Bladder Cancer and Crohns

  • 1 reply
  • 38 subscribers
  • 224 views

Hi Guys, 

i’m just recently diagnosed with Muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma (G3 (HG) T2), the unfortunate thing with this i have been informed so far that a Radical Cystectomy is the gold standard for that. So my bladder has to be remove, I get and understand that. As part of the operation they have to afford an option to pass urine. This is done by a Urinary Diversion, i get that. Now the but question, i was confirmed with Crohns Disease over 35 years ago, i have pervious sections of my bowel removed and resected, so, Has anybody had this happen to them, are there options, as the portion of bowel i understand they use for the diversion was removed some years ago.

Kindest Regards

Richtee

  • Hi Richtee,

    Thank you for contacting us at Macmillan. My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer. I can understand you have concerns about a urinary diversion and how your previous bowel resection could affect surgery. Urinary diversions can be done in a number of different ways as outlined in our information here. Whilst the techniques mentioned do all use part of the bowel it may be that one is more suitable for you due to your medical history. Any treatment for cancer is tailored to the individual so the surgeon and the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) will plan your treatment based on your current diagnosis and your past medical history.

    You mentioned that you have recently been diagnosed so it is natural to have lots of questions. If you have the contact number of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) at the hospital they may have more information about what treatment options would be suitable in your circumstances. If you do not have the contact number of a CNS, then your consultant’s secretary may be able to provide it. Alternatively, you could contact the hospital switchboard and ask to speak to the urology/ bladder cancer CNS. They usually work office hours, and you may need to leave a message.

    Whilst it is best to get medical information from the cancer team that is involved in your care, you also asked if this situation had happened to other people. Whilst other people will not be able to say what treatment would be best for you, peer support can still be very valuable. There are several ways to connect with other people who have a diagnosis of bladder cancer. We have our online community and our bladder cancer forum where you can post a question or read about the experiences of others.  

    There are also two bladder cancer charities. Action Bladder Cancer and Fight Bladder Cancer. They both have lots of information and support on their websites. For example, Action Bladder cancer have a list of Questions For Your Doctor that you might find helpful. Fight Bladder Cancer have a private forum on Facebook and also offer a 1-to-1 Bladder Buddy service where they try to match people with someone who has experienced a similar diagnosis. To access the bladder buddy service, you need to scroll down to the bottom of the page in the attached link.

    I hope this information is helpful. You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Best wishes

    Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     Ref/ DC