I was in surgery within one week of my Cat scan.
The cancer was just beginning to breach the outer wall, and I consider myself very lucky to have been seen by the surgeon I did.
I had passed a bladder stone, and he decided it was a good idea to do a visual scope then.
I had just a few days to research the cancer and the options.
It was pretty evident that a radical was the only course.
He preferred making a illeal neobladder, over an external device.
But I knew I could wake up with a device, and also no neobladder and some bad news.
I accepted the stage my cancer had advanced to. I had no choice but to accept it.
A radical is not a bad option, if it can be done and it helps.
I'm glad I have an illeal neobladder, as there is no extrenal devices to keep clean, etc.
It's much easier to deal with, I think.
As far as alifestyle change...
With the irreverant attitude I have...wearing a diaper, at night, is a small price to pay to still keep living!
My life is good. My family is happy. My friends are supportive.
My doctor thinks I'm nuts sometimes, but that's his problem!
They do like me, and like that I am proactive with my cares.
Maria, I guess it's just a choice to make. One of the many we do.
I hope you aren't guessing, or playing the "what if" game, about life being drastically different, because it isn't.
If you can have an illeal, it is the best optin, which I am sure your doctor would prefer that; but if you need to go a different way...be confident you can deal with it.
Look at the troops coming home with artificial arms and legs, and ask yourself if you could deal with that.
Most of those folks accept it, and hit the ground running.
The choices come easier, when you put it in a perspective to those who have made to make harder choices.
I have no doubt you too, can hit the ground running.javascript:void(0);