Deciding for a early cystectomy?
Hi, relatively new (1 month) to my bladder cancer journey 39 y.o. male diagnosed a TaG3 + CIS. My father had almost the same diagnosis at 67 about 8 years ago. I've the options of early cystectomy and BCG and am tending towards the cystectomy as my dad chose BCG and it didn't work well for him. I suppose like everyone I worry about the risks of surgery and consequences for everyday life after. I may be eligible for a neobladder. Feels very strange (and unfortunate) that this turned up at my age, also within two months of my sister having a colon cancer diagnosis. This forum has been helping to hear people's experiences, trying to come to terms with making that decision to choose surgery and believing that quality of life will be ok after.
Hi
I am so glad you have found our community. I am sure you are very overwhelmed with everything that is going on in your life. It is understandable to feel scared with making a decision and then thinking about what life will look like, after your decision. Many of our members will say they reached out to several doctors to get their opinions and did not rely on just one opinion. In case you haven't seen these articles, I wanted to share some of our member's experiences with a cystectomy: https://bladdercancer.net/living/radical-cystectomy-experience, https://bladdercancer.net/living/how-radical-cystectomy and https://bladdercancer.net/living/decision-bcg-cystectomy. I hope this is helpful. Please keep us posted on what you decide. Jill (Team Member) Thanks Jill, yes definitely a lot to think about right now. Thanks for sharing the articles. I'll be pondering for a while more im sure but will update here once I've decided.
I am glad you are taking the time to think everything through. That is so important. Sending you strength. Jill (Team Member)
