Extreme Side Effects of BCG Treatment
Diagnosed with bladder cancer; BCG treatment recommended (6 treatments). Did beautifully with Treatments 1, 2, and 3. Treatment 4 brought a little nausea/throwing up and diarrhea, but only a couple of days. Treatment 5, things seemed to go haywire. Nausea/throwing up and diarrhea started. One week later, off to emergency room for fluids and was sent home also with antibiotic for UTI. One week later, back in the emergency room with acute vomiting and diarrhea. They did find an esophageal tear from the violent throwing up. Admitted to hospital and still here 10 days later. Still vomiting, diarrhea some better. All scans prior to the treatments were clear - stomach, gall bladder, intestines, etc. All same scans have been done and still clear. Removed fluid for sample to see if infection in abdominal cavity. Clear. My research says extreme side effects are rare, but I am hoping someone can offer information or perhaps direct me to additional information or resource of someone who has experience treating the more extreme side effects. Thank you.
Hi
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First off let me say that I am SO sorry that you've been going through so much the last few weeks. Sending you love, because you are SO strong. Have you paused your BCG treatments? It would be interesting to see if the side effects go away. Also, what has your doctor said?
We're not a medical community so we can't give you all the answers but hopefully we can help you figure some things out. How are you doing though in the midst of all of this? This isn't easy. - JadaThank you! Actually I have stopped treatment. I was scheduled for 6, completed 5. My team of doctors (hospitalist, GI, and cancer) have done every possible GI test with nothing showing except some colitis in the small intestine and are fairly comfortable this situation is a result of the treatment. They are treating me with fluids for dehydration and a steroid sawumedrol via the fluids. Three nausea meds - compazine, reglin, and merinol. Haven't thrown up in about 30 hrs. I am hopeful the plan is a couple of more days in the hospital to make sure the vomiting is under control and then prednisone for home. They feel like this is certainly related to the treatments and can't really estimate how long recovery will be. Slow, long is the best they are offering. It is very scary when you fall into the group of patients who experience more severe side effects - it's only about 5% and there is not a lot of information for more proven remedies. I and my family do feel somewhat better after the cancer dr became involved.
So so sorry you are experiencing these severe side effects. It’s frustrating and scary. Sounds like the docs at the hospital have done a good job so far. I hope you get better soon. 🙏
@Mama - I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time with the BCG. From those I have spoken to the side effects can vary greatly. The good news is that it looks like the results you have received from tests are good. Hopefully the treatments you received are enough to do what they are intended to do. I also have read that some people receive 1/2 doses. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. My best to you. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
