BCG

[Mini2008]

Good morning to everyone. I haven't ever posted before, but have been reading for about a couple of weeks now. I was hoping that someone might read this and have some insight or comments. I will try to explain but yet not be too long winded...

My husband has bladder cancer. It started with painful urination, but no blood. After numerous tests, he was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. The dr removed the tumor and did numerous biopsies throughout the bladder. The results were Carcinoma In Situ Stage 2/4. The dr is doing BCG treatments. He is now on his first round of treatments, but midway through (#4 of 6) the urine test came back that there was blood in his urine. The dr wanted him to wait another week before he gets another treatment for obvious reasons. Our concern is the painful urination is not getting any better and now he says it seems to burn/hurt where the bladder is located - not only pain when urinating.

We are just very concerned and if the pain is still as bad tomorrow as it is today - we will call his dr. He has an excellent dr and is very compassionate. We were just wanting to hear any comments, suggestions, concerns etc... Also to note - he cannot take normal pain medicine because his liver function levels were high and the drs think they may be due to all the pain meds taken before.

I apologize for the length of my post, but do appreciate in advance any help that anyone can offer. Thank you and have a great day.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  BCG frequently causes cystitis (bladder inflammation) as a side effect, so the painful urination and the blood in the urine that your husband is experiencing is not surprising.  If your husband cannot take the usual pain medications, he can ask his doctor if he can take either probanthine (propantheline) or pyridium.  Both drugs still have to be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function, but they are not absolutely contraindicated, and are effective in controlling bladder spasm and inflammation, which in turn will reduce the pain.  If he absolutely cannot take any drugs for the pain, your husband can also try acupuncture for pain control.

[Mini2008]

I am not sure if I answered back correctly but I thank you so much for your response.

[Mini2008]

His liver function tests are high so am not sure what he can take and what he can't.

What do vitamins play in a role on blood tests?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Can you clarify your last question? You wish to ask if vitamins can affect blood test results, is this correct?  I just want to ask which vitamins you're referring to, and which blood tests? Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.