3 of 3

It was quite busy at Northeast Urological for my last dose of BCG.  I had a very early appointment and the parking lot was maxed.  I had to park way at the end of the lot.  It was a brisk partly cloudy October day, so the little jaunt hopefully would wake me up.  At the advice of the Physician's Assistant, I dispensed from my daily coffee.  This helps during my marination, but I feel foggy-brained.  A necessary trade off.

Upon entering the lobby, I was able to check in right away.  However, I wasn't provided with a specimen jar.  When I inquired why today would be different, the medical assistant said, "Right.  I need my coffee.  I forgot.'  I told her I can relate.  I took the container and headed for the rest room.  There are three, but today all were occupied.  So I had to wait.  I finally did the deed and returned to the lobby.

I just sat down and my name was called.  While walking to the examination room, I was grilled on my vitals. I had the same room as last time.  The one I called the meat locker. I readied myself and tightly wrapped the large napkin around my nakedness to keep warm. 

Michael and Joanne arrived.  Joanne had previously been in training, Michael asked if it was OK for her to administer the BCG.  I said, "No problem'.

Joanne wasn't as good as Michael, but the unpleasantness didn't last too long.  She was done with everything quickly.  Michael said according to my records, I'll be back for my in-office cystoscopy on November 22nd.  I said, "Ya, the day be fore Thanksgiving."  Michel went through his spiel on what to do if I developed a high temperature or felt ill, then both bid me a good day.

I was able to do my full two hours of marination.  After voiding,  I took some pyridium (Azo) to help with the burning and frequency.  I had nothing on my calendar so I stayed home and surfed the net.

Like previous times, I felt blah, was cold and had little desire to do anything..other than drink fluids and flush out my system. I did pass a few clots.  But, I was told I could have bleeding.  It's disconcerting to see that, but I hope it's a sign that the BCG is working.

More to come!

Number 2 of 3

Had an early appointment on this summer-like day for my second dose of BCG.  I anticipated that there would be morning traffic but was hopeful the train wasn't going through at this time.  Wrong!  Although the train went through quickly, traffic had backed up in each direction quite a bit.  Nonetheless, I made it to Northeast Urological early for my appointment.

The lobby only had a few people waiting and there were three windows open for check in.  I received my specimen jar;  did my thing; then, returned to the waiting room.  It wasn't long before I heard my name.  After verifying my identity, I was brought to a familiar examination room.  The medical attendant remembered me and said, "You know what to do. Torri will be with your shortly." It was very cold today in the exam room.  Sitting sans pants with only a table sized napkin for coverage, I anxiously awaited my treatment.

There was a knock on the door and Torri popped her head in.  I said, "Welcome to the meat locker."  She chuckled and said it was warm outside and will be hot later.  She thought that someone may be over-compensating with the thermostat setting. Torri then added that Morgan will be performing the procedure today.  I met Morgan during my last maintenance round when she was being trained.  This time she'll be putting her training to use.  Morgan and Torri were speaking medical jargon as the 'set-up' the implements.  Apparently, Morgan has to specify which additional 'things' are needed to accompany her 'hand-carried' syringe.  So she had to set things up to her liking.

After having thing 'just so', she went to work.  It was very uncomfortable, but I knew it would pass.  And yes, she was now done. Torri did mention that I received a 1/6 of a dose today, so my side effects might be lighter today.  [Side effects were not what I had recalled during my last time.  So hearing this made me hopeful].

I then said, "See you next week."

Once home, I marinaded for two hours. Took two Azo pills and drank 16 oz of water.  I'm trying to drink extra water this time to flush my system.  The Azo takes some of the sting away.  So far, just feeling blah. 

Post Script: I have had a little bleeding, which was not surprising.

More to come!