Full of Anxiety....Trying to Stay Positive

Lilbit4 -

Glad you found us and you will find a wealth of info here. Depending on where you are, our resident medical expert Pat will have a top notch hospital for a second opinion. She really knows what shes talking about and will give you a lot of help. There are also others who can answer your chemo questions.

You really need to ask your Dr. about the indiana pouch. She may not be able to perform the procedure, which is another reason for the second opinion. A second Dr. will give you more inforamtion and let you know if you are able to handle the long surgery. (I don't think we have anyone here with an indy that doesn't prefer it to an outside appliance.)

The first step is knowledge and you have found a great resource.
When I found out I had BC, it was pretty far along and chemo/rad was not an option for me. Within 6 weeks of Dx I was in surgery for the RC and indy pouch and spent 2 weeks in the hospital. Recovery is no fun and you will feel tired and sore for a while, but the body is an amazing machine and it will respond to these changes.


Lynda

A newbie here and am soooooo happy to know that this forum is available. I read through the posts last night until I thought my eyes would pop out!

I am 66 yrs. young, very active, very petite and very frightened. Had first TURB (think that is right) in Feb. with dx of bladder cancer within lining. T1 I believe is what they said. (Will get better info once I learn all these things). Had C-Scan, Chest Xray, everything ok there. My doctor talked about BCG treatments but wanted to do another TURB due to a section at the top of my bladder she was concerned about. Had 2nd TURB a week ago (April 7th). Seems like the area she wanted to check came back as into the muscle. Outcome now is not as good...T2 and my urologist has mentioned two choices. Chemo/Radiation with constant checking and more cystos OR complete bladder removal with outside pouch.

The Indiana Pouch I have read about on this forum, was not mentioned and I am suspecting that she has not performed them. A question that is now on "My List" to discuss with her.

Sooooo, right now my questions for anyone so kind as to offer some insight, are as follows. (Assuming I go with the outside pouch.)

1. Is chemo usually done before the surgery? If so what kind of chemo? I have read that some chemos are milder than others? The duration? Will I lose weight? (Can't afford it since I have been petite all my life!) Will I lose all my hair?

2. How long can I expect to be in the hospital? And once home, how long will it be before I can resume my bookwork? (I work out of my home and do bookwork for a few doctors.)

3. Will I have to have more chemo after surgery?

And finally, I so ADMIRE and COMMEND all who have given their time on this forum to help those of us who, like me are so frightened and full of concerns. God Bless each and everyone here and thank you in advance for any help.