Question from newly diagnosed with muscle invasive

Mike,

I assume you are still in the hospital if you haven't eaten anything yet.

You can chew gum (do not swallow it) and it has been shown to help wake up the intestines. Once the intestines wake up, they will give you liquids for a day and then soft diet and then you go home (once you have a bowel movement).

They should let you know about eating but basically you want small meals of easily digestible foods. Eat 5 or 6 times a day with little bits instead of two or three big meals.

Stay away from spicy stuff at first. Keep a log of what you do eat as you will discover some foods are better than others. You intestines will react to some foods, but it is different for everybody.

Milkshakes are good to have at home. For a while, having some higher fat items are supposed to be good but it all depends on your situation. If diabetic or something it doesn't mean the old rules don't still apply.

Glad to hear you are walking daily. Keep it up and try to increase it each day. Nothing better than walking (and chewing gum) to get things going.

Hope you have a quick recovery!

Mike

It is now 6 days past the bladder surgery where they removed the bladder and prostate and replaced it with a neobladder. Am walking about 50 feet three times a day. The only thing in my mouth so far has been a few ice chips. Any at home suggestions for my wife as to the progression of liquids and solids?

Just wanted to reinforce what the others have said. You really should get a second opinion from a Major Medical Center that specializes in bladder Cancer. It is important to take the time to find the best surgeon you can. If a neobladder is your choice, you need to find a surgeon who does 50 or more neobladders a year. The more the better. RC is a very complex operation and the outcome is tied directly to the skill and experience of the surgeon.


KC

Hey new Mike,

Just want to chime in. A second opinion from someone who specializes in bladder cancer is the best thing you can do for yourself. My local Uro who I love and still see said it best.

"I have done a few of these but am not an expert. Have an expert perform the operation. I will be here for you after."

You do not take a Mazarati to the High school car shop do you?

Be good to yourself and get the very best.

Webs

Mike #2....Seriously i really do advise a second opinion from a top uro/surgeon in Bladder Cancer. I know you may have a great relationship with your present uro but set that aside..its not a criteria for the degree of expertise that you need in this field. I've given you 2 great doctors in this field and they both happen to be very personable not to mention deal mainly with bladder cancer. I've been around long enough to see the disasters.
You need a place with a multidiciplinary team that is going to recognise any problems that may arise......a surgeon who knows how to tie off the bladder to keep any strays from escaping..a surgeon who knows how and where to extracate the many lymph nodes you need taken out.
Please do this for your best shot at being cancer free.
Pat

Hello New Mike -

Glad you're here, although sorry you have to deal with this. I'm 2 weeks out from surgery and am very glad I went through with it. The only thing I can add to the excellent advice you've gotten so far is to reinforece that you go somewhere that deals with bladder cancer alot. You want an experienced surgeon who had done a ton of these procedures. If travel isn't an issue, go for the best - sounds like John Hopkins may be your best choice. Best of luck and ask lots of questions.

Andy