BCG treatment

Hi Groggy and welcome to the group, although sorry to hear your wife has bladder cancer. I had a different treatment so no personal experience, but we know some people sail through BCG while others have various forms of side effects. BCG is designed to mop up any rogue cells and help prevent recurrences. I am sure others will be along to share experiences and offer advice. Lots of support here so feel free to ask anything. Best wishes.

Good evening Groggy and welcome. I’ve had 15 BCG procedures and initially there were six in weekly sessions . The procedure is straightforward and takes about 5/10 minutes . There is a retention of 2 hours to allow the chemicals to have effect . Then have a pee and that’s it for another week.  You will read about side effects on here but personally I haven’t found any. A flexible cystoscopy is taken later to identify if all clear , best wishes, J.

Hi Groggy, my husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer in June this year, in September he started 6 weeks of BCG immunotherapy, on the first one he had to stay at the hospital after the procedure for the 2 hours he needed to retain the BCG in the bladder, he could go for a walk around and just be checked when he could urinate, all went ok so for the following 5 it was just a case of going to hospital, having the immunotherapy and then he could go home, he still had to hold it for 2 hours but could urinate at home, you have to take precautions for a few hours, taking care not to get anything on your skin and put bleach in the toilet and leave for awhile before you flush, it’s a live vaccine so you have to take care.

He really didn’t have hardly any side effects, he definitely didn’t like the catheter, I think (don’t know if I’m at all correct) that it must hurt more for a man?

He had a TURBT in November and is waiting for results and start date for 3 more weeks of maintenance BCG.

Hope all goes well and if I can help please don’t hesitate to ask.

Jean.

Hi Wally, many thanks for the information. Is the treatment working / having a positive effect? 

I have had 2 turbts, removal of cancerous tumours and then started 9 weeks of BCG/mitomycin, I am on number 7 and have managed it quite well. Its a bit painful on the first day, constantly needing the loo but it eases off. I normally have a rest day afterwards then go back into work for 3 days.

I am just hoping it works and I do not have to go for the bigger operation but you just never know what will happen, sadly, no guarantees. 

Good evening Groggy. I have to say the BCG is working as I’ve  had four clear cystoscopies during the procedures over  2 years . I’m waiting for the next flexi appointment later this month to check progress so it’s work in progress, these occur 3 monthly for the present, kind regards, John.

Hi , I was diagnosed in 2020 . So far I’ve not had any real issues with BCG  just finished on session 18 . It’s a bit uncomfortable ( male) but I have got used to it now . Had 18 sessions so far so only another 18 months then I’m done . I take a couple of painkillers before my treatment then after the two hours drink plenty of water about 6 pints to flush it all through . Stay positive you are stronger than you know .