Bladder cancer surgery: What is recovery like? How can I prepare?

I'm thinking Colleen will move your post to the section that will give you more help on your type of cancer. I don't want to comment on your type of treatment as I don't have bladder type but I do wish you the best on your journey. This is a wonderful site and you've come to the right place. Best to all.

@meandmybadbladder24
Welcome to Mayo Connect, as @stevecando54 mention, you may get more information in the Bladder Cancer group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/bladder-cancer/
I will ask moderator about moving your question to that support group.

My friend had a different cancer. but he was quite fond of mint tea and Peak Freen biscuits when we got together on my front porch between his chemo sessions.

I potted some mint from my back yard and sent it home with him so that he could have fresh mint tea whenever he wanted.

I suspect it's like pregnancy — some foods you normally like will repel you, but you might still crave others. Best of luck through your challenges ahead.

@meandmybadbladder24, welcome to the Bladder Cancer support group. I moved your question here to introduce you to other members familiar with bladder cancer and its treatments, like @kathrynmc @blades @sue225 @plugger @sepdvm @texascitylady @ggarrepy @friskle and many others.

@meandmybadbladder24, I can see you have many questions as you prepare for your upcoming surgery on Nov 1. They are good questions, like what foods to stock up on and other things you can do to get ready for the best recovery.

May I ask: What type of surgery will you be having? Will someone be with you at home during recovery?

I can't say for sure how you'll feel because I didn't receive chemo. For my first surgery, there were a lot of lesions that needed to be removed. I had a catheter in for about a week after. Other than discomfort, I don't remember feeling sick at all. It's kind of freaky seeing a bag full of blood mixed pee however. The bleeding took quite a while to stop for me. The doctor told me not to drive for a month afterwards. I did not heed her instructions and as a consequence took longer to heal. It didn't make since why I shouldn't drive since my car is an automatic. But I do believe you get jostled around more as the driver. (I live in Costa Rica where the roads aren't great). I hope all goes well for you.

Stay positive!!

@colleenyoung thank you for welcoming me. I am having Transurethral Resection of Bladder surgery. Yes, my husband will be home with me as I recover. I do have a few questions - 1. I am wondering if this type of surgery ‘qualifies’ for a visiting nurse?
Will I even need someone to follow up w me at home? Maybe using the ‘qualify’ is not appropriate. I’m unsure!
2. The first few days after surgery, will I need help walking to use the bathroom?
3. What are the best foods to eat for healing the body from within ?
4. What type of pain can I expect- (lev 10 being lots of pain) ? And
5. What am I able to take to relieve the pain? Thank you for your help answering my questions.

Hello @meandmybadbladder24. By having transurethral surgery you will be less painful than an open surgery like my husband had. He needed every one of his 10 days in the hospital after radical cystectomy and neobladder formation. Most pain was from the abdominal incision and chronic hiccups which can be due to medications or prolonged anesthesia. Help was needed for walking during his hospitalization. Urinary catheter was in place so there is a bag to deal with. Your doctor will need to direct you as to pain medications. The sooner you don't need opioids and can live on just Tylenol, the better. Healing requires protein so meats and dairy and higher protein grains and legumes all provide this. If you don't feel like eating heavy foods at first, a protein drink, or powdered supplement can be mixed into a smoothie, which may be more tolerable. I use a healthy grass fed whey protein powder to add to drinks and cereals. Good luck to you next week.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your input.

Dear Colleen, I have bladder cancer & had this surgery. It can be very exhausting so rest a lot. Just dealing with it emotionally along with the physical side can be hard. Some adjust quickly to this and some it takes longer. Small bland meals helped me better and also lots of water. I will be thinking & praying for you on Nov 1 and as you recover. I’ve been on chemo treatment for a year and continue to do life but at a slower pace.