Looking to support my partner

Hello Grammy and welcome to this friendly and supportive group. Sorry to hear your husband has BC but good to know you are supporting him. Be aware BC can be treated successfully . The early days of not knowing and uncertainty can be the worst. Once a plan is in place things get slightly better as there is something positive to focus on. The follow up TURBT is routine and usually a lot easier than the first. Just a mopping up procedure and helps with a more accurate diagnosis. Not had BCG myself but having been here for a while we know side effects vary. Some people sail through it while others have a difficult time, but most are somewhere in the middle. Bladder removal is offered as BC has a high recurrence rate. We have many here who have been through BCG and others currently on it.  I am sure others will be along to share personal experiences. Best wishes.

Hi Grammy,

Sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis.

I was diagnosed with Grade 3 non muscle invasive BC three years ago and have had 18 BCG instillations so far.

As Rily said the side effects can vary. My side effects were urgency for about 24 Hours. I was peeing a lot and it was tiresome and interrupted my sleep etc.

My last batch of BCG caused severe inflammation, so I'm having a longer break.

I was offered bladder removal around the beginning, but went the BCG route.

Hopefully your husband won't have any issues.

Wishing you both all the best.

Trevor 

Hi Grammy,Sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis.I hope you will find our friendly group helpful and supportive.Best wishes for your husbands next TURBT and his BCG treatment.Jane x

Thank you for your response. It’s really helpful to hear of other people’s experiences. I was feeling very ‘alone’. A lot of sleepless nights ( like now ‍) thank you  

Hi BFG , thank you for your reply. It’s encouraging to know we are not alone. It’s all so overwhelming right now. So glad I found this forum

Thank you Winkers 60. You all have been so lovely, it helps to know we’re out alone. TURBT is week on Monday. First time he was in and out in a day, this time they have said it will be at least one night stay. No start date for BCG yet, think they say wait for 3 weeks after TURBT before starting. Pam x

Hi Pam,This is a good group for support.We are all at various stages so there is lots of experience here.The first few weeks after diagnosis are usually the worst mentally.People tend to feel better once they know what treatment is available.Post anytime you want to chat or have questions.Hopefully you won’t feel so alone now you have joined us.Love Jane x

Good morning Grammy, how are you ? My experience of BCG was for the first 15 I had no side effects at all , the latest 9 have caused some irritation and urgency but generally not too bad . I think that bladder removal is mentioned in every case as an option but from my point of view it was not considered because of other medical issues , kindest regards, John.

Hi Grammy,

I had aggressive muscle-invasive cancer and had no other choice than chemo then bladder removal. So I can't advise on BCG side-effects. But I thought you might like to hear how my  treatment affected me. (I am not trying to persuade you either way.)

First, I can say that there is nothing to fear if your husband is offered bladder removal. I had mine out 3 years ago and now at 73 live an active life with stoma and bag and hope to continue for a while yet.

I was glad to get rid of the damaged  organ and the cancer at the same time. Temperamentaly it has suited me well. 

And I know others on this forum who although offered BCG decided to go for the operation when offered the choice. They seem happy with their decision. 

Naturally I hope your husband's treatment, whichever he chooses, is successful.

All the best,

Latestart

Hi WallyB / John, I’m doing ok thank you, struggling a nit as everything has happened so fast, but that’s also a good thing. Thank you for sharing your experience. I t really helps. Pam