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Hi, I am impressed with so many of the forum’s commenters … the insights, experiences and helpful suggestions are making this ordeal a bit easier for me. I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2017 and have endured six TURBTs over the past twelve months (tumors were very extensive, low to high grade, non-invasive). A recent cystoscopy indicates another/seventh resection will be required in January and my urologist/oncologist has mentioned BCG as an additional treatment protocol. I am aware that participants here have experienced a variety of side effects after BCG but what (generally) can I expect? Is BCG the only or best type of immunotherapy? Are there others available? Outside Canada? I would greatly appreciate an overview of what I am facing …. Thanks
BCG is the gold standard for high and intermediate grade non-muscle invasive badder cancer. Side effects vary by patient. During my 1st 6 weekly treatments the only side effects were during the day of the treatment, urgency and burning during urination. The following day I was back to normal. Currently BCG and Interferon are the only immunity treatments approved by FDA and Health Canada for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Usually Interferon is only used when mixed with BCG.
Wish you all the best,
JackHi LLTrippe:
Welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada but sorry that you’ve been through a lot of TURBTS. Best wishes with the one coming up in January. I too, have undergone BG treatments and like Jack was told that it is the best bladder treatment for bladder cancer. There are other drugs out there that are used in certain circumstances but BCG remains the gold standard.
My side effects were generally flu like with fatigue, low fever, chills, muscle and joint pain and some bladder irritation. My side effects were cumulative and got challenging to get through, but for the last few my urologist agreed to lower the dose and I switched pain meds. I was an anomaly when it came to side effects. The majority of people feel like they have the flu and the fatigue goes away once the treatments are over. I hope that all will go well for you. ((((HUGS))))
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