BCG treatment cancelled

Hi peterawake. Unfortunately, we are seeing more people having BCG treatment postponed or cancelled. Many cancer treatments are being put on hold right across the board. The risk of visiting hospitals is considered too great, alongside staff shortages . Best wishes.

Hi peterawke, I was due  doses 20-22 next month but all cystoscopies and doses cancelled till after pandemic.It is a devil and the deep blue sea kind of a choice. We don't want a cancer reoccurrence on the other hand do we want our immune system compromised while Covid-19 is raging? Just have to keep fingers crossed and trust the NHS. Sending best wishes. 

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. Fingers crossed and toes I think that he stay's safe from a recurrence and the Covid-19.  Wishing you well too. 

I had a phone call from the hospital to say that the 3 maintenance BCGs after a rigid cycstoscopy with diathermy, were to be postponed. This does not concern me because BCGs upset my waterworks. Next Wednesday I have to go back to the hospital to check on my pacemaker, which is running  down. Our health staff are heroes. 

Hi Herothedog,

I was just wondering  how spread out your BCG treatments have been? I've had 9 BCG treatments and was due to have 3 more but they were obviously cancelled due to the current crisis. My most recent cystoscopy was clear and I was surprised that my surgeon wanted me to do another 3 treatments as he had told me that after the first six the value of it diminishes. I see you're on round 20 though. Do you just keep going until your bladder can't take it anymore? Another thing my surgeon told me. 

I was diagnosed in June 2019 with T1G3, very large tumour removed and Turbt x 2. I know my surgeon is keeping a really close eye on me because I'm young and due to the size of the tumour but if you are having clear cystoscopy's could it be possible to hold off on the BCG treatments? 

best wishes.. 

Hi Beach2019, After diagnosis G2 T1 TURBTx2 I had 6 induction doses, then 3 maintenance every three months, and 6 monthly after dose 15. But things haven't exactly fitted to that timetable as twice I've had reoccurrences followed by TURBT. Then there is usually at least 6 weeks before another dose can happen. I think my first reoccurrence was 3 months after dose 12. Then another reoccurrence 6 months after dose 15. The blighters seem to appear years later for some folk. So I have been happy to continue with the maintenance doses. My tolerance has been ok. 

Hello Hero,  Have your maintenance doses of three been interupted  by Covid-19?  

On another subject, have you heard that BCG vaccine is being advanced as a treatment for Covid-19.? This may seem odd, but if BCG which originated as a vaccine for TB, can have beneficial effects on bladder cancer, it seems more likely that it can do good things on Covid-19, which also affects the lungs.

Hi everyone. I finished my first 6 BCG mid feb, had my follow up rigid/biopsies postponed but had that yesterday. The consultant seemed to think that the tide is turning now and treatments will catch up fairly quickly. I had a spinal block instead of a general anaesthetic which was ok and safer in the current climate. Keep communicating with your contacts at the hospital, they are fab and keeping on top of each of us and our needs as best they can.

On the other topic, BCG into the bladder is a whole different ball game to immunisation with the virus and no evidence is available that it can provide any help with Covid 19.

Handwashing, social distancing and isolation where there are any symptoms are still your safest options.

Hi Hilary1969. I agree with all of the above, and hopeful to hear treatments can return soon. I have read no connection between immunisation  and BCG into bladder and Covid. 

Hi Joe Soap. Yup maintenance doses suspended. It feels like a mixed blessing. Never thought I’d miss my doses