Bladder cancer

Hi and welcome to the group Artisan1060. As I understand it from previous posts, not our own experience, you can swim. The location is dependent on a discussion with your surgeon and team about what type is both medically appropriate and your preference within that.

Also it may well be correct that you now have no choice, but did your doctor say if radiotherapy and or chemotherapy might be alternatives?? My husband's doctor offered him bladder removal as an "equal" choice with Mitomycin treatment, The Mitomycin for him has saved his bladder so far, going on 4 years.

Others will surely be along with better info on the life-with-a-stoma prospects.

Best wishes, 

Denby

Hi artisan1060,Welcome to the group.You should be able to go swimming with a stoma.It does take a while to recover from bladder removal.It’s usually a few months until you feel much stronger.There is a lot of information and support here so we can help with any questions you have.I had my bladder out over 2 years ago and am doing well.Best wishes Jane

I took the decision to look on bladder removal as the best treatment for my cancer. It does take up to 8 months to fully recover strength & energy. It's a gradual process, as each week goes by you are able to do more. Swimming is definitely OK once you have recovered sufficiently. Your hosp should give you plenty of info about the surgery etc but feel free to ask any questions here. Best wishes.

hi thanks for getting back to me iv had the BCG and Mitomycin none of them worked no one has ever mentioned radio therapy or chemotherapy to me can anybody tell me how long they were in hospital for as iv been in so many time that i hate hospitals and get so depressed if im there more than a few days best wishes gary

Hi Gary,I was in for 9 nights,I would imagine you would be in for at least a week.I wasn’t offered radiotherapy as I was told the type of cancer I had didn’t respond well to it.I didn’t get chemo either presumably for the same reason.Best wishes Jane

Hi

I don't swim cos I can't but plenty of people swim with a stoma.  Basil and I have been together for nearly 2 years now and we get on famously 

Recovery is a lengthy journey but you can loik forward to plenty of swimming once you are on your feet

Love Inanna x 

Hi Artisan

You should definitely be able to go swimming when you recover from the op-I do with no issues at all. Your shorts will cover the bag-as a woman I wear a tankini and the bottoms hide my bag very well. Best wishes for your surgery and recovery. 

Hi Sarah,Did you get your tankini from a stoma clothing suppliers ? I am keen to start swimming again but not sure what to wear.Love Jane x

Hi Jane

No-actually I got them from Matalan! I have 2 stomas and have never bothered with any type of specialist stoma wear. I used to wear swimsuits pre stomas but thought tankinis would be easier and that has proved to be the case. The bottom half is really good with the Matalan ones (I bought 3) and is easily big enough to cover both of my bags, and very handy for changing. I bought patterned ones which also help disguise the fact I wear bags. I can heartily recommend them, and it was lovely to go swimming again. xx

Thanks Sarah,There is Matalan not too far away so I’ll have a look next time I’m in that direction.I used to go swimming often when I lived in Hull as the baths were across the road.I haven’t been for over 20 years as I was caring full time for my mother.I have more free time now Mum is in a nursing home.Swimming has been recommended to help with my arthritis and I need to get fit again.Love Jane x