Choice of treatments

Hi BEP and welcome to the group. Both treatments are usually administered in the same way, directly in to the bladder.  Once a week for a number of weeks. BCG is an immunotherapy which triggers the immune system to fight any rogue cells. The chemo is usually Mitomycin or alternatives. BCG is the most common, but both treatments can be successful. I went a different way, but I am sure others will be along with their own experiences of each treatment to help. Best wishes.

Hi BEP,Welcome to this friendly supportive group.I can’t help as I only had surgery but others will be able to tell you all about these treatments.I hope you find it helpful here.Best wishes Jane 

Hi Bep, my husband has non invasive bladder cancer, he has finished his first 6 BCG immunotherapy, had a TURBT end of November and the biopsies showed no sign of cancer cells, he is starting a 3 week maintenance course of BCG this Friday, after that there should be a flexible cystoscopy and if all going according to plan they should be a further 3 weeks of BCG.

H hasn’t really had any side effects from treatments so far, stinging when he urinates and wanting to go more often also a bit of tiredness, these only lasted a couple of days and weren’t too full on, it’s not always the same for everyone but for him it has be ok. Jean.

Hi BEP - my cancer is intermediate risk (Ta Hugh grade 2). I had mitomycin to start - once a week for six weeks and then once a month for six months. I then had a recurrence this time low grade 2. I am therefore now on BCG (with one recurrence so far). I have had no real side effects with either treatment  although I believe there is more chance of reaction with BCG. 

I have have 8 sessions of treatment and my last one is next week, I have had 6 bcg, s and after next week 3 chemo, I then have to wait to see if I have been successful, I do so hope so. I have managed it well, some pain after peeing the first day, normally eases off second day and then I am back at work for 3 days a week, so it's been all good. I was so pleased to have this option.