I wrote here sometime ago that bladder removal was not a pleasant experience and I left hospital very weak and tired, and my mobility was reduced to a survival shuffle. two months on I have managed to get my walking up to around 15 miles a week at between 2-3mph. Today I did marginally under 2miles at 3.5mph. My tight swollen abdomen is still there but becoming more comfortable. The stoma and pee bag is not too much trouble although a complete change is a bit fiddly and takes about 30 minutes my the time I have set out all the equipment. A few slight accidents, but as one wit on this site said, "the pee didn't reach my socks". So progress and I write this to encourage you. Perhaps, to be honest, I should point out that until now I have been a lifetime athlete and I am a 74 year old male.
Adjuvant Chemo started this week and in the middle of the first cycle I have had no major side effects other than the usual vomiting (non-projectile), and I am out walking again but slightly fewer miles as a precaution. I feel very well....for the moment. My chemo will be in 3-4 three week cycles and I fully expect side effects to be more pronounced as the treatment progresses. I try to eat well: a vegetarian plant, fruit and veg diet, and excercise to build up my strength and resistence.
So, as I wrote in the first paragraph, this is to encourage you. The first weeks post-op are hell but you will progress and you will eventually settle down to a near normal life. Be patient (no pun intended) and be strong. Good Luck!!
Hi Veteranrunner. Nice to hear from you and good to know your recovery is going well. An inspiring post giving hope and reassurance to others. I didn't do RC, but had the chemo, so know how you are feeling. I hope your recovery continues to improve. Wishing you well going forward. Best wishes.
