Bladder Cancer: How is a urostomy connected?

@gordy6898p, I've added your question to the Ostomy support group as well.

Here's some information about bladder removal and urostomy:
– Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cystectomy/about/pac-20385108
– About Your Bladder Surgery With an Ileal Conduit (Urostomy) https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-bladder-surgery-ileal-conduit-urostomy

I'm tagging fellow members like @ggarrepy @chuckking @katydid77 @tapestry4245carton @jshollett who can share their experiences with you.

How are you doing with chemo? How many treatments will you have before surgery is scheduled?

Hi.........

My second Chemo infusion was given Oct 24, the third is schedule for Nov 15

At that time I'll be evaluated to decide how to proceed.

I'll eventually have both bladder and prostate surgery, with an abdominal stoma.

So far, things are going well. A few minor annoyances of no real concern.

Thanks, and take care.

Gordy, all this information I’m sure is daunting but my husband had both his prostate and bladder removed four years ago and is doing well.

The process of finding the right fit for your appliance is a trial-and-error thing and is THE most important part of keeping healthy skin under the the seal and being confident that it will not leak. Most manufacturers will gladly send you samples and I suggest you get them prior to surgery. That way you will already have a list of questions for the stoma nurse who visits your room a couple of days following surgery.

This site and the caring people who contribute are a god-send. Do not hesitate to ask many questions if there is a problem. The location of the stoma can make things easier or more difficult if located too close to the waistline. In the early days my husband switched from a belt to suspenders which promoted healing. I had no idea suspenders could be so colorful.

Best wishes with your surgery and quick recovery. God bless.

Hi Katy.....

Thanks for your reply, and advice regarding stoma related information/samples from manufacturers. I'll be contacting them today.

Suspenders sounds like a good idea.

Take care.

Best wishes to you in your new life with an ostomy. I've had an ileal conduit since I was barely age five--so 58 years! I backpacked all over Europe for 3 months in college with my few supplies in my backpack. 🙂

One suggestion I'd have for you for appliances is to use appliance adhesive spray. It makes the appliance stick SO much better! And a tip about the spray: put some on the wafer and some on your skin, let it sit for about 30 seconds, THEN put on your appliance. The "double stick" factor--tacky skin to tacky wafer--usually makes a really good bond. 🙂

I had a radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit last March. They will detach the ureters from the bladder and attach them to a pouch created inside your right abdomen. The pouch is made from a segment of small bowel, This bowel segment is brought to the outside as a stoma and is sewn in place. This stoma is where urine will come out into an external pouch system. You will empty the pouch as it fills and change it out every few days. It’s not too bad once you get used to it. There is nothing I want to do that I can’t because of this, so it’s okay.

Thanks for the information....

Hope all is going well.

Thanks for the information on adhesive spray.
Take care.

@jmcmurdo, wow, 58 years with an ileal conduit. You have so much experience and knowledge to offer. May I ask what led to your needing an ostomy as a young child?