T2 G3

I was T2G3 and my URO told me that the cancer is so aggressive that no URO suggests leaving the bladder at this stage. I had my RC with Neo-Bladder 12-3-07 at age 50 and as was advised by others rest was what allowed me to return to work in 4 weeks.

He had his surgery Sept. 14th 2007, we went to Las Vegas in January on vacation, the secret is to rest after surgery to regain your strength, walk, and listen to your body. Gene is 100 percent now, the bag is not an issue for him, but it took some months emotionally to get use to everything...every deversion has its issues.
He goes one full week on one bag, as along as you find the right fit for your body type and don't get frustrated it all works out... Whatever you choose its a life changing experience but your reward is LIFE....Ginger

Ginger, my father also had a heart attack, he had heart bypass surgery 5 years ago, surgeon has given him 2 options the outside bag or neobladder, they dont seem to offer Indiana pouch over here! Thanks for sharing your story with me, seems like you've also been through a lot in the past while, like us it seems never ending, its a cruel world

How is your husbands life with the bag? My dad is only 55, we hope has a long life ahead of him, its good to hear from you, getting someones experience thats living through it...

Pat, thanks for the info, I've sent you a PM x

Hi again,

Gene had to have the outside bag as he had a heart attack the November before bladder cancer hit him. His cardiologist recommeneded it and we followed as the neo seemed to be the first choice but not for him..he would love to be free of the bag but he also hated having a cath and didn't ever want to cath himself..at 66 it seemed to be our only choice. Some may not find it appealing, you have to go with what you decide and not look back...if he were younger and no heart attack he may have gone with the Indiana pouch or the neo, Ginger

According to the Irish Cancer Society..you have a very low rate of bladder cancer
Incidence & Mortality in Ireland

Incidence (i.e. how many people are diagnosed)

Based on statistics averaged over five years, in any one year, approx 345 men are diagnosed with bladder cancer in Ireland (representing 3.3% of total cancer incidence in males). Based on the same statistics, in any one year, approx 129 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer (representing 1.2% of total cancer incidence in women. The majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed in the over 60 age bracket.

Mortality (i.e. how many people die)

In 1997, (latest figures available) there were 115 male and 62 female deaths from bladder cancer in Ireland. Approximately 3% of cancer deaths in men and 2% of cancer deaths in women were due to bladder cancer.



9 Incidence & Mortality worldwide

Male bladder cancer incidence in Ireland between 1994-1997 ranked 17th out of 23 European countries examined. The incidence of female bladder cancer in the same year was 10th out of the 23 European countries examined.
Pat

Hi Gene,

Thanks alot for the reply, my dad is 55 years old, ye're living in Ireland, the options here arent great really, our doc is lovely and very capable but I'm I suppose we have a lot less people presenting with invasive BC so experience is limited! WE are open to travelling, I'm looking on the net as we speak, would like to get a 2nd opinion from an experienced hospital!!

HOw is your husband? Why did he opt for outside bag?

Glad to hear ye are back in business