New to the board question on Cystectomy

Lou did all the legwork, but this is an easier link for you, Ray:

www.urologyhealth.org/picturepopup.cfm?id=43

It's quite an informative illustration (Thanks, Lou!). I was T3a, but I really just had a vague idea of what that actually looked like.

Hi,

Lou is right, the bladder is partly made up of muscle and that will all go with a cystectomy.

Good luck and keep asking until you're able to sleep....
Wendy

Ray,

To view one of the drawings I mentioned previously you can find it by entering MEDLINE PLUS into your search engine, click on that link and once it opens click on HEALTH TOPICS.  The next link is CANCERS, and the next is BLADDER CANCER.  Once that page opens scroll down the page until you come to Anatomy / Physiology, where you will find the 2nd item listed is Anatomical drawings.  There are 7 drawings on this page and the one I've mentioned is the 7th, "Bladder Cancer".  I hope this helps you to visualize what's going on (although obviously our tumors don't all look like the drawings here) in your bladder.

Lou Graham

Ray,

When they refer to your cancer as being muscle invasive, they refer to the muscle that is part of your bladder.  I know this is all very confusing to you or anyone who doesn't have a basic knowledge of anatomy, but you could probably find an image that is representative of a bladder and not only show the different stages of bladder cancer but can also show the different layers of the bladder.  Off the top of my head I couldn't tell you where to go to find this image, but I do know it exists (actually I've seen several versions of this image).
Keep reading all you can and also ask as many questions as you need to make you feel comfortable with your decision.  There are people here who will answer your questions, or at least try to answer.  If nothing else you can perhaps be referred to a site that might have the answers you're looking for.

Lou Graham
RC/Neobladder 2/2004

I just wanted to reply quickly to you--I have no doubt someone else will answer in more depth.

Yes, all the cancer the doctor knows about will be removed. I had invasive BC as well, so I know exactly what you're going through. Your despair and feelings of helplessness are natural--you've just been hit by a ton of bricks.

But you'll get through it. I'm 3-months post surgery this week, and you know what? I feel great. Physically and mentally.

I'm sure you will too.

By the way, I learned almost everything I now know from this site after I was hit by that same ton of bricks. My thanks to Wendy and everyone else who has participated.

I've recently been diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer. I've been scheduled for a Cystectomy and neobladder on October 20. All tests so far indicate that it has not gone beyond the muscle. I am litterally falling apart at the news. Can't sleep...can't think of nothing else all day....I break out into sweats.....started drinking wine to help calm my nerves....need support. I found this web site and it's been helpful. I've been reading and rereading all the great success stories. I'm hoping for the same outcome.

Question" When they remove the bladder, do they also remove the cancerous part of the muscle?

Thanks for the info and the support
Ray