Recently diagnosed with bladder cancer

Hi Luke and a warm welcome to the group, although sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The early days of uncertainty and not knowing can be the worse. If it does come to having your bladder removed, then we have lots of members here who have had the op and can answer any questions. I was also stage 3 and was given the option of bladder preservation with radiotherapy. Early days for you and you need to gather as much info as possible for the best outcome for you. Things tend to move slowly in our world so just try and take it one step at a time. Best wishes.

Hi rily 

Thanks for your reply. I have spoke to the surgeon yesterday and unfortunately I have got to have my bladder removed as the cancer I have is rare to be in the bladder and is known to be less sensitive to radiotherapy. I also have been told he wants me in to remove the bladder beginning of feb so only a couple of weeks to get my head around it all. He recommended I have a neobladder. 

Hi Luke,Welcome to this friendly group.It’s a lot to take in at the beginning.There are a few of us on here who have had bladder removal and can help.Best wishes Jane 

I knew a young man at my hosp who was in the same position. He did very well with his neo. It is a shock & feels very daunting, but youth & fitness will be on your side. You will be more tried & weak than you can imagine at first - recovery may seem frustratingly slow, but do pace yourself & don't try to do too much too soon. Do you have someone to help at home? Very best wishes.

I had my bladder removed in 2016 and the thought of it is much worse than the reality. Trust me you will learn to live with it. I have a stoma and bag was never offered a neobladder so don’t know how that works. Recovery can be a slow progress but I was back at work within 3 months.