Third Round Completed

Today I had my third dose of BCG.  

Another early appointment.  The drive was uneventful and there was no problem finding parking since my appointment would be one of the first today.  I figured I'd be in and out, but they were short staffed. It was just Carmen working the counter.  Although she was the whole show today, she remained in good spirits and announced that she was all alone and she will do the best she could.  Well that's all we can ask for.

I stood in line and waited for a spell when she called me to the counter.  I gave her my name and the reason for my visit.  She looked in her computer and  turned to find my folder.  Like other times she verified my vitals and checked to see if there were any changes. Luckily everything was the same.  She gave me a specimen jar and asked that I provide a sample and have a seat.  Easy enough.  Done.

I returned to the waiting room and had a long wait.  I brought the daily paper with me and I read the whole thing and I still hadn't been called.  I arrived at 7:45 and it was now 8:30.  I almost approached her and asked if I had been forgotten, but my plans were halted when my name was called.

The medical professional requested that I follow her.  On the way to the examination room, I was grilled for my identification vitals.  We finally reached my destination.  So many examination rooms; I had not been to this one before.  I was told to prepare myself and wait for Morgan (Physician's Assistant).  I dropped my pants and covered up with the large napkin I was provided and waited.

Morgan arrived and indicated that the examination seat/table was wonky and might not work.  Apparently a replacement is in back order.  Luckily, she was able to position it so she could give me my treatment.  Although the device had seen better days it was actually pretty comfortable (like a padded couch).

Morgan is very good at this.  She inserted the catheter and instilled the BCG with very little discomfort.  She was very quick and efficient.  She said, "We're done".

She had confirmed that this was my third dose and asked if I had my cystoscopy scheduled already.  I said, "It hasn't been".  She instructed me to schedule the appointment before leaving.

I returned to the waiting room and there were quite a few people waiting to be checked in.  I took my place in line and waited my turn.  Mind you, I'm usually on my way home to begin the 2 hour marination, but I had to wait in line.  Upon reaching her, she told me to go to the scheduling window.  There was another line.  The attendant needed to call another office to find out the availability.  She asked if I could go to the Salem, NH office, but corrected herself by saying I needed to return to this office.  Looking at the calendar she said the doctor is booking September.  I said fine.  So she gave me September 19th at 3:30PM.  On the way out Carmen got my attention and indicated that I owed a co-pay.  Whatever.  I whipped out my card and she collected $15.00.  [I still don't understand how that works.  I had been charged $50.00 in the past then received a refund form Medicare.]

So I wasted about a half hour that I could have been marinating.  Once home I started.

The first hour and a half was pretty much normal, but the last half hour was excruciating.  I was uncertain if I was having a similar issue as last week, but I tried my best to hold out.  I had 15 minutes to go, but I was in agony.  I gingerly got up and slowly walked to the bathroom hoping not to have an "accident".  I emptied my bladder, but once I was done, I had the urge to go (like last week).  Actually I had two deposits.  (I know - TMI).  Well that explains my discomfort.  I hope that my not doing the last 15 minutes won't change anything.  Although I had an extra half hour of standing marination in the office.  (I'm sure it's not the same).

For most of the day, I was running back and forth to the toilet.  My bladder felt full, but the output was low.  The burning was really bad. I took the pills, but they hadn't gone through my system yet.  So I surrendered to the fact that I would be tethered to the toilet.

I made coffee.  I hoped that would help flush my system out.  I had some bleeding (expected).  By 6PM I was making fewer visits.  But I did not take my walk today because I didn't think it was wise, considering.

So I'm glad this round of 3 is completed.  I trust that things will begin to return to normal over the next few days.  I do have concerns about not making the whole two hours.  Recalling my very first treatment, I had a few times when I couldn't make the whole two hours.  Not sure if that was the reason why it wasn't successful the first time. So I'll worry about that until September 19th.

More to come!

I Remember This Now

The brutal heat wave continues.  Had just a brief thunderstorm last night.  Didn't really rain much and only made the air more humid.  They always talk about the dog days of Summer being in August.  Doesn't provide much comfort from my view in mid July.  Well at least there's no shoveling LOL!

I went for round two of the BCG this morning.  The early morning 'seemed' cooler, but by the time I arrived in North Andover, the sun was in full force and started cooking.

Being one of the first patients to be seen today, I figured I'd be in and out.  But I had to wait longer than usual.  Of course, there was another Richard in the waiting room.  So when they called the name I immediately approached the medical professional, but could hear the other party asking if they wanted [Last name not heard].  The response was affirmative.  So it wasn't my turn.

Finally I was called.  I was grilled for my identification verification and must have passed the pop quiz because I was directed to follow the medical professional to an all familiar examination room I call the 'meat locker'.  With the weather being what it has been, one would find the 'freezing' room a pleasant respite, But wearing "Summer-attire", and only having an extra large napkin for coverage, I had memories of the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza had 'shrinkage' issues.  Well enough of that.

The Physician's Assistant, Morgan, was the BCG administrator again today.  Like last time she was very quick, efficient and performed her duties with very little discomfort.  Once completing her task, she reminded me about my marination responsibilities and what to do if I had an adverse reaction.  She looked at her notes and said, "Until next week".

Upon arriving home, I commenced the marination.  Past instances, I experienced discomfort during the last 15 minutes of the two hours.  But today was a tough one.  About half way through I was so uncomfortable.  Being a 'regular' guy, I can set the clock on when it's time to "go".  But not having coffee today, the body decided that maybe now was a good time. Oh my god, between having a full bladder and a full colon, the last hour almost brought me to tears.  It was reminiscent of my extra long commutes to work and having to 'hold it in'.  I made it to almost 2 hours.  (Just shy of 5 minutes).  I gingerly waltzed to the bathroom and made a huge deposit.  (Sorry for the visual). This is the first time I've had this.  I hope it doesn't repeat.

My treatment last week was pretty easy to tolerate.  But given the corrosive properties of the BCG and second barrage, my bladder wasn't happy.  Frequent urination with very little output, burning and feelings of pins and needles through my entire body.  As cautioned, I have had some blood.  I'm sure it will clear up by tomorrow.  I did take Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (AZO tabs), but it takes a bit to go through the system.  That has helped in the past.

So a do nothing day today.  Staying near the toilet and drinking a lot of water to flush things out. I do remember that these side effects are sort of accumulative.  So I'm not looking forward to next week in that regard.

More to come!

A Necessary Evil

Since my last in office cystoscopy on D Day (June 6th),  Dr Previte scheduled my next round of maintenance BCG. Seems like a hot minute when July 3rd came around for my pre-treatment check in. Being the day before the 4th, it was quite busy, but it ended up being a quick check-in and specimen drop off.  This was to ensure I was still a candidate for this next round.  Yes, I passed!

We happen to be in the grips of an extended heatwave.  Temps have been in the 90's and humidity hovering around 76%.  Pretty hellish.  Luckily for me my portable AC is working overtime and is pulling lots of moisture out of the air.  It's by no means cool, but it's far better than the weather outside.  In the afternoon (as the house bakes in the sun) the inside temps get into the mid 80's.  But with copious fans strategically placed, the 'semi-cooled' air gets moved around making it tolerable.  After the sun goes down, the temp in the house gets to 72 degrees, so sleeping isn't too bad.

I had an early appointment today for my first round of 3 doses.  I arrived at 7:45 and after the standard check in and specimen, I was called in.  The nurse was really liking my mustache.  (Go figure).  After verifying my vitals stats, I was brought to a familiar room where I was told the PA, Morgan would be with me briefly. I've had Morgan before.  She is very efficient and knows what she's doing.  The instillation was relatively painless (mostly uncomfortable) but quick.  I got out at 8:30.  Not bad at all.

Just in the short period of time the temperature was already 88 at 8:30AM.  Car ACs are nice, but when you leave the confines of the car, the oven awaits and even though the house AC had been on, it didn't feel very cool.  Oh well.

I did my 2 hour marination.  I actually dozed for a bit and probably had an extended period on one side, but I did make it through without having much discomfort.  (I didn't have any coffee or tea so there was little water in me).

Just taking it easy today.  More to come!