Aileen
Just read your post. My hope is that your dad is going to a bladder cancer specialist and a top cancer care hospital. The surgery is delicate and is considered major surgery indeed. But there are a lot of us here who will tell you our lives are great since the surgery. Just be sure of the skills of your surgeon. You really want a talented assembly line surgeon. A surgeon who has done this surgery many, MANY, MANY times. repitition is a very good thing!
But, now there is this problem with you handling this illness. Bladder cancer is a very curable form of cancer if you are able to catch it early. And family support and a positive outlook is so important. Your dad is in good physical shape and that is a very good thing. This surgery has a long recovery period. Having a good support group is going to help that recovery along.
After surgery, the Dr.s are going to get you up and walking the next day. Surely, the first walks will be very short. But as you spend time in the hospital you will be walking more often and longer. This also helps to "get the bowles moving"
And Chew Gum.. but don't swallow it! This really helps to get things running again.
When they release you from the hospital, you will need the help of family. The recovery period is about 3 months before you can really "get back into it!" And the whole new form of diversion is another form of recovery.
So, I have a few questions about your dad.
What type of Surgery are they doing? A neo bladder? What type of diversion will he have?
But, whatever happens, He will need you to help him get through it. It will not be quick or easy, by any means. But you WILL get through it TOGETHER.
And we will be glad to help you along.
George