new to this

[Jr]

i had turbt done 2 years ago then again this july. now doctor has scheduled me for 6 weeks of BCG. i would really like to talk to someone who has first hand experience with this procedure.
i am 72 yr old male

[Rick B]

Hi Jr,

Glad you reached out…I understand how you feel as I have had BCG treatments. Believe me when I say that the thought of the process is much worst than it actually is. BCG is a solution that is put into your bladder using a catheter. I am male and felt a little pressure for a minute or two during the process and that is about all…much like when I had my first cystoscopy. The process usually takes all of 5 minutes including placing the catheter, instilling the BCG and removing the catheter. You will be asked not to have any liquids and not to void for 2 hrs. You will also be given an instruction sheet as to what to do / not do during the 2 hrs and for the next few hours afterwards. I found a little discomfort when first voiding but less each time after. I also noticed a little blood in my urine the first couple of times voiding but that is to be expected and should disappear in a day or two. If you site blood for a prolonged period, it is recommended you check with your URO for advise. Once I was allowed to take on fluids (after 2 hours and after my first void) I drank lots of water. Avoid citrus drinks, coffee, etc. as those tend to irriate the bladder.

I’ve had 3 rounds of BCG treatments (one a week for 6 weeks per treatment) and have not experienced any side affects or much discomfort during the process. Each person is a little different but an average I think most tollerate the process very well. I was 61 when I had my first treatment 5 years ago and pleased to advise that I am 4 years cancer free.

I wish you the very best with your treatements…BCG works…keep us in the loop and please reach out should you have other questions.

God Bless.

Rick

[bluebill]

Hi Jr,

Here is my BCG journey so far.

1st one I didn’t have any reactions.
2nd I definitely new something was happening.
3rd, 4th and 5th more of a reaction joint pain, flu like symptoms and fatigue.
6th didn’t feel great but passed like the others did in 48 hours.

All in all the side effects were bearable but we all react differently. Hope yours will be as good as mine. Procedure is about 15 minutes. Make sure you sit to pee. You may have a clot or a small amount of blood when urinating this is normal. Make sure you wipe of any urine you may get on your skin as it stings.

The next 3 BCG’S (7,8,&9) I felt more fatigued but after that the BCG’S were much better.

I take 2 Tylenol 1 hour before the BCG. 20 minutes before the 2 hours are up I drink 250 mls of water at the 2 hour mark I drink another 250 mls.

I try and drink a minimum of 2500 to 3500 mls of water after that and take Tylenol again if needed.

I am now coming up to my 3rd anniversary this November. My last BCG in May was one of the worst with fatigue lasting for nearly a month. My next BCG is this November after that I will start BCG yearly.

This forum has some excellent information and has very helpful information from many individuals. I wish you all the best with your journey hopefully in 18 months you are at the same point that I am.

Cheers

Bluebill
T1HG

[marysue]

Hi Jr:

Welcome to Bladder Cancer Canada but sorry that you have need of us. I second what has already been suggested for BCG treatments. I’ve had 21 altogether – 6 in 2008 and 15 in 2010 after a recurrence.

My side effects were of the bad flu type – headache, low grade fever, chills and muscle ache. I also had a lot of night sweats but I was in menopause at the time so both my docs and I think that the menopause symptoms were exaggerated by the BCG. That is something that guys don’t have to deal with. I generally felt unwell for 48 hours and then it got better.

The main thing to watch for is a high fever, fatigue, extreme joint pain/muscle aches, and bladder infections. Check with your doc or clinic if any of this occurs. Some people do get irritated bladders and will void a bit of blood after a treatment. A little is okay and usually lets up in 24-48 hours. If it doesn’t you need to check with your doctor or clinic before proceeding with the next treatment to make sure that the lining of the bladder wall isn’t too inflamed to continue.

Also, if you develop a bladder infection or have some other condition that requires antibiotic treatment during your BCG treatment period, you may have to temporarily stop BCG to deal with the other condition first. Antibiotics will render the BCG useless and obviously not help.

The majority of people do tolerate BCG reasonably well and it is still the gold standard for non muscle invasive bladder cancer post TURBT. The main thing is to remember that if you do have side effects they are temporary and will gradually go away once the treatments are done. Best of luck going forward. Let us know how it goes. ((((HUGS)))

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