Bladder removal or not

Hi and welcome to the group. This is a decision that many on here have had to make. Whether to go for bladder removal or preservation. There are alternatives to removal which you need to explore. My position was that after 2 TURBTs and chemotherapy, the tumour had not been completely removed, so I opted for radiotherapy rather than removal. So far so good after several years. It is not suitable for everyone.  I am sure others will be along with personal experiences to help. There will usually be someone here to answer any questions. Best wishes.

I think a lot of people wonder if they really need more treatment when chemo has shown good improvement.  The sad fact with BC is that it is highly recurrent AND tends to progress. What you want to avoid is the cancer escaping outside the bladder, as it can then become incurable. Chemo has bought you time but is not by itself a cure.

If bladder removal is what is recommended (as opposed to radiotherapy as an option) then please do take that seriously. I actually chose surgery for best chance of cure - it did seem a massive prophylactic step, but 8 years on I have never regretted it. Yes, it is major surgery which carries its own risks & the task of getting used some sort of new plumbing.

Happy to answer any questions about the surgery.

Hi,

Very good to see this post and rilys post. As someone who is starting Chemo tomorrow as a possible precursor for radical cystectomy the two posts have made the points the surgeon and oncologist made in perspective.  Having prostate cancer as well probably means that removal will be the end game for me but the ftime will tell.

Hi Dibble

Making a decision about where you are going with the choices is mind blowing to say the least

I opted to have my bladder removed x it was done 8 weeks  ago i now have a stoma called Basil

We are getting to know each other 

For me it was the best option , and thankfully the cancer has gone. Bladder Cancer is known for reoccurring wgich is a risk I was not prepared to take

Dibble I wish you all the best for whatever decision tou make

Inanna xx 

Hello Dibble

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with BC nearly two and a half years ago. I had an initial Turbt where a tumour was removed and opted for six sessions of chemotherapy followed by chemo radiotherapy. I was clear for almost a year when at my flexible cystoscopy last year they spotted a superficial tumour which was removed in August. I managed to have a flexible cystoscopy on March 23rd this year just before

lockdown.All clear! Next flexible cystoscopy due in July- virus permitting.

Difficult choice between bladder removal and other treatments. You will get plenty of advice and help on this site from lovely, caring people who have experienced what you are going through at the moment. My choice was right for me. I hope the choices you make are the right ones for you.

stay well and safe

Garviv