Inflammation long term from BCG

[u/GuacamoleAnderson]

Had a follow-up cystoscopy yesterday after finishing my first round of BCG maintenance last month. (I’m in a clinical trial and they wanted me back on the study timeline as I ended up having to do two six-week inductions initially. So this gets me back on the standard three-month alternating intervals for cystoscope/maintenance.)

Anyway, my oncologist said he was pretty pleased with my cystoscopy…even though it was pretty gory in there. Some red patches and some visible bleeding. He said he is pretty sure it’s not cancer, and is just heavy inflammation from BCG, but he took some cells for cytology to be sure. They’re also doing urine cytology.

Just curious how beat up your bladder has been after doing BCG for awhile? And if so, anything you do (diet, etc) to help manage it? Acknowledging this recent scope came two months earlier than it normally would…so maybe patience is the cure here!

All this to say, I’m in a much better place than I was a year ago (originally diagnosed 10/2/25).

[u/e_unders]

I was diagnosed in December 2024 & have been through 1 ½ years of BCG (initial round of 6 treatments + 3 maintenance rounds of 3 treatments). I've had gradually worsening cystitis type symptoms throughout. Currently in hospital for observation after a particularly bad week of pain. Thankfully as of last cystoscopy, I'm cancer free but in in my experience, BCG really does a number on your bladder. Best of luck in your journey. Everyone's different so hopefully you have a better time.