@rafcer I am so sorry that you are going through this. I can tell you about my husband’s experience.
My husband 65 yrs old…had a RC for MIBC in June 2025. It wasn’t as bad as we thought. The nurses had him up and walking the next day. He was in the hospital for 7 days. The last 4 days he was eating solid food. First few days is just liquids. Basically, he was off any Tylenol after a week. Any pain after surgery…was very manageable in the hospital. Not as bad as he originally thought it was going to be. He did have robotic surgery and was under for about 6 to 7 hours. He chose a stoma with a small bag which has worked perfectly for him. He did everything himself after the nurses taught him how to attach the small bag. No problems. He can do everything he did before the surgery. It’s amazing what surgeons can do today. He did go back to his desk job within 2 months. He was getting bored at home.
When he left the hospital, he was able to go up and down stairs to get to our bedroom and bathroom. I made sure he drank 2 liters of water a day and never got any UTI’s. He wanted soup the first couple of days…but then started eating sandwiches and regular food. Ice cream is what he loved. That first week he got home, we walked outside everyday …starting with 5 minutes…then 10…and so on. The doctor wants everyone to walk as much as possible.

When he came out of surgery…I was there talking to him….but he doesn’t remember anything. In fact…he doesn’t remember the first 2 or 3 days. He wasn’t in any pain…not sure what the nurse gave him…because he kept talking about the “pretty nurses” ….which really started to bother me. But I let it pass…
The next day, he was in his bathrobe-housecoat…with socks and slippers…walking around the hospital…so happy that the operation was over!

I’m sure you must be feeling scared and overwhelmed….but from what I’ve seen going through this with my husband….it wasn’t the horror we thought it would be. He is happy he did it and has been living a great life.

Before the surgery, he had Cisplatin and Gemcitabine for 3 months because it was Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

I have you in my prayers for the 7th…that all will be well and a quick recovery…you will feel relieved when the operation is over and done with.
If you have any questions…I would be happy to answer them. God bless you xx

Hello @rafcer, how are you doing after your surgery? Don't expect to bounce back quickly, but have a gradual increase in strength, appetite, mental clarity. My husband has a radical cystectomy with neobladder, open surgery, 5 years ago at the age of 68. He had many issues that slowed his recovery but was up walking with assistance every day. His hospital stay was closer to 10 days due to a sluggish bowel but his pain was well controlled and taking only Tylenol at discharge. Be patient and work hard on your recovery. The worst part is behind you.