BCG Treatment Recommended & Having Difficult Time Deciding
My 89 year old father had his second TURBT. His urologist is recommending BCG treatment (6 weekly treatments with 3 weekly treatments every 3 months - hopefully for no more than one year). Additionally, he will continue to need a cystoscopy every 3 months to monitor for any new bladder tumors. My dad has many other significant chronic health conditions. Quality of life is obviously a concern. He is hoping someone could share their experience with the treatments.
@Concerned Daughter - Thank you for reaching out to our community. I am not a medical professional but certain understand your concerns. BCG as you probably know is administered into the bladder and held for a bit by the patient for a couple hours. This is considered the treatment that is used for stage one bladder cancer where is it contained in the bladder. I am aware of 6 weeks of once a week instillations and then a cysto to see if it was considered successful. I did not have BCG but know many others who have. The side effects vary between people. Has your fathers doctor recommended other options or had any concerns with his other health issues being an concern with this treatment? I wish I could provide more help. My best to you both. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
https://bladdercancer.net/?p=428
Hopefully the above article will provide some answers. My best
Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)https://www.facebook.com/page/1399133460147242/search/?q=bcg
Sorry - This is the article. Good luck Linda Urbanski ( moderator)
Thank you for the information. Dad is not a candidate for bladder surgery given his other medical conditions. He had urinary retention issues after both TURBTs and had an extended hospitalization after his most recent surgery due to his other medical conditions.
@concerned Daughter - I am not a medical professional and cannot provide medical advice but I assume that your father has received his stage and grade. BCG, from my knowledge is recommended for stage one. Surgery is not the normal standard for stage one but can be for some patients and some reasons. I am not suggesting surgery but wondering if other treatments have been suggested - such as mitocycin, a lower amount of BCG per treatment etc. Is the cancer high grade or low? What are your quality of life concerns? Is it possible side effects from the BCG or having treatments at his age? I would speak with his medical team about your concerns. Keep us updated and wishing you both the best. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
