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

Posted by meandmybadbladder24 @meandmybadbladder24, Oct 18, 2024

Hi,
I’m so new to this group.
Routine labs and discovered I have bladder cancer. Urology Dr said it appears all 8 mutant tumors have not metastasized but we will know for certain after Nov 1 surgery. I’d like to know what level or to what degree will I be feeling sick after this surgery? I will receive one chemo treatment for now while in surgery. Please share Best foods to stock up on while recovering ? Thank you so much!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Cancer Support Group.

blazermaniac | @blazermaniac | Oct 23, 2024

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.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 20, 2024

@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?

northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Oct 18, 2024

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.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Oct 18, 2024

@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.

stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Oct 18, 2024

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.