So another round of BCG is just over. The process is simple, but this time lots of pain and urgency after the second dose. I went in for my third dose mid-May and the nurse saw so much blood on my urine that he suggested a week off. The risk of direct bloodstream infection from the BCG would have likely ended me up hospitalized.
I was still bleeding and sore 5 days later, so I took an additional week off before the last dose.
I’m really glad I did wait as the BSG seems to have a very strong cumulative effect. I have takes two sick days as I peed every 45-60 minutes around the clock. Sleep was bad. I had to force myself to drink the liquids I needed to get better.
There were lots of bladder spasms and general urethral pain. Today is the first day that I approach the bathroom without fear. I’m still going frequently, but less pain.
Also I’m trying to sort out if this will be the last or penultimate series (unless the cancer returns of course.) It will be really nice to just do the semi-annual scope visits. And I’d love to pass on BCG for a while.
At the last Cystoscope visit, Dr said it was a two year process. My nurse thought it was five years for the treatment cycle, so I’m awaiting a decision.
The first few BCGs were pretty easy and I hoped it would stay easy, but this is chemotherapy at some level and it had kicked me.
Looking forward to a healthy June.
More later.
