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Hi Howard

I don't have any experience to offer, but just wanted to send a hug 

I am sure lots of people will come by to offer advice

Good luck, Tina x

Hi Howard,Welcome to our friendly group.I’m sure the men will be along to offer their support and advice.Will you have anyone to help you at home when you come out of hospital ? You will feel very  tired at first so it’s helpful to have a bit of assistance for the first few days .Pack clothes that are loose around the waist and footwear that slides on if possible.sugar free chewing gum is good to get the bowels working post op.Feel free to ask any questions.We are all here to help.Best wishes Jane 

Hi Howard, I haven't had a cystectomy ,so sorry to hear you are going through this. I totally understand how you feel shocked, when its all happening  so quickly, everything can feel out of control. I am sure the men and women in this very friendly group will be along to support you and answer any questions. No question is too small or daft, feel free to ask away. This group will be here to support you and steady you through. Sending you a hug .

Hi Howie,

Well that must have been a great shock. But maybe getting it over and done with so quickly might be preferable to waiting and wondering?

Hopefully you have been given some details about the operation but in any case Macmillan has a very good booklet on bladder cancer and the operation to remove the bladder (don't think that one covers the prostate too but there will be one that does). They are all available on the website here and easily downloadable. I have the bladder one on my tablet and still look at it sometimes

I had my bladder removed nearly 3 years ago - it was muscle-invasive by the time they found it so no option -  and I don't miss it at all. (No prostate as I'm female). It's quite a long operation that can take it out of you, but if you're like me you'll be relieved the cancer is out and you can plan your recovery. I made sure to to get back to my daily walks and working on general fitness very quickly, which has paid off.

I have a stoma now and use bags to collect the urine. You may not be looking forward to that but it really becomes second nature very quickly. And the fact you don't have to keep dragging yourself to the toilet in the middle of the night is a real benefit.

On the other hand you may have chosen a neobladder. Each type has its own devotees.

My husband was amazed at how quickly life returned to normal after the operation and now neither of us spends much time thinking about the stoma. You can see my story if you click on my name I think. There are lots of interesting stories on here.

As well as that, there is a lot of medical and other info here and we are all able to answer questions and explain, so don't hesitate to ask.

All the best, and do keep in touch as you go through the process.

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