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Neobladder or Ileal Conduit, unsure
Bladder Cancer | Last Active: May 30 7:01am | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
@mstanhello I’m in the same process right now looking at all the options. My surgeon said the neo is kind of like a corvette, sporty but higher maintenance where as the conduit is like Toyota Camry; dependable/reliable low maintenance.
I’m an active 67 year old me and my wife exercise HIIT, strength, bicycle etc. 3-4 times week, love to travel, motorcycle trips etc. With my reading, it seems like the conduit allows me to continue all these activities with little trouble and as I continue to age, if someone needs to care for me, it will be a simple process.
If anyone has actual life experience, I’d love to hear about it.
Replies to "@mstanhello I’m in the same process right now looking at all the options. My surgeon said..."
@robertconnelly
Initially I would point out that I had prostate cancer in 11/2000. It was cut out completely, but I had to radiate to be sure no cells were left. Now, 24 years later I've contracted bladder cancer and have been treated for my cancer since 12/24. My treatment program is part of an FDA test protocol. I'm now 3/4 thru the treatment program with lots of BCG's and immuno-therapy. I have 2 BCGs to go. So far, I've stayed clean. However, I've been totally incontinent since day one and have developed side effects that have resulted in my having to pee about every 2-3 minutes - 24/7. That has resulted in very little to no sleep at night for the past 18 months. I recently met with a surgeon who discussed my surgical options - neo-bladder vs ileal conduit. He said I was not really suited for the neo-bladder for a number of reasons. He advised that the ileal conduit would be the best way for me to go. No more diapers; no more having to pee constantly. et al. He did point out the potential negatives as well - use of the bag, etc. I would like to know if anyone has had symptoms similar to me and is looking at the same option(s).
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@robertconnelly I'm a Toyota gal, age 71, and I will be having the ileal conduit in about three weeks at Mayo Jax. The more videos I watch from Mayo and/or YouTube, the more information I have, less (and less and less) fear, and therefore I feel more positive about the outcome.
My Mayo surgeon mentioned having at least one patient who has had the ileal conduit for over 40 years. Of course, my first thought was, "They knew about this in the '80s?"