder to last the whole 2 hours. Only had I camera with biopsies so far which was all OK, so now waiting for the next cysoscopy. Good luck to you I hope you will be fine. 

Hello Bumblebee 49, So pleased your treatment went well. I had chemo treatment into my bladder last year but the prospect of lasting two hours is daunting. However it is what it is. I am retired but will take it easy. Garviv