Round Six - Graduation?

Arrived at my expected time for my last BCG treatment.  By this time things are pretty routine at check in.  Still ace my quizzes and have an acceptable body temp to proceed to my providing a urine sample.  Oh ya, still getting dinged for $50 co-pay.

It wasn't as busy today, but I had to wait about 20 minutes before my name was called.  Like other times I was instructed to follow the medical professional to an exam room.  I saw the nurse practitioner, Alex today.  He poked his head in the examination room as I was being quizzed.  He seemed to be caught up with the back-log (or maybe he wanted lunch). At any rate, he said, "Today is your graduation day!  You know the drill, lower your pants and sit on the 'diaper'." He left, but not before saying, "I'll be right back."

The medical professional was still there readying things.  I jokingly asked if I get a diploma or a certificate of completion.  She thought is was a good idea and chuckled as she left.

Alex returned and said that I was once again receiving the full dose.  [Ok I said to myself]

By this time, I can say that the most unpleasant part of this in-office procedure is the insertion of the catheter.  Even though numbing gel is used it's pretty cringe-worthy.  I find myself making a tight fist until the uncomfortable feeling passes.  Once the catheter is in, I can sense that I'm going.  A weird sensation since I've always had the power to go and stop on my own.  The feeling of going 'on it's own' is kind of disconcerting.  I mentioned to Alex that I had to squeeze out enough for my urine sample.  But he said, "There's more in there." I felt drained and he showed me the urinal and sure enough there was a good amount.  He then said, "OK, it's going in.(BCG)"   I didn't (and haven't) felt anything for this part.  He then proclaimed, "I'm removing the catheter." Ah, Done!

I'm scheduled to see Dr Previte next Monday for a follow-up to this 'induction' round, then have a biopsy/cystoscopy scheduled for November 22nd.   

I got home and did the full two hours of marinade.  So far I'm doing alright.  Feeling kind of blah and having to go frequently with little output.  No blood...yet.  

Post Script: I had bleeding but it was relatively light and only lasted that evening and cleared up the next day.

More to come!

Round Five

Well round four of the BCG did yield some bleeding.  However, not nearly as bad as the previous.  Other than feeling chilly and a bit foggy, it wasn't too bad.

Round Five

I was originally scheduled to see Alex on Wednesday for round five, but I received a call late last week requesting that I come in on Tuesday.  Sure, why not?

My appointment was at 10:30 so traffic was moving along.  Got to the office with time to spare.  It was quite busy.  I checked in and got dinged again for $50.00.  Collected my specimen container, filled it and sat in waiting room waiting to be called.

It wasn't long and my name was called.  I was quizzed again.  They couldn't stump me.  I aced the test again.  I was brought way back to an examination room, and instructed to 'assume the position with pants down'.  The Nurse Practitioner, Torry administered the BCG today.  

After some grilling and check in with previous symptoms, she told me that I would be receiving a full dose today.  I didn't know that I had less than full doses previously. Apparently within each six rounds, one round will be full strength.  That was today.  I asked if I should be aware of worsening symptoms.  Torry said, " You'll probably feel the same way as other treatments, but maybe a bit more lethargic and a longer period of feeling blah'. It is what it is.

She was quick administering the BCG and said, "We'll see you next week."

I got home at 11 and began marinating. Unfortunately I didn't make the two hour goal.  While I was marinating, I received a call from Dana Farber.  My oncologist, Dr Mehta had initiated a genetic testing panel for me.  So the call was gathering family medical history (regarding cancer).  It helped the time pass.  I spoke with two people.  First took history, second pre-registered me for a tele-health call in Novermber.  More on this in later blog updates.

So at this point, I'm feeling chilly and foggy brained and kind of blah.  We'll see when, and if, the bleeding starts and how long it will take place.

 [Post Script: Bleed has started. Heavier than last time.  Hopeful it will clear up tomorrow.]

More to come!