Alternatives to Cystoprostatectomy

Hi Tiger and welcome to the group. Several members here have had this operation and should be along to help. Many here have had alternatives such as BCG. A lot depends on the stage and grading. I went the radiotherapy route. If your husband sees an oncologist they may consider something else. Best wishes 

Hello tiger

You'll not anything until you meet with the surgeon. Be careful with the research sometimes Google doesn't give the best advice. I've had a RC with prostrate removal . This is a major operation with an extensive recovery period. I live well with my stoma. It is life changing to a certain extent. I wouldn't be concerned about body image. Getting rid of the cancer is the priority.

Best wishes 

Mark

For them to recommend surgery straight away implies high grade, possibly muscle invasive. If BCG was a feasible treatment, they would normally offer that as an option. You will know more about the stage, grade and type of cancer when you meet the surgeon, who will probably be a bladder oncologist. Certainly ask about alternatives such as radiotherapy/chemotherapy, as Rily had, or any suitable trials. Bear in mind that going on a trial may mean taking a greater risk than having the recommended treatment. You may need to weigh up the chance of cure, or risk of being incurable, against the side effects of surgery.

Being allergic to plasters is not necessarily an issue, especially now that surgery is often done robotically with small incisions. If he does have surgery, he may well be eligible for a neobladder (a type of reconstruction) rather than a stoma. This is what I had, aged 57. It's the closest to normal function, without having to wear a bag. Either way, although surgery is tough and takes months to recover, normal activities can be resumed afterwards. For men, the biggest issue is usually the risk of erectile dysfunction, but an expert surgeon will do their best re nerve sparing, and there are ways to overcome this problem. 

Although it is major surgery, most people cope well - the reality is often not as bad as anticipated. Best wishes for your forthcoming consultation.

Thank you Rily I really appreciate your response 

my name is actually Kate but when I registered it wouldn’t allow my first name 

tiger is a family nickname name when we are being brave but it looks a bit weird on here, got to at least laugh at that I’m just so new to this steep learning curve