bladder removal

My husband is scheduled for bladder removal next week and I am stressed to the max.  He is 79 years old and has had cancer for 6 years.  He was in remission but last year it came back and he had chemo and radiation. Its back again Dr says this is the last option.  He will have to have the bag because surgeon says the radiation would prevent any other options.  It sounds like recovery is gruelling and infections happen alot.  I would like to know how others have done.

sharons

Is it a superficial recurrence or invasive?  In cases where the bladder sparing fails, the tumor is sometimes non invasive.  In these cases the patient can have the option of intravesical chemo/BCG.

It it is invasive then cystectomy is the way to go.  I applaud your physicians for giving him at least a chance of bladder sparing.

ileal conduits are generally well tolerated and the care is better.  The important thing is to get rid of the cancer.  He should be able to live a pretty normal life after recovery.

Hi,

    Sorry to hear you and your husband are facing this. I have had the bladder removal and got a neobladder back in March. I found another place on the internet with over 950 folks dealing with bladder cancer to be most helpful.

www.bladdercancerwebcafe.com 

 There are sections there in the forum that are focused on mens issues as well, and lots of info for care givers.

I wish you both the best and hope the link helps, Holly