Stage 3 bladder cancer

Hi LiRoss . Sorry to hear your diagnosis, I know what a shock it can be. I took a different route, but I am sure others will be along to offer some advice. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Thanks Riley xxx

Hi LiRoss 

I had my ileal conduit (urostomy) as part of a much larger surgery almost 3 years ago now and have had no issues with it, so would consider mine to be a success story. It took time for me after surgery as the stoma was settling to get the right products to use, but once I did I never looked back. 

You are likely to be very tired after the surgery so will need to take things gently and not push yourself too much. My life is perfectly normal and I do have 2 stomas, but it soon becomes straightforward to deal with any stoma in terms of changing bags etc. I wear the same clothes as I used to, and I travel abroad on holiday, go swimming etc. I wish you well with your surgery.

Sarah xx

Wow that’s amazing, you e been through so much and fought to get to the other side!! Such an inspiration well done xxx thank you for sharing your experience with me xxx

Thank you. It’s hugely important in my opinion to have a positive attitude towards this type of surgery, I’ve recently had a stay in hospital due to something unconnected to cancer and the consultant told me my positive attitude was a big boost to my recovery from my issues. He said positive people can have better outcomes and recover quicker, whereas a negative outlook can be very unhelpful. So, you being positive is a good start! 

I’ll be happy to help if I can if you have any questions about the urostomy.

Sarah xx

Yes definitely, I had my TURBT a couple of weeks ago and was having a laugh with all the nurses and drs, even though inside I was feeling rough. It’s definitely important to have a positive outlook, I think if someone has given me the chance to be able to fight it, I’ll take it with both hands xxx thank you Sarah, I really appreciate you opening your heart to answer my questions xxx

Hi LiRoss,Sorry to hear it’s stage 3.I took a notebook when I saw the surgeon and jotted down his answers to my questions.The thing that they don’t tell you much about is the affect a cystectomy can have on a physical relationship.There are a few posts on here about that which you can read.I typed sex into the search box and they came up.If you have time before the op try to build up your fitness levels.I was too ill to do this and the op happened quickly less than a month from seeing the surgeon.It does take time to recover and expect to feel tired and weak to start with.I felt a lot better after 3 months and by 8 months I was able to get back to work caring for my disabled mother.I did have to have help with her though.It’s really important to build up walking distance gradually and to listen to your body.I found if I did too much I would start feeling sick and would immediately rest.I used the recovery time to take up art and genealogy.The time can drag and having a relaxing interest does help.Lots of love Jane xx

Thank you Jane, yes the urologist said yesterday that I need to start building myself up asap and start eating a high protein diet too xxx