My father has bladder cancer
My 52 year old father has bladder cancer . On December 7th he under went surgery to have a lime sized mass removed from his bladder. The surgeon then spoke with my mother and said he will most likely need to have the whole bladder removed and under go chemo and radiation due to the fact that the mass attached to the muscle wall. I found this group and was reading though some of the forums .... is there anyone who can guide me in any positive direction.
If he loses his bladder will he never be able to go back to normal living ? He Is a very active outdoorsman
Thank you all
@Collins48 - There are many many of us on here who have been through bladder removal surgery. Many of us were very active before an are still very active post surgery. I did not go through a chemo regiment or radiation which I am sure is more taxing to the body but I am sure there are others who have and who will "chime" in. You have come to the right place for answers from those of us who know what the bladder cancer journey looks like and how to best navigate it. Your father is very fortunate to have you beside him during this journey and looking for the positives. There are 3 diversion options but I am not a medical professional and do not know if they are all available to someone who will have chemo and radiation also. I will say that being in good health before in my opinion does make recovery and follow up easier. Also a good outlook that you will get through this and come out on the other side. I had RC with a bag in 2014 but I was stage 1 high grade and the only chemo I had was during the TURBT procedures. I was 63 then and am pushing 72 very hard - 2 weeks away now. I am a very active person and live a great life post RC. I suggest that you find others on here who have had positive experiences who may be able to speak with your father to answer questions that he has as well as you. I also highly suggest that if he chooses to have bladder removal and a diversion, that he finds a surgeon who is very experienced with the chosen diversion. Ask any and all questions as this is not an easy surgery and being well prepared is important. Sometimes I think it is just as hard to watch someone go through a challenge such as cancer as to be the patient. I am sure you will hear from others who can provide more specific information than I am able. Please keep us updated on how you father is doing. My best to you both. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
thank you so much Linda, I truly appreciate it .
hi. I know it’s a lot to take in. I am 5 years on from bladder removal and can say you can definitely get back to normal life: I work full time, travel long haul and do all I did before. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. You may find this link useful. https://bladdercancer.net/living-with-a-urinary-diversion Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net Thank you so much laura for your uplifting words of encouragement.
glad to be here to support. Can ask me anything. Sending positive vibes your way from Scotland. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
Sorry to hear about your dad I had my bladder removed 2nd February 2017 I am 67 now a wee bit hard getting used to having a bag but I'm still here to bore everyone about the details my son was great as you are sending you happy vibes
thanks for sharing. I got my bags in 2017. It does take a bit of time to get used to things. Hope life is returning to some normality for you now. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net @HELENA MURRAY - It can take a bit to get used to the bag. My diagnosis and surgery moved along so quickly that I did not have the time to worry much about it. As I had several other major things going on also, I think that actually helped me with my recovery and moving on. My best to you. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
