Up coming RC and starting chemo

13 years 8 months ago #33059 by Quin2asta
Replied by Quin2asta on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
Thx Pat. I know you do lots of research on the neo docs. So it's always good to hear I'm in good hands. I'm really confident of Dr. Koch and yes, he told me 3.5 hrs. I feel super lucky to be close to IU Med. Would love to talk to your neo nurse contact. Especially someone with a more recent surgery. The more I know the better prepared I am. I'll probably be so prepped for the neo that if it turns out not to be possible and I wake up with a pouch I'll be disappointed!
As to my attitude. Some days are better than others. It takes awhile to come to grips with my new reality, mainly because I've never felt sick or been in pain with this. It's still unreal to me sometimes. Mentally, I manage it better by focusing on the now.
Bella

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13 years 8 months ago #33039 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
You've got one of the best Bella...i think he's got that surgery down to about 3 l/2 hrs or less. Thats just a super facility and flies under the radar to a lot of people but the research they are doing is phenominal. They came up with the cure for testicular cancer and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they didn't come up for one for bladder cancer. They cured my son.
Koch's female patients don't seem to have the same problems as i see in others. I can put you in touch with a nurse who had a neo done by Koch i guess about a year ago..she's doing great.
Your attitude is great.
pat

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13 years 8 months ago #33038 by Quin2asta
Replied by Quin2asta on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
Yes, Koch. Still weighing the pros and cons of the neo to make sure it's right for me. I was able to speak with to one of his former neo patients who's 8 years out, doing great and is super happy with it. She also walked me through the whole surgery/hospital and recovery process so I'm already feeling less anxious. Also, started my chemo which oddly helps with anxiety. It makes me feel like I'm fighting this thing instead of just going to doctors and getting tests!
Bella

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13 years 8 months ago #33010 by GKLINE
Replied by GKLINE on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
Bella

It appears as though you have your ducks in a row. You have taken the advice of our very informed group and now you are ready to save your own life! Good Job!

I must admit that I was exactly you 2 years ago. Diagnosis...TURB surgery..Twice... and then RC. All in a space of 6 weeks. I didn't need chemo though.

I was afraid and wondered if I could go through it. Well guess what? I did. And so will you. You will prosper through all of this and it will change you. There are even good things that come out of this experience. Life seems much more precious and the people you know seem more important somehow.

We will be there to cyber hand hold. You have prepared for this and now you will be given a new lease on life. Go for it! and Live!

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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13 years 8 months ago #32989 by dukel
Replied by dukel on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
Bella,

Yes you have it right, it is a major surgery and for a month or
two it is very tough going! But if there is one thing i have learned over the years, it's we're a lot tougher then we think
we are and we do what we need to do to survive. I started this
cancer process many years ago as someone who couldn't even stand
a blood draw and i made it through. If i can do this, anyone can.
I found this site to be a great comfort through the whole process,
and i'm sure you will too.
GET TOUGH!
BE TOUGH!
STAY TOUGH!
Wishing you the best!
Duke

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13 years 8 months ago #32984 by Melodie
Replied by Melodie on topic Up coming RC and starting chemo
Bella,

Welcome to the site. You are correct of your assessment of this site; it has so much information; the doctors can feel good about saving lives but the quality of life afterwards is just as important. And the best place to learn about the journey is from those who have walked those miles...there is a wealth of information located here and many concerned individuals who are willing to provide support and encouragement.

I was so impressed by this site and the help I received, that afterwards, I wanted to give back in my own way, and created a website of my own which covers my story and the diversion which I have, the Indy Pouch. You can check it out by clicking on the link below my name.

I was 57 when I had my chemo (MVAC) and then RC; three years later doing very well. I have no regrets and live life almost the same; just takes longer in the bathroom but then again, I can sleep through the night whereas my spouse has to get up a couple of times, as do most of my friends. So there are advantages...just gotta look at the positives as the change takes place. Stay in touch with us...it is quite a tough ride but if you find a good oncologist, a good surgeon and keep a good attitude, you should do just fine.

Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright

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