BCG treatment
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to reach out for some advice and insight regarding my recent treatment for high-grade T1 bladder cancer. I was diagnosed in February 2023, and after a TURBT procedure to remove two tumors, I underwent a second TURBT that showed no further tumors. Following that, I began BCG treatments as recommended.
I completed the initial 6-week BCG treatment, then had two additional rounds of maintenance (3 treatments each time). However, during my recent cystoscopy, I was informed that my treatment is now considered complete due to the current national shortage of BCG.
While I understand the situation, I’m feeling uncertain and a bit nervous about the "wait and watch" approach that was suggested. I’m concerned about whether my treatment is truly complete or if there are any other steps I should consider moving forward.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, experiences, or suggestions you may have.
Thank you all for your support!
Non bladder invasive cancer in 2009. Was scheduled for 30 BCG treatment (yep) but BCG was stopped at the 9th treatment. I would bleed terribly after each treatment and they were afraid of a Systemic Tuberculin infection from the BCG.
All I remember at this late date, is I got Sick and was on antibiotics for 6 months.
Yearly Cystos, all negative, stopped at about the 12 year.
Been having repeat symptoms, less the blood, for about 3 weeks now. Self treating with 2 antibiotics for the past 4 days hoping its a bladder infection. If no improvement, will call Uro for an appt in 4-5 days.Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.
Hi everyone,
I recently had my urine cytology results come back with a diagnosis of Atypical Urothelial Cells (AUC). The report noted: “Rare clusters of atypical urothelial cells are present exhibiting mild nuclear enlargement, irregular nuclear contours, and hyperchromasia.” I’m currently waiting for my doctor to discuss these findings with me, but I wanted to check if anyone here has experienced something similar.
I’ve undergone BCG treatments for bladder cancer (6-week initial treatment, plus two rounds of maintenance sessions). I’m wondering if AUC findings are common after BCG or if it’s something I should be concerned about.
Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you.
thanks for reaching out. I found this information: atypical urothelial cells found in a urine sample after BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) treatment for bladder cancer usually indicates a reactive change caused by the BCG itself, meaning the cells appear abnormal due to the treatment's inflammatory effect on the bladder lining, rather than necessarily signifying cancer recurrence; however, careful monitoring by a doctor is still necessary as sometimes distinguishing between true cancer and BCG-induced atypia can be challenging. Please keep us posted with what your doctor says. Jill (Team Member)
Thanks Jill.
