Chemo and Cystectomy

My husband had his chemo after, due to testing positive for covid twice. They thought his immune system was compromised.  So he had radical cystectomy 4th October last year. 2 months after his last positive covid test, he then started chemo 4 months after op. Wish you both positive vibes x

Thank you for your reply. How is he doing now? How was his recovery after cystectomy, and how is he managing through chemo? X

He had neo bladder, which is amazing,  working really well. He couldn't finish the chemo as he was so very ill with it. Hospital has been brilliant with several CT & PET scans. The cancer did go to lymph node, but we spoke to oncologist a few days ago & after last CT 1 node has shrunk & the other the same , so good news. Another CT in 3 months xxx

Good morning Pixie, to try and answer your questions surrounding recovery time, certain factors must be considered.How old is he?how fit is he? How committed to a quick recovery is he? Does he have any complicating health issues that might limit the activities that can hasten his recovery?..... I was 65 when I had my RC for T1 sarcomatoid BC. I did not have chemo ,thus I was not as weakened as some would be before the op . I’ve worked very physically in construction for 50 years ( and still am ) so my residual fitness was quite high. I was in the midst of a large project at the the time and was hot to get back at it ASAP after the op. So I was back to work on light duty with a leg bag 4 weeks after the RC and back working full time ( not lifting really heavy stuff) the day they removed the Foley Catheter at 6 weeks. Orillia.

Good points Orillia,I was seriously weak and ill before life saving cystectomy to remove a T3b G3 Squamous cell tumour.I didn’t have chemo or radiotherapy but was able to return to caring for my disabled mother 8 months post surgery.I was 58 when I had the cystectomy just over 3 years ago.It did take longer to feel very much better but considering how unwell I was before surgery I think I did well to have mum home so soon.I did have to have some help to look after her though.Best wishes Jane

Hi, thank you both fir your replies.

My husband is 61, and up until recent weeks where he is now symptomatic of his cancer he was active and well. 
we were hoping he could have surgery to remove the tumour/bladder. But he has been told he needs 4-6 cycles of chemo first then the op. 
I think he’s just very low at the moment and wants to know there is hope and things can get better 

There is hope and everyone here will give encouragement and support.I can understand how hard it is though.

Hi pixie27. I was 62 when diagnosed with T3/G3. Initially I was told I needed 6 weeks of chemo followed by cystectomy. I then met my oncologist who offered me the alternative of chemoradiation and bladder preservation. I didn't have to make my choice until chemo was over. Didn't really suffer at all with chemo. I then chose the radiation route. I am now 71 and so far so good. Best wishes.

Thank you Rily, good to hear you are doing so well. And good to share with my husband some positive news 

Hi again, Totally understandable that your husband is very down at this point in the journey. I remember 5 years ago , my wife and I were seated in the waiting area of Sunnybrook Health Centre in Toronto , we had just been told after a second referral ,that by far my best chance of survival was a complete RC . I was devastated by that prospect and then two older guys in volunteer aprons came up to us and asked us if they  could sit with us. Long story short , they had both had RC’s ( one 5 and one 11 years prior ). They both had received neobladders , looked well and looked fit. It was at that moment that hopeful thoughts and determination started to creep into my mind. I made up my mind right then and there that I was going to smack this cancer thing right in the snout. Five years later ( I’m 71 like Rily ) I work, I travel, Ski, party , have a personal trainer and am in better shape now than I was when I was forty. I hang out on this site and occasionally chirp in , not because I’m still living in fear of cancer and need support, but because I remember how incredibly shitty I felt before I met those two dudes in the waiting room and realized that this could push me to be a better version of myself.... and it did and I chirp in in the hope that maybe I can do the same for someone else. Orillia