Bladder Cancer Robotic Surgery

Ramso
Ramso Member Posts: 1 Member
in Bladder Cancer #1

Hi Everyone...

Im a 66 years old Aussie living in Sydney Australia....

My cancer journey started July 2017, after a urine scope revealed cancer cells in my bladder.

Ive had four cystoscopies, BCG which gave me BCGosis, and Chemo infusion, which also failed.

I was thinking of undertaking Chemoradiation, but my CIS T1 says no.

So today, after talking to my surgeon, I've decided on RC Neobladder...I'm devastated by this decision,

and look at the mountain I have to climb as the greatest challenge in my life. Luckily I have a very

supporting family and I have been talking to other survivors who have been down this road who 

pulled no punches about the realities of life after Neo bladder.

My surgery is 4 weeks away... 4 weeks to get my head and personal life in order, 4 weeks of telling 

myself "This is the first day of the rest of my life".

I feel a strange peace after my decision, compared to the frantic emotional roller coaster I was on this week.

I know that roller coaster is just waiting to take me on another wild ride.... The ride for my life.

I wish peace and power to anyone else about to embark on this journey.

Cheers

Steve

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • GingerMay
    GingerMay Member Posts: 134
    edited August 2018 #2
    Best to you

    I just wanted to send good wishes for a successful surgery and recovery. Sometimes it seems once a decision is made, even when this disease doesn't give us much a choice, our resolve around it brings peace. Having supportive people around you is great. Blessings to you and your family.   

  • Lakeside
    Lakeside Member Posts: 3 Member
    edited August 2018 #3
    Bladder Robotic

    Well Steve, I've been there done that with a bit of difference. I choose the ileal conduit with stoma.

    I am 62 years old and had my radial cystectomy March 30, 2018 in Omaha Nebraska. I had 3 months of chemo prior to my surgery in December, January & February.

    My Doctor used da Vinci robot for the surgery. It went very well and I only spent 5 nights in the hospital and returned to work on April 24.

    I choose the stoma route simply because neo bladders have not been very successful up here. The majority end up having to always empty the neo bladder via catheter. That didn't appeal to me in any fashion. That's not saying I am enjoying wearing my bladder on the outside of my belly either but, it is what it is. No one ever notices my urostomy bag, I wear oversized shirts and you certainly can't see it and if you didn't know it was there, no one would have any idea.

    As far a what to expect post surgery, I can honestly say it all just seems like a bad dream now. I have absolutely returned to a normal life, with a few exception of course. 

    So, what I am trying to tell you is.... relax. It's not the end of the world and it will pass.

     

    Best regards and have a speedy recovery!

     

    Lakeside

     

  • Fearnoevil
    Fearnoevil Member Posts: 1
    #4
    Lakeside said:

    Bladder Robotic

    Well Steve, I've been there done that with a bit of difference. I choose the ileal conduit with stoma.

    I am 62 years old and had my radial cystectomy March 30, 2018 in Omaha Nebraska. I had 3 months of chemo prior to my surgery in December, January & February.

    My Doctor used da Vinci robot for the surgery. It went very well and I only spent 5 nights in the hospital and returned to work on April 24.

    I choose the stoma route simply because neo bladders have not been very successful up here. The majority end up having to always empty the neo bladder via catheter. That didn't appeal to me in any fashion. That's not saying I am enjoying wearing my bladder on the outside of my belly either but, it is what it is. No one ever notices my urostomy bag, I wear oversized shirts and you certainly can't see it and if you didn't know it was there, no one would have any idea.

    As far a what to expect post surgery, I can honestly say it all just seems like a bad dream now. I have absolutely returned to a normal life, with a few exception of course. 

    So, what I am trying to tell you is.... relax. It's not the end of the world and it will pass.

     

    Best regards and have a speedy recovery!

     

    Lakeside

     

    Thank you

     My husband is preparing for the same surgery you had it’s been messing with his head but after reading your post he feels much better about it he’s 65 and decided to do the Stoma..as a Catheter didn’t appeal   to him eigher..he had a liver transplant 3 years ago at Mayo Clinic it went great ...he will be having this surgery with the robot at mayo also ..we are just waiting for the dr to call with the date.

    thank you 

     

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