Morning all,
It's now just over four years since I had three months of Gem/Cis chemo and then RC and a year since I had a bit of follow up surgery to fix a surgical wound herna. I am feeling very well (tempting providence to say that, I know). I've not been notified of the fourth annual check up but given the NHS and Southmead, Bristol are up to their necks in Covid muck and bullets, I'm not expecting a call just yet.
The 85% chance of survival to five years seems to be working so far. My GP said last week that if I feel well, look well, my vital signs are good, am not losing weight (I wish!) and am still able to enjoy what life chucks my way then there is a very high probability that I am healthy.
Over four years I estimate I've used nearly 1500 urostomy pouches, 1500 adaptor rings, 1500 disposal bags, 3000 wipes and 200 cans of adhesive remover spray, all of it free on prescription. Not to mention the extra washing caused by the occasional pouch failure, nearly always my fault for bending over when it needs emptying but it's not reached my socks yet!
I continue to do just what I did before I had surgery except I am retired now. Covid times apart, boating, gardening, house maintenance, holidays, pubbing, eating out, theatre, cinema, walking the dogs and volunteering have continued just as before.Yes, there are days when I still curse what happened and ponder the cause (probably due to many years spent working around smokey pubs) but then the sun shines out of a gin clear sky or the rain (it's nearly always the rain at the moment) hits my balding head and makes me smile because at least I can feel it which would not be an option but for the intervention of my GP, oncologist, surgeon and nursing staff.
I write this merely to demonstrate to those just diagnosed and facing the grim choice of what treatment to have, that life after having your bladder out can be as close to normal as it was before bladder cancer knocked on your door.
And now, it's time to get the mad spaniel out for a walk.
KBO,
CB.
Hello CB. Great to know you are doing well. A very reassuring story to give hope to those starting on the path. I'll have a virtual pint with you. Best wishes going forward.
Hi and welcome to the community. Sorry you have not had a response yet. I have not had RC, so can't help, but giving your post a bump and hopefully someone will be along with advice. Best wishes.
