Researching Options for Dad - Bag or NeoBladder

Hello All,

I am researching for my father who is 63 and was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. His surgery is scheduled for Dec 7. 2012 and I am trying to collect information so that we can ask the right questions to the doctor and make the right decision.

I am attending the consult tomorrow, so I will learn more (stage, growth, etc) but to my knowledge he will need a cystectomy and will have to choose between a bag or neobladder. I have read the discussion board and understand most of the complications and side effects, but still have a few questions:

Regarding the Neo Bladder - how long is a catheter needed? are there different kinds to consider? What is the likelihood that additional surgeries are needed after the initial one?


Thanks to everyone for posting on the boards - your conversation, experience and advice have been extremely helpful. My father seems overwhelmed and unsure of what to do and expect, so I am doing my best to keep him informed and optimistic.

Sincerely,

CMR
Houston, Texas