Bladder Cancer

[livingwith]

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer 15 years ago when I was only 47 years old. It was found almost accidentally when my internist sent me for a sonogram because I was complaining of heavy periods. What showed up was a small tumor. I could hardly believe my ears when she told me. I had the tumor surgically removed and the urologist told me it was superficial and required only follow up exams for 5 years. (By the way, I was a heavy smoker and I guess that’s why I got this disease.) Any...Read the full article

[Marko]

Very interesting story. I was very interested in your bcg treatment with no side effects? I got bc in 2005. It was superficial also. It recurred again about 4 months later. I changed urologists to someone I trusted much more. The second tumor was also superficial and removed by the new urologist. After some 2 1/2 years, with quarterly checkups, he found a new 7mm tumor(small) last week, hopefully superficial also. I'll find out on 7/1. But no recommendation of chemical treatments, at least not as of yet. I would be concerned about bcg, but glad to here you are tollerating very well.

[Joan J]

I have had bladder cancer since 1999,I have had treatment with BCG 3 times,because tumor came back.I have had TUR surgery twice. I have never had a problem with the BCG,the last time I had it was 6 months ago with interferon. I feel good. Don't worry about BCG.

[Marko]

Joan, you say you had bcg, but the last time was with interferon. Interferon, to my knowledge, is used for liver conditions. It is definately not bcg. Did you receive bcg or both? how many times? Since bcg is a live tuberculin virus, I know extreme precautions must be taken and it is very toxic. Did you not experience any side effects? And hw long have you been tumor free? Thanks for your input.

[Joan J]

Hi yes I had full strenght BCG with Interferon mixed in one bag.I had it done last on 4/11/2006,I had it inserted once a week for 8 weeks.Went bck to Dr. on 8/1/2006 no cancer all looks great.Went again on 2/13/2007,looks great see me in 6 more months.went again on 3/7/2007 all is great. went again in 10/7/2007,some thing on lower left uretha recheck in 4 months.went again 2/5/2008 bladder looks good,ordered FISH test(to see if any cells are present). and ordered ultrasound on on bladder done.tests all came back negative.I don't have to see him till Sept now ,unless something comes up.
To answer you no I had no side effects with the BCG /Interferon.A little blood in urine the day it was instilled but that was it.Oh yes the first few time you urineated to get rid of the chemicals it did burn a bit,but nothing you can't handle.So it has been almost 2 years cancer free.But I know it will return & we will do it all over again.

[Marko]

Joan, thanks so much for the info. As you may have read, I had been tumor free for 2 1/2 years without any chemical treatment, so I was
concerned if I might need it this time, although the doc said not necessary. It seems this type of cancer is just something that will always recur, eventually; regardless of treatment. Anyway, i'll have my third TUR on7/1, and hopefully things will be just fine. Thanks again. Just for your info, I live in NYC.