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Met my surgeon yesterday

honcho2
0 Recommendations

I met Dr Alan So yesterday and we discussed my treatment and prognosis. I will have a radical cysectomy and have a neo bladder. He said my prognosis was good and spent a lot of time trying to prepare me for the life style changes I will be facing. I did some research before the appointment, so was prepared for all that we discussed. From the start of this I decided to deal with it straight on. I read a post a few days ago by Eric (I don't recall his forum name), he was talking about not having a problem adjusting after surgery, that the new reality is just that and no point dwelling on the past. At any rate, he put into words how I feel about this. I was impressed by Dr So, he was personable and respectful and I think I am in good hands.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Cancer Surgery Pain Neobladder Prostate cancer

18 replies

joybob

Hi, my husband had his r/c 3 weeks ago at md anderson.
We don't look back, we are going forward. It is our new normal. He is doing well. and with the ov ernite bag he fin ally can sleep without getting up. As long as the cancer is gone the other stuff is doable. Joycee

honcho2

That's good to hear Joycee. It's good to hear how others are progressing. Just because I have decided my approach to this, doesn't mean it doesn't scare the hell out of me. This forum helps me a lot.

15yrsurvivor

Honcho, you are doing everything right as far as educating yourself about these procedures and what to expect afterwards. That is extremely important! It will lessen the fear somewhat, but of course fear is normal under the circumstances. I love your "straight on' attitude and believe it is the best approach! It is
also a big advantage that you like and trust your doctor. If you did not, you should be doctor shopping.

I did not have an rc, I am a pc patient, so I cannot give advice about that. We have many people who can! I wonder if the "Eric" you are referring to is EricAndre?
(Eric, hope I spelled that right!)

roadrunner

Welcome to inspire,

Yes,the diagnosis is rather mind boggling,,,
emotional chaos follows,,,then you gain the knowledge ,talk to others and you seem to head for the challenge with your gear on,only way to do it,
My husbands r/c was at the Cleveland Clinic,he has the bag,he was 66 at the time and is cancer free for 2 years now....he was stage 3......
As a couple we do everything we did before,,,just a little extra stuff to remember,but a few months after surgery life is good again,,,
Being prepared for surgery is most important,we talk about it so much here on the forum,,,,day 1 day 2 and so on.....best part is going home to familar surroundings, working on recovery...
Most important is trusting your surgoen,putting your faith in him,and knowing the ins and outs,,,what to expect...
When is your surgery? Would be glad to help you out in any way,,,talk to my husband if you like,,,as we talk to many patients preparing for surgery at the Cleveland Clinic........

Ginger

Moonerj

Hi honcho
Happy to hear you are very comfortable with Dr. So.
I wish you all the best for your upcoming RC. There are so many here that can assist you based on their experiences with any questions you might have regarding your upcoming surgery. We all blessed to have so many caring warriors here at BCAN.
Best Regards,
Jack

twindf

Hi honcho2, I had my RC 2 1/2 years ago and have been cancer free ever since. I started out with 3 month check ups, have graduated to 6 month. I get labs, chest x-ray and CT scan before each Dr. visit.

I went to Atlanta GA. to have my surgery. There is a uro physician there who performs robotic surgery and I chose to go that route. The pain and recovery is a lot faster and I was a good candidate.

I, also, adapted very well to this my now "normal" life. My concern was to be cancer free and he could take as many body parts as needed. (and he did) Good luck. Dolly

Cheyenne

That's great Honcho, Glad you feel comfortable about it. That makes a big difference. Ask for a tequila drip before surgery. They always tell you they will do it, so just believe them.

Tagmike

Hi Honcho, Glad that you found someone you were comfortable with. As you said quoting Eric that you will achieve a new normal with a neobladder. Thanks for keeping us informed. Think of us as your Now network if you need advice support or just some friendly chat. Good Luck my Friend.
Mike

honcho2

Thanks Mike and I so like the idea of a tequila drip....maybe a nice single malt scotch would be good also

Randy

cat22

Best of luck honcho2. Glad you are comfortable with your physician - that's important. My drip would be Grey Goose. I can't do tequila at all!!!

Cathy

DrgnTrappr

Hi Honcho
I just want to Wish You the best on your upcoming surgery, and it sounds like you have a good handle on everything so far.
Ron

sunshine604

Hi -
You're going into this with a good attitude, so you'll do just fine. It's scary, and the RC isn't a piece of cake, but life will be so much better cancer free after.
I'm off to Vancouver next week for my one year check - wish me luck! I have the bag - we are the butt of many jokes here, as you may have noticed, so you'll be happy with the neo. We will take the journey with you - when is your surgery?
Eileen

neoman

I had my bladder removed in Feb. 2009. I have a neo bladder made out of my small intestine. I have a blog caringbridge.org/visit/chrispfeiffer that has my story, procedure and experiances since then.
Though I have had problems with my ability to hold back the bladder (I wear a condom cath, most people do not have that experiance I am hopeful that I too will regain the ability to be more normal in that regard.

I really have a great urologist and oncologist. I went chemo 1st and then surgery.. Went for the cure 1st.. no regrets at all.. Even though MD Anderson is in town, in my research I felt that not much has advanced in recent years and the procedures and outcomes were simuliar. I stayed close to home. Glad I did.
Yes, changes after surgery. My wonderful wife, kids and friends are all the best. I feel though it has been 6 months, I am still healing, tired at times. Make sure you pace yourself, give yourself time. I went back to work 3 weeks, 2 days for parttime work and then full time several weeks later. In my days off, I do not do much, regain energy for the next week.
Also discovered that I had prostate cancer. Two cancers in one procedure.. Us men will never have to deal with that one!! haha!!

daveyo

hi honcho....i did clinical trial chemo first and then the RC.....got a neo bladder, and i'm doing really well.

so, don't worry.....i'm just waiting for my 3 month check up in november,,,,

was a mess for about 6 weeks,,,,then it will all begin to turn out well....

stay calm and keep the positive attitude

time will pass, and you will be fine...

peace

honcho2

Good to read your stories, I've gained a lot of insight here. I never thought I'd be dealing with bed wetting again lol . Eileen, I just found out today, my surgery is on the 30th. I think I'll spend a few days fishing before hand, might be a couple days before I get another chance.

sunshine604

I have a feeling it may be more than a few days after the op before you're fishing again, though if you're anything like some of the guys on this site, you'll make up a good fish story anyway.
I think Dr. So works out of VGH - you'll get good care there. Only a couple more weeks to wait!
Eileen

butterfly7

I am so glad for you, I wish they would move a little faster for me. If they don't cut your nerve down there sex is still in the picture we will pray for that. I t will be out of the question for me and I don't and have never had a boyfriend so I won't miss anything. Please keep us posted we care and want details. Peace.

Bob_M

Glad to hear you like your Doctor and your prognosis is good. I've had no problems with my 7 month old neo and I hope you have the same good fortune.

Best wishes,
Bob

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