Bladder cancer

Hi Wilkie,Welcome to this friendly group.I hope you will find it supportive and helpful.There are a few of us on here who have had bladder removal and are doing well.If you can get as fit as possible before surgery that will help.If you can take someone with you on Tuesday that might be useful.I wrote down questions and took my sister when we saw the surgeon.We are all here to help so hopefully you won’t feel alone facing this operation.Feel free to ask any questions as there is usually someone who can answer.Best wishes Jane 

Hi wilkie

Welcome to the group I do hope you find it supportive as i done. I hope all goes well for you on Tuesday.

You are never on your own. The support here is fantastic 

Mark 

Hi Wilkie 

I also had cervical cancer, diagnosed more than 6 years ago. Mine unfortunately recurred and I had a total pelvic exenteration nearly 5 years ago which included bladder removal. 

As Jane has said, there are a few of us who have successfully been through bladder removal and will be very happy to help with any questions. I hope you have a productive appointment with your urologist and find out more. Do come back to let us know how you get on and we’ll be happy to support you through.

Sarah xx

Thankyou it's just not knowing how I'm going to be after the op that's what's worrying me x

Thankyou x

Thanks and I will do x

Hi Wilkie,

I remember that feeling. And apparently, after the op the surgeons thought I was 'good value' in ICU because I reeled off lots of stuff from my memory to prove I hadn't suffered any cognitive damage and kept giggling because it was all (or mostly) still there. They all laughed too.

It was such a relief on two counts because there was a time when the op had to be cancelled and then might not have been possible. I was 70 then. So I hope that reassures you a bit. And 2 months later I was dancing at an Elton John concert as he played I'm Still Standing, managing my stoma and using a leg bag. By 6 months my husband admitted he had  never thought I'd be back to normal and was thrilled that I was.

Winkers is right about keeping as fit as possible. My hospital had Prehab physios who kept ringing me up pre op and making sure I was doing my exercises

I hope you'll be having the same! 

All the best

Thankyou so much its like I said its the not knowing but thankyou for the reassurance x

Hi Wilkie,You do feel very tired after the surgery.It’s best to have someone around to help you for the first few days when you come home.My sister Sarah came and stayed with me and fetched food and drinks and helped me upstairs.I was able to wash and dress unaided but glad Sarah was on hand When she went back to work she arranged the non perishable food so that I could reach it without having to bend down.It’s common to not feel that hungry after this op and eating little but often is best.You will need to walk/shuffle a bit everyday and build up your walking distances.Recovery can feel slow and can fluctuate.Some days/weeks are better than others.I felt better by the 3rd month and was back at work caring full time for my late mother after 8 months.I was very unwell  at the time of the surgery so it did take a while to fully recover.Your energy will pick up as the time goes on.I would say it’s important to listen to your body as you will feel it if you overdo it.You will be well supported on here.I was recovering alone during the pandemic with my partner shielding and my late mum stuck in a care home.The good people on here got me through it all.I’m a keen gardener and was worried about how the op would affect that but by the 3rd month I was doing gentle tasks outside.It is a big op but you can back to a full life once you have recovered.Love Jane x

Thankyou so much for the lovely reply it's reassuring to hear your journey I will be glad when I've spoke to the urologist tomorrow and I've got my plan in place I'm glad your recovery is well Chris xxx