MBIC

I will just echo Alan’s comments. I would also emphasize, as does he, that radical cystectomy is the standard of treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Radiation has been used, but can lead to radiation damage which makes an eventual cystectomy problematic.

One other factor, while neobladders are often successful for males, for many women they are not and often lead either to incontinence or hypercontinence.

Sara Anne

Welcome Beloved 66,

Whew. Seems like I have read about several with the same situation and questions lately!

Chemo/radiation is not a normal protocol especially if you have a neo bladder or Indiana pouch. Radiation can damage tissues that are usually needed for the diversion chosen. Chemo/surgery is pretty common.

Perhaps the biggest piece of advice over the years that most will tell you is to pick a surgeon that has does many (25-35+) a year of what you choose. Also, you are correct, many have long lives after this kind or surgery.

Here is a great link to copy and paste about pro's and cons on the 3 basic diversions: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12546-urinary-reconstruction--diversion
Ask away as you have other questions.