Husband having bladder removed

8 years 11 months ago #48701 by rike
Replied by rike on topic Husband having bladder removed
Thank you so much George for your info. I wish I could get my husband to talk about it, but he doesn't. so I am praying he eventually will. His surgery will be at the Mayo clinic in Phoenix. I was glad to hear that it has been 7 years since your surgery. there is hope. It is just such a frightening thought, especially since we will be away from home (6-7hrs). How long did you stay in the hospital? We were given 2 different times (one-7-10 days) the other doctor said, oh you will be out of here in 5-7days. i am still very confused.
Again, thank you for your info
Ulli Dunn
Las Cruces, NM

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8 years 11 months ago #48700 by GKLINE
Replied by GKLINE on topic Husband having bladder removed
After Almost Seven years on this site.....
Now You know what I look like.

Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he's warm forever.

08/08/08...RC neo bladder
09/09/09...New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]

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8 years 11 months ago - 8 years 11 months ago #48699 by GKLINE
Replied by GKLINE on topic Husband having bladder removed
I'm sorry that you all have to be here. But Welcome to the site.
I am here to tell you that there is life after bladder removal. I had my Radical Cystectomy almost 7 years ago, and I'm not perfect..... But I can live with a few minor blips. Mostly incontinence. It is my small burden to bear.

I remember a few things about recovery from this.
This is a Big Surgery.... no getting around it. You will need time to recover. And you will need help(I call this "my TEAM") They need to know everything and be IN on all that you are feeling.
Get Your Sense of Humor in Gear! You HAVE to learn to laugh AT yourself. Depression is a real thing and since recovery takes time.... learn to take yourself a LOT LESS seriously. Got It?
You will start walking the day after surgery. It may only be a few steps.... but you Will Walk and Walk and Walk.
Passing gas in the hospital is the goal.... They won't let you out without doing it. See? that humor thing is already a factor.
Chew Gum...... BUT ...... DON'T Swallow it! This will help get your intestines started up and running quicker.
Be afraid of infection.... and if you get one.... Get back to the hospital.

And Talk about.............. EVERYTHING! Enjoy the experience of your team. You may even find that you and your spouse can look back at this time as a high point in your relationship. My wife and I do.

I hope I helped you some. But now I have to go to Thompson Speedway and shakedown the car for the season. Can you believe it! It's Snowing this last week in April.

See..... We are here for you, but surviving this cancer is the goal and having a life after cancer is the reason we are here.

Sincerely
George

Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he's warm forever.

08/08/08...RC neo bladder
09/09/09...New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]

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8 years 11 months ago #48698 by rike
Replied by rike on topic Husband having bladder removed
My husband is scheduled to have his bladder/prostrate removed on June 12th. Just got finished with 3 months of chemo. Looking for tips how to best prepare to help his recovery. Any tips would be appreciated from someone that has been through it. He will have a bag.
Thank you so much for any help
Ulli

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9 years 4 days ago #48560 by ralphie68
Replied by ralphie68 on topic Husband having bladder removed
My husband has bladder cancer and at this point he is going into the 2nd 6 weeks session of BCGwe hope. He is schedule for his 3rd burn and scrap tomorrow. If this does not work then 3 months of chemo before removal.Eight years ago I had my bladder removed. It went to stage 4 with lymph modes testing positive. 6 rounds of chemo was hard afterwards but yes I do live with a bag.It also has it's advantage. No night trips to the washroom and no quick runs to the bathroom when you are out. It will be rough at first but like anything else we all have to adapt. Keep you spirits high as it is still treatable and can be worked at.

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9 years 4 days ago #48550 by rike
Replied by rike on topic Husband having bladder removed
Dear Amanda, so sorry to hear about your husband. I know what you are feeling like, since we have been in that situation since Dec 13th. T3 invasive/aggressive bladder cancer. It is very frightening when you get the news, yet there is a high survival rate after surgery and people seem to be able to live well after the bladder removal. There are many decisions to be made, so a second opinion from a doctor that does lots of these surgeries is highly recommended.
My husband (69yrs) is currently undergoing chemo (3 rounds, he is at his last) before having bladder/prostrate removed. Chemo was recommended before surgery by urologist and oncologist, also confirmed by Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
Neo bladder is not an option for my husband due to his age and being overweight. I talked to some people that had bladder removal, recovery is slow but they live a very productive and fulfilling life. Will keep you in my prayers

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