Hello everyone. Help if you can, please.

Hi mdeebee and welcome to the group. Sorry to hear your OH has bladder cancer, but many of us have been there and know what you are going through. There are various treatments, but in some cases, removal may be the best option. We have many members here who have had this operation and will be able to answer any questions you have. Best wishes.

Thank you. Feeling helpless just doesn’t cut the mustard recently. 

thank you for your reply; it helps.

Hi mdeebee,Welcome to this friendly group.A few of us on here have had bladder removal so can help with any questions/advice.Best wishesJane

Hi and welcome from me too mdeebee. Like you am the patient's OH. May I offer my usual suggestion? Please check out your local Carers' Association. If you are getting support for yourself you can support him through this much better. That's what they are there for.

best wishes, 

Denby

Your OH should be allocated a named specialist nurse who can answer questions - I had about an hour with my nurse explaining the procedure etc. The operation is a very big one, but they assess fitness of the patient before undertaking it. Recovery is slow, but gradual. I had my op 11 years ago, age 57 (I had reconstruction instead of stoma). Spent 7 nights in hospital, no significant complications. When I got home I was able to do my personal care but no household tasks. Started to pick those up in a few weeks, going out to leisure activities about 6 weeks & phased return to work at 3 months. Took me about 8 months to finally shed end of the day fatigue. That perhaps gives you an idea of what is ahead - happy to answer any questions as best I can. 

Hi,

I had my bladder removed just under six years ago and opted for a stoma. I was in hospital for seven days and recovery was slow and gradual. Normally takes 6 months to really feeling ok and it can take longer. Generally, I've had no problems. Yes, you have to learn to manage your stoma, but by and large life has been normal.  I would actually say my quality of life is better, as I decided to take early retirement. Just remember, if you are not sure about anything, ask! Your OH probably has a designated nurse and mine has been fantastic. I was under two hospitals and nurses at both sides.

Please use thus site, you'll find plenty of support and always someone to help.

Thank you!

Thank you so much.

I had my op 9 months ago, age 68 and opted for an neo-bladder reconstruction. I spent 13 nights in hospital, and during the first 7 days felt intermittently quite ill but this improved after the first week. The first few months of learning to use the neo-bladder was very frustrating but, with patience and work, it has now become easier to manage. Fatigue in the afternoon was a real issue in the early days but that has also improved over time. 

I was offered several alternatives prior to my surgery including a stoma, neo-bladder, further immunotherapy or do nothing and monitor my condition. As already mentioned I chose the neo-bladder as I wanted to try to remove the cancer as completely as possible while being able to return to as normal a life as possible. I am happy to answer  happy to answer any questions. 

Thank you. We have another week to wait regarding the outcome of the operation and tests.

He looks pretty well at the moment. Fingers crossed this is a good sign.