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Experiences with neobladder surgery for bladder cancer
Bladder Cancer | Last Active: Jun 23 7:15am | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
I am just Stunned, In Shock and Depressed in deciding what to do here, at 62, Single and live byself, there is No Wife or Girlfriend or Someone close enough to Deal with all of this..
The Major Operation Side Effects Scare the Crap out of Me, the Bag, Everything about this is putting me in a Whirlwind of Whether I really Wanna Live or Not....I cant do this...
The Tumor was Removed 2 Weeks ago,
this coming Monday I'll have my Second Operation to look futher as to if this Cancer has Moved anywhere else....After Monday, its either Do or Die and if this has Spread,...I dont know What to do...
Replies to "I am just Stunned, In Shock and Depressed in deciding what to do here, at 62,..."
@daddyroxx2025 I totally understand the shoes you wear and the path you walk! As I’m a single woman turning 70 next month. Diagnosed with high grade bladder cancer last year. My last office scope was clear but my surgeon has decided not to continue BCG treatment because the side effects have become too severe.
This is a major surgery! As a former surgical intensive nurse be advised that the team never fully prepares one to understand the depth of what to expect. And it’s always best to understand to expect and be prepared for the unexpected. That being said you do need to prepare for having home help. There are various agencies as well as ethnic groups that can help you here. I myself have had to overcome many surgical situations alone. I found in Chicago both Thai and Philippine home help. I highly recommend you start researching this in your area. I know and completely understand how not having a partner is tough! Life is worth fighting for! And be prepared to need a good 6 months to recover. While sounding completely daunting at this moment, as you gaze at climbing this mountain, you have to first gather information, then prepare.
You have to have dialogue with all of your healthcare team, nurses and doctors. Ask everyone for resources. None of us here thought we’d have to deal with this. But it’s the hand that we’ve been dealt. I find myself often in prayer for guidance and direction. I’m often presented with someone that I see who is worse off. This journey is not impossible it will require a lot preparation and “will”to survive! Like any journey you’ve taken in life, it is ONE STEP AT A TIME. Please continue to post any concerns or questions here.
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@daddyroxx2025
It is scary. It's completely normal to have all of those thoughts running through your head. All the "what ifs."
I did not have a partner as I went through it either. My siblings were a huge help along with my friends. All you can do is take one day at a time. It can feel overwhelming but if you just concentrate on today and tomorrow, I think it makes it a little easier to tackle. You are stronger than you think you are. I will say a prayer for you tonight.