My RC date

Betsy Mae,

I agree , pick the deversion you want and go for it entirely. I also have read about the neo being an incontinene issue. Its all over the board, some have great experiences, others do not. Pat has the Indiana pouch, she is very happy with it, the first at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Gill. Carolyn King has the neo, she is doing great as well. Incontinence is why my husband along with a heart issue doesn't have the neo...but the outside bag. Maria, whatever you have decided you have many wonderful forum members to give you their advice, Best of luck, July 3rd is my husbands anniversary of his diagnosis, I will be thinking of you that day...with prayers.....Ginger

I think Melodie has a valid point but you must make up your own mind. I read somewhere, it may have been on this site, that there is a 30% chance of incontinence, a 30% chance of normal function and a 30% chance of hypercontinence for women post neobladder. I looked on it as being a 60% chance of not being left incontinent. My surgeon said that it is harder to leave a woman functioning normally due to our internal physiology. As I have stated before, now that I have got used to it, having to self cath is not an issue anymore. I still maintain that it is the best option if possible. I have my life back and so far, no return of the cancer.

Betsy Mae

Maria,

You can call Carolyn King , she just got a neo bladder this year. Read her posts, I spoke with her several times beofre and after surgery, she is please with it . I am sure it will work for you... Ginger

Maria,

Just some food for thought...

I hate to sound like a killjoy, since you apparently have made up your mind, but just wanted to mention that my doctor didn't even offer me the option of a neo bladder...he flat out said he didn't feel it offered women a good quality of life following RC and he wouldn't do one for me or any woman. He was the head of the urology dept. for a major medical school with years of experience. He does them on men but not women...reason being our urethra is too short...or as he said, your spikot is too short and women on the average have a 40% incontinence rate. He told me very frankly there are doctors who disagree with his point of view. I did not appreciate his comment at the time but after I did more research and talked with a few women in my area, I realized his decision was based on intelligence and integritiy and I now greatly admire him for sticking to his beliefs.

Also...I hope your doctor has talked with you about what all the possible after effects might be. I just have to wonder if he has kept records on the success rate of his patients...how happy are they a year or two later???? I'm not trying to create conflict in your mind...only to ensure you get what you expect and deserve to get...the best possible treatment so you can continue to have a full and productive life. Hugs & prayers enroute to you. Melodie

HI Maria - I was gone this past week on a "girls trip" with my daughter, so I haven't visited the forum lately. I was happy to see your post about your RC date! I am glad to hear the faith you have in your doctor, that is very important. Your anxieties are definitely normal...give your concerns to God, He will strengthen you (Phil 4:13). I will place your RC date on my calendar and will keep you in thoughts and prayer as you prepare for, undergo surgery and move into the healing process. You will get through this. Hugs coming your way. Love and prayers, Margot

Maria,

I was told to fast two days prior to arriving at the hospital...was told what to drink and I did that with no problem, remaining close to the bathroom and got very clean; then when I got to the hospital the night before, they had me drink that awful Go-Litley or whatever it is called...UGH! Anyway, I don't think that was necessary but I did it and am sure I was one of the cleanest persons they have ever had on the operating table. I'm sure it made the job easier for my surgeon(s).

I am very surprised you are going with the neo-bladder. I was never able to find a woman who had one that could give me the reassurance that I needed to opt for that diversion...the few I talked with in my area of the country all had to cath on a daily basis and that wasn't good enough for me.

As for being frightened...most people are...and if that is the case, then it would maybe be better for you to wait and go to the hospital early that day as opposed to going the night prior. I was calm and at peace with the idea of surgery but as I have often said, I believe that is due to my faith in God. About five days prior to surgery, I just gave up that concern to Him and let Him bear the burden of it.

I will be praying a special prayer for you on 7/3...that all goes as it should; that you will be free of anxiety, that the medical staff will give you the best of care, and that your recovery will be easier than expected. I hope someone can update us so we will know how you are doing. Wishing you the best. Hugs. Melodie