Hello, new to forum

Moustache72 . Hi Vince and welcome to the group. I am sure you will get lots of support here as you go forward. I have read your profile and you have certainly been through it. Not had removal myself so can't offer any help, but many here have and I am sure they will be along when they pick your post up I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hi Moustaches,

I can't speak for BCG though have heard a lot about it on this site.

My cancer was muscle-invasive so I had Gem/Cis and bladder removal. I opted for stoma and bag right from the day of diagnosis. I later realised that I had made the correct choice for me (I did not think training a neobladder would suit me - eg I would be worried if I had lots of leaks and at age 70 was not particularly confident it would work well for me). It really is down to knowing yourself and how your mind functions.

Other people manage it well however and someone will be along soon to tell you about their journey.

Having stoma and bag has meant I no longer have to be worried  about what might be happening in my bladder and the nightbag alone has improved life immeasurably - 6-8 hours uninterrupted sleep nightly is a real benefit.

I'm coming up to the 3 year anniversary of my operation and live a normal life - no-one can tell I have a bag unless I tell them (I do, though as it has saved my life and am grateful).

Good luck with your choice,

All the best,

Latestart

Hi Vince,Welcome to the group.I’m 6 years on from a life saving cystectomy T3b G 3 Squamous cell cancer..It is a big op but once you have recovered you can lead a good full life.Feel free to ask anything as there are several of us here now who have gone through it.It’s a supportive helpful group.Best wishes Jane 

I had the choice of BCG or surgery. I opted for surgery for various reasons including best chance of cure, and plumped for neobladder. It is a difficult choice. With neo, you have to be prepared for the initial training period. That means likely incontinence at first, which should gradually reduce as neo is stretched to a certain size, all while you are recovering from the surgery itself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Some people have long term issues with continence, especially at night. You also have to learn the technique how to empty neo and you might need to learn to self catheterise. 
Having said all that, I’m now 14 years post op and doing well. I have to rely on self cathing to fully empty (happens more for females than males) but don’t regard that as a problem. I do still dislike having to get up at night to empty but have got used to it. 
The op does take months for full recovery, but whichever urinary diversion you have, you will be able to go back to work, hobbies etc. Happy to answer any questions. Hope all goes well for you. 

Had a RC in Nov 24. Doing very well. NED. It’s a big op, and a long recovery, but for me it was worth it. I had G3PT1. Leo