Question:
Hi,
My dad is 70 years old and was diagnosed with low grade-stage bladder cancer in April 2001. The only symptom he had was blood in the urine at that time. Upon a scope, it was discovered that he had two growths in his bladder.
He had his bladder scraped that next month to remove these two tumors.
Prior to his surgery to have these two tumors removed, he had a scan of his urinary tract - this came back, happily, clear of cancer.
The surgery revealed that he had superficial transitional cell bladder cancer - two non-invasive papillary tumors, that were not imbedded in the walls of his bladder.
When dad went back three months later for a follow-up check-up, two more spots were noticed in his bladder that needed to be surgically removed. The doctor wasn't sure if these spots were missed upon the first surgery, or new growth. Removal was done successfully in August.
Since my dad needed a second surgery because of finding additional growth, it has been recommemded that he begin medication treatments as a preventative and/or to slow futher growth. So, within the next 2-3 weeks, he will be going through BCG treatments. This is chemo-like in method, this medication is actually a tuberculin baccilus (the same medication used to treat Tuburculosis) and he will be given the medication through a catheter inserted in his penis.
We are all a bit nervous about this, despite being informed and speaking with dad's doctors. Has anyone else gone through this? I am NOT looking for horror stories - but constructive feedback is appreciated. We are keeping a positive outlook and demeanor.
Thank you.
Answer:
i am a 52 year old woman in july of 2000 had 7 tumars removed from bladder had 6 bgc treatments oct 2000 2 more tumers since then have had 2 checks with no more tumers do have to have cysto and 3 dgc treatments every 3 months until i have 2 yrs clear then twice a year for 2 years then once a year after it seems to work good luck and god bless
Answer:
Hi Cindy48d48,
Thank you so much for you reply - I am happy to hear that you have are having good results with the BCG.
If you are comfortable talking about it, can you tell me what you experienced with the BCG?
I understand that some precautions need to be taken so the medication isn't inhaled or touched by anyone else in the family.
Thank you.
Answer:
ok what they do is inset catherda put bgc in and ever 15 min. you quarter turn for 2 hours it does not hurt maybe a little uncof. after, you empty your bladder, we have 2 bathrooms 1 just for me you put bleach in to kill the germs. what the treatment does is make your own boby fight harder to kill the cancer germs it does make you real tired during the treatment but that is about all. good luck
Answer:
hello.
i've just had my sixth of eight weekly bcg treatments monday. it's no BIG deal, they insert catherer, drain the bladder, then apprximately 100 mls of bcg solution goes into the bladder. after two hours, you can empty the bladder, add a cup of bleach to the stool and flush twice.
they were using an 18 french cath on me initially, but were having difficulty getting past my prostate. was VERY uncomfortable. dropped to a size 16 and 'tho not fun, was much better.
may or may not bleed a little for a day or so, but that's about it. apparently, bcg is effective in suppressing ca in 7 out of 10.
i'm 70 too.