Hi, Daisy Bear:
I have had prostate cancer in 2005 and have had no trouble with it siince then. A little over a year ago, I developed bladder cancer, and the doctor removed all of my bladder. Now, I have a urosomy and wear an external pouch. The pouches last anywhere from a day to 5 days, and then I have to change it for a new one. No-one can tell that I wear one. so it really isn't a problem. I keep a whole change of clothing (pants, shirt, & underwear) alonf with a new bag and 2 washcloths in a duffel at work just in case I have a problem and the bag leaks all over the place. I also have changed towearing dark clothing so if I have an accident, it doesn't show and I can go fix it without everyone know what I'm doing. My wife ahas had ovafian cancer twice, and she has a colostomy, whi h requires that she wear an external bag as well. The point of tis missive is that there are devices out there to takecare of your needs if you decide to go for a total bladder removal and they are very good.
Just as an aside, I always want to know what my doctors want to do to me, so I generally get on the internet and get lots of information alout what they want to do. For both my cancers, I filled 3 to 4 11/2" ring binders with internet info before I let the doctor do his thing. I knew exactly what he was going to do, and I also knew all the side effects so he couldn't surpprise me with anything afterwards. I'm a firm belliever in getting as much information about what's going to happen as possible. If you read a medical type article and don't understand it, take it to your doctor amd make him/her explain it fully until you really understand what it's all about. Remember, it's your body and no one should have to tell you what they are going to do to it, without you knowing all the ramifications of their proposed procedures. Question them fully until you really understand what's likely to happen in the first month afterwards, the first year after and at the 5 year mark, them have them prognosticate the reat of your life.
The last thing you have to do is believe that you willl be really well after whatever the procedure is. Some people say "Keep the faith Baby" and I find that that attitude is a winner. Believe thar you will be well, and just watch how well you respond. Personally, I won't let myself be sick, but I still have had a couple of slips where I succumbed to cancer, but overall I believe myself to be a well person. You can do it too. Think positively.
Best wishes,
Sir Brian the Lion.