I started this thread about 9 months ago, during this time allot has happened. I completed 12 treatments of chemo and underwent radical cystectomy in July 2017. I had a fabulous doctor and team in Germany, he insisted that I stay in the hospital for a minimum of 21 days after the surgery. He did not want to send me home with a catheter, his goal was to send me home totally tube free. The surgery was a success, the long hospital stay was rough. In the end, I was very thankful that the Dr insisted on the long stay and I was able to go home without any tubes. Recovery went very well as I was closely monitored throughout my stay. I had very little pain, the only discomfort was the 9 tubes sticking out of me and gas pains. All but 3 tubes were removed after 14 days, the other three were removed a few days later. The last few days in the hospital were called bladder training. Upon returning home I was incontinent for a couple of weeks and then I started having more control, within a month I was at 100 control during the day. Nighttime is a different story, it depends on how much liquid that I drink after 8 PM. If I watch what I drink and drain my bladder before going to bed, I have little to no issues. I also lost about 40 lbs in one month after I left the hospital. I am not fit or active, I was overweight, and my experience was mostly positive. The biggest problem I encountered was my digestive tract for a few months I was either constipated or had diarrhea. There was no in between, work and travelling were challenging. My diet had to be adjusted, the food I always enjoyed with no issues was now causing problems. After about 3 months, I figured out what I could eat and all returned to normal.
When I first started this thread I was scared and very concerned about the upcoming chemo treatments and surgery. Nine months later I am in great health and I am thankful I completed the surgery. The latest scan shows that there is no cancer anywhere in my body and I believe I am better for the experience. I can urinate standing up, I am 100% continent during the day, and life has returned to normal. I can do any activity I want, I am not restricted in any way. My faith has also grown through the ordeal.