I'm 'just' Another Bladder Cancer Survivor

I had my bladder and prostate removed but no appendix. It wasn't even discussed by the doctor.

I'll have to agree with Pat here I'm sure they took your appendix, right before my surgery they told me they were taking mine. you don't need it and just one less headache down the road if you were to get an appendix attack why have to go back in while they are right there getting your bladder and and prostrate. You can always check with the surgeon and find out if they took it out, my odds are they did. Take care "D". Joe

The cathing on a daily basis is temporary,
the doctor believes in removing as much of the mucus as possible.

I have already learned how to tense muscles and "force" most of it out with the urine flow, the cath is then used and contents measured.

Daily, the amount of urine withheld, and then released on command is
improving. Ten days home from the hospital and I stay fairly dry during daytime hours. The pelvic floor muscles...are still in training...

Dear D61,

Zach made a good point, that continent orthotopic neobladders don't require self cathing for men (women might have to); is there an end in sight to the need to self cath?
Maybe the surgeon isn't aware of how you're supposed to train your new bladder to be continent and pee on command (more or less)?
Wendy

well they never do discuss the appendix but i'll bet they took it out!....Pat

Yes Zach...I'm proud to say...
no need to go into details here, the docs did the best they could do
and I'm pleased, 'it' was considered important.

No on the appendix,
in fact it was never discussed.

F & F,
best to you as well Joe,
we both/all still have a road to travel but it seems to be getting better...
and easier, every single day.

And, Ms. Wendy,
thanks for all you do...and have done.
The info shared here sure is a big help,
of course it is up to each to utilize to their advantage.

One thing is certain,
as in the real world,
if we don't fight back...we lose !
Then we are victims...