Bladder removal

Hi Kk29 and welcome to the group. I had a different treatment so no help, but we have many members here who have had removal and should be along to help. Nice to know you are supporting your father in law and good to know you are raising funds for Macmillan. Best wishes.

Thank you. Sorry if you don’t mind me asking what was the treatment you had? I’m wondering if there’s something different they could try for him. Thank you I always try do one of their challenges each year. Brilliant the work they do. 

Hi Kk29 . I had radiotherapy for muscle invasive bc as an alternative to removal. Best wishes.

Thank you. He did get told last week that he could have 5 weeks straight of radiation along with the chemo. But now his kidneys aren’t right don’t think that will be an option. 
hopefully we will know soon. 
did you find the radiation ok? 

I had six weeks of chemoradiation. The chemo part is a bit different in that it is administered via a chemo pump for week at a time. Infused so slowly over a long period of time, it does not have the same effect as the one day big hits.Didn't really have a problem with it except tiredness from the daily trips to hospital. Best wishes.

Hi Kk29,Welcome to the group.I didn’t have chemo or radiotherapy as I had Squamous cell cancer that doesn’t really respond well to either.I wasn’t given any survival rates just told I wouldn’t live long without an urgent cystectomy.That was nearly 4 years ago.Hopefully someone on here will be able to answer your questions.I’m sorry to hear that your father in law is suffering from side effects.It is good that he has you for support.I hope he feels better soon.Good luck with the Macmillan challenge.Love Jane 

Hello, 

My Dad has just recently had bladder removal surgery, about 3/4 weeks ago. 

my Dad too had kidney problems as his tumour was blocking his kidney, so only managed 1 chemo round. This was then stopped and he went straight for surgery. 

My Dad was also told chemo would only increase his survival rate by 5%. 

From what I know the surgery has a very good success rate, there is also a fitness test prior to the surgery to ensure they would be able to handle the surgery, it is a huge surgery 

Hope this helps 

Thank you for sharing with me. I’ve been telling my father in law about people’s different experiences and he is feeling more hopeful. They are doing another chemo on weds if his bloods are ok. And consultant on Thursday. 

That’s great. That’s why I think it’s good to hear everyone’s experiences because it’s not always what they tell you. Thank you very much. I managed to raise £52 in 2 days for macmillan and there’s 28 days left. 

Hi Kk29,Well done.They don’t tell you that much about the surgery except that it’s a big op and to get as fit as you can beforehand.I wasn’t fit but my surgeon said he would do his best and he did.You do feel tired and weak post op and have to listen to your body and not over do it.Eating little but often is best and building up walking distance over time.A good tip I got here was to take smaller steps.I know it took me 3 attempts to walk down to see my late mother in a care home and that was only a few minutes walk.There are good days and bad days but gradually you start feeling stronger.I felt better after 3 months but it was 8 months before I was able to get back to work as my mum’s carer.I had to have additional help to look after her.It helps to have some kind of interest/hobby that you can do easily while recovering.I did genealogy and art.People do recover at different rates but for most it takes a few months to get back to normal.It will depend on age and general fitness whether you had complications,type of surgery.Robotic surgery is less invasive.There are more scars but they are small.Not all hospitals offer robotic surgery and you may have to travel further away for cystectomy if your local hospital doesn’t do them.There is plenty of advice and support here and a wealth of experience.Love Jane