Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

BCG treatments in years ?

I’m at the end of my 4th year of BCG treatments and I’m told I have one more set of 3 treatments in a year from now
My question is anyone else doing a 5 year schedule with treatments ?
I’ve been reading more as of late about BCG protocols and still haven’t read anything about a 5 year schedule
It’s always 3 years
I’m getting a longer lasting urethra pain after this last set and am getting worried it might be doing damage to me
Anyone with input on this subject would be extremely welcome
Thanks I’m advance
Dogg

  1. I just found this has anyone done or maybe on this schedule ?
    Here is Lamm's recommended BCG Treatment SCHEDULE spelled-out in detail below, based on information on his website:
    1. Induction round of six weekly instillations. (Month 0)
    2. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    3. If all clear, wait a week and begin first maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Month 3)
    4. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    5. If all clear, wait a week and begin second maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo. 6)
    6. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    7. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    8. If all clear, wait a week and begin third maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo. 12, 1 yr)
    9. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    10. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    11. If all clear, wait a week and begin fourth maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo. 1😎
    12. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    13. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    14. If all clear, wait a week and begin 5th maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo 24, 2 yrs)
    15. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    16. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    17. If all clear, wait a week and begin sixth maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo. 30)
    18. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    19. Wait three months and have cystoscope.
    20. If all clear, wait a week and begin 7th maintenance round of 3 weekly instillations (Mo. 36, 3 yrs)
    21. If all remains clear, continue with maintenance rounds of 3 weekly instillations at years 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10.

    1. I think while there are standards, treatments are tailored to individuals. Can anyone else chime in here and share your BCG schedule experiences? Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net

  2. I don’t have any personal experience of BCG treatment. I am so not medically trained. I do know it is usually given in 6 session blocks and where or not it is used for treatment or maintenance can vary things. Gave you asked your medical team the reasons for it being 5 years? They should be able to explain why that decision was made. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net

    1. @Reddogg - I chose not to have BCG and go right to RC/IC 8 years ago so i cannot comment with personal experience. Are you having the regular 6 week regime of BCG each time or just the 3 weeks maintenance ? Just my thoughts but possibly your doctor is following a protocol that differs from others or has a reason for continued BCG. I might bring this to his/her attention and ask if this is the normal protocol they use or based on your case. For example, I know that my uro/oncologist does 10 years of follow up testing post RC and others do 5 to 7. I am happy with the additional years but do not have problems with the testing. In your case, as your after effects are causing longer lasting pain, it may be of value to have a discussion as to the difference in protocols and the value to you. Hope to hear that you are doing well. My best to you. Happy Thanksgiving! Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)

Please read our rules before posting.