Treatment FAQ

why do you have to wait 6 weeks after a biopsy to have the bcg treatment to the bladder

by Ronaldo Bergstrom Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

After all those once weekly BCG's for 6 weeks, your bladder is going to be pretty inflamed. Doctor will want to have that inflammation cleared up for next cystoscopy. Its going to take at least a few weeks during the off bcg period for inflammation to go down.

Full Answer

Why do I have to wait 2 hours after BCG treatment?

I was told after each visit to go home after treatment to relax and not to pass urine for two hours after. This helps to increase the concentration and of effects of BCG in your bladder.

How long does it take to pass urine after BCG?

The drug is delivered through a catheter into the bladder and is relatively painless and takes no longer than 2 minutes. I was told after each visit to go home after treatment to relax and not to pass urine for two hours after. This helps to increase the concentration and of effects of BCG in your bladder.

How does BCG compare to other bladder cancer treatments?

When comparing BCG to other bladder cancer treatments, it’s important to remember that treatment isn’t the same for everybody. Some of the factors that determine your options are: Cancer treatment usually involves more than one type of therapy, which can be given at the same time or one at a time.

How long to wait for biopsy results?

I eventually managed to speak to my GP who said around 2 weeks is normal to wait for the biopsy results. The Dr who did the biopsy said 2-3 days, so when it got to 9 days I was getting frantic.

When do you start BCG after Turbt?

BCG is given once a week for six weeks, starting 2–4 weeks after TURBT surgery. It is put directly into the bladder through a catheter. This is usually done as a day procedure in hospital, and each treatment session takes up to two hours.

What should I do before BCG treatment?

Prior to BCG treatment, your healthcare provider will give you a list of specific guidelines to help you prepare. In general, you should avoid caffeinated beverages and diuretics (water pills) for four hours before your appointment.

How many rounds of BCG do you need for bladder cancer?

You usually have BCG into the bladder once a week for 6 weeks. This is called the induction course. You may then have BCG into the bladder every few weeks or months for the next 1 to 3 years. This will depend on your risk of developing invasive bladder cancer.

What happens during a BCG treatment for bladder cancer?

Treatment with BCG can cause a wide range of symptoms. It's common to have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, achiness, chills, and fatigue. These can last for 2 to 3 days after treatment. It also commonly causes a burning feeling in the bladder, the need to urinate often, and even blood in the urine.

Do BCG side effects get worse with each treatment?

The irritative reactions usually are seen following the third instillation and tend to increase in severity after each administration. There is no evidence that dose reduction or antituberculous drug therapy can prevent or lessen the irritative symptoms of TheraCys.

What is the success rate of BCG treatment?

This method of treatment is considered a form of immunotherapy, which is an emerging form of cancer treatment. The success rate for BCG treatment for bladder cancer is about 90%, which is considered the best life-saving rate by any treatment.

What are the chances of bladder cancer returning after BCG treatment?

“Initially, it's effective,” says medical oncologist Noah Hahn, M.D. However, adds urologist Max Kates, M.D., “while up to 35 percent of patients have long-term, sustained remissions with intravesical BCG, as many as 60 percent of patients will have a recurrence of cancer within two years.

How do you prevent bladder cancer from coming back?

Flushing the bladder with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine (Gemzar) after tumors have been removed surgically may reduce the risk of the cancer returning, according to the results of a large clinical trial.

Can bladder cancer return after BCG?

In some cases, maintenance BCG treatment will be recommended for one year for those at intermediate risk of recurrence and for three years for those at higher risk for recurrence. Even in people who are treated appropriately, bladder cancer often recurs.

How long does BCG bladder treatment stay in your system?

Because BCG is a live vaccine, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind that your doctor can explain. BCG can remain in urine for 6 hours after your treatment, so each time you urinate, you should bleach the toilet in your home to neutralize the vaccine.

Does BCG treatment make you tired?

BCG immunotherapy can cause a number of side effects. It is common for people to experience flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, and fatigue, for 2–3 days following the treatment. Other common side effects include: a burning sensation or discomfort in the bladder.

When does BCG treatment fail?

BCG refractory is when there is failure to achieve a disease-free state within 6 months after initial BCG, with either maintenance or re-treatment at 3 months because of either persistent or rapidly recurrent disease.

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Passed a scab, blood in urine. Should I worry?

Hello, fellow sojourners. This is a follow-up to my message from a month or so ago. Quick refresher: I had my first TURBT in Jan 2015, pathology said low-grade non-muscle invasive. In Jan 2016 (just under two months ago) I had a second TURBT, this time followed immediately with Mitomycin. Pathology came back same as before.

How long should I hold a BCG in?

Once the BCG has been injected into the bladder, you'll be instructed to hold it in for about 2 hours. You'll be expected to turn every 15 minutes so that you're alternating lying on your back, right side, stomach, and left side in order to allow the BCG to coat all of the interior of your bladder.

How long does it take for a BCG to arrive?

It would take about an hour for the BCG medicine to arrive from the pharmacy after the order was put in for it, so it was between 9:30 and 10 before the actual installation of the BCG took place. By the time I was done voiding and cleaning myself and was dressed it would be between 12:30 and 1 p.m.

How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

Hi, this is the first time i've sent a post on here, but i've read more than a few and have already found comfort to know there's someone to talk to. I've had a mammogram and ultrasound which both say i have a 'lump' and two lymph nodes are enlarged.

Re: How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

Thanks so much for replying it's good to know someone's out there. I did telephone the hospital but they said they'll get in contact when results are ready - this is the 9th day now. My doctor is not available this morning, so I'll keep on trying.

Re: How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

Hi June, I had biopses, seven of them on 15th June and was due to get results on 24th June. At my initial appointment on 10th June I was appointedd a breast nurse. When I phoned her 21st June she said she had the results and came to visit me. I thought I had 4-5 biopses! Check with the Hospital to see if you have a breast nurse.

Re: How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

I think it may depend on time period for results however, keep phoning them to see. Do let us know how you get on. The waiting is definitely the worse and the not knowing...Remember technology is brilliant these days, so stay strong and positive, kind regards, Liz

Re: How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

Hi Linda, thanks for replying. I eventually managed to speak to my GP who said around 2 weeks is normal to wait for the biopsy results. The Dr who did the biopsy said 2-3 days, so when it got to 9 days I was getting frantic. Now I'm calmer and trying to fill my time with things to take my mind off it, ha! but I am trying.

Re: How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

Hi Liz, thanks for replying, it's good to know there are people out there who understand and care. I'm feeling a bit better as eventually got to speak to my GP who said 2 weeks is about normal to wait for biopsy results.

How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

my friend had a biopsy last week..query breast cancer has been given appointment to see Dr ib December to find out results.this long wait seems outrageous to me is this permissable under current NHS guielines?

How long after BCG treatment can you have sex?

Men can pass BCG to their partner during sex. For that reason, you should avoid sex for 48 hours after each treatment. Use a condom between treatments and for six weeks following your final treatment. Women should avoid getting pregnant or breastfeeding while on BCG therapy.

What to do before BCG?

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Certain immunosuppressants, antimicrobial therapies, and radiation therapies can interfere with BCG treatment. You’ll be advised to limit your fluid intake for four hours prior to ...

How does a BCG catheter work?

A urinary catheter is inserted through your urethra and into your bladder. Then the BCG solution is injected into the catheter. The catheter is clamped off so the solution stays in your bladder. Some doctors may remove the catheter at this time. You have to hold the medicine in your bladder.

How long does it take for a bladder catheter to unclamp?

You’ll be instructed to lie on your back and to roll from side to side to make sure the solution reaches your entire bladder. After about two hours, the catheter is unclamped so the fluid can be drained. If the catheter was already removed, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder at this time.

What is the procedure called to remove bladder cancer?

It usually follows a procedure called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). It’s intended to help prevent recurrence. This treatment only affects cells inside the bladder. It’s not useful for later stage bladder cancer that has spread into or beyond the bladder lining, or to other tissues and organs.

How to get rid of BCG in men?

Disinfect the urine by adding 2 cups of bleach into the toilet. Let it stand for about 20 minutes before flushing. You should also wash your genital area very carefully after you urinate, so your skin doesn’t become irritated from the BCG. Wash your hands thoroughly, too. Men can pass BCG to their partner during sex.

Can you have more than one cancer treatment?

how well you tolerate certain treatments. Cancer treatment usually involves more than one type of therapy, which can be given at the same time or one at a time. That makes it difficult to compare one treatment to another.

Doing my research about BCG

This treatment along with other alternatives was explained to me by my urologist after two operations to remove tumors from the bladder. My medical team was confident that my cancer was contained within the bladder lining. So as a result of this feedback and doing my research on the effects of BCG I opted for this course of treatment.

I felt great after the first 4 treatments

At best after each treatment of BCG I felt a bit wobbly and maybe even a bit tired. I could never be sure however if this was in my mind or a reality. When you have cancer and a professional tells you that you may feel tired after treatment, you feel tired even if you're not.

Side effects after my 4th treatment

Two days before my fifth session of BCG I was working out at the gym and found after 45 minutes that my body temperature was struggling to warm up. The tips of my fingers were also losing circulation, so I decided to cut my session short and go home. What was to follow after walking through my front door was 48 hours of unbelievable pain.

Severe pain and a loss of appetite

My entire body literally shut down on me. I had major fever type symptoms, excruciating pain in all joints and a severe headache. I was unable to eat and just about managed to take on fluids over the two days.

I learned to take it easy during treatment

I've since finished my BCG treatment and I'm now awaiting a biopsy to establish how successful my treatment was. My hope is that I’m given the all clear and allowed to move on with my life with just the little inconvenience of having to get myself checked every three months.

How long does a BCG stay in the bladder?

Any urine remaining in the bladder will be drained and then a BCG solution will be inserted into the bladder next to the tumor and should remain for two hours. The catheter is normally removed after the BCG is placed into the bladder, and patients can get up and walk around during the waiting time.

How long does it take to get a BCG removed?

1,2 It is generally not considered a painful procedure, though some may find it uncomfortable. Any urine remaining in the bladder will be drained and then a BCG solution will be inserted into the bladder next to the tumor and should remain for two hours. The catheter is normally removed after the BCG is placed into the bladder, and patients can get up and walk around during the waiting time. If the catheter is not removed for some reason, it is clamped to keep the BCG in the bladder. Patients are asked not to urinate for the two hours waiting time. Most people can travel independently to the doctor for the procedure, but it may be helpful to have another person accompany you to help pass the time.

Can you drink fluids after a BCG?

After the BCG is drained from the bladder, patients can resume drinking fluids normally. Because BCG is a live vaccine, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind that your doctor can explain.

Can you urinate after a BCG catheter is removed?

If the catheter is not removed for some reason, it is clamped to keep the BCG in the bladder. Patients are asked not to urinate for the two hours waiting time. Most people can travel independently to the doctor for the procedure, but it may be helpful to have another person accompany you to help pass the time.

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