Gracie,
Sorry I didn't respond to your note earlier but I just put in my first 40 hour work week after being off from work on disability for almost a year. I see from your notes that you were to see your doctor today...what is the latest?
Sounds like you are very fortunate that the doctors have discovered what was wrong ad you have time to fight this cancer. When I was first dx'd in March of 07, I just couldn't believe what was happening to me...had always been very healthy, never smoked, had not worked around any chemicals, etc. I was not at all prepared for what I was about to face, and the doctors justed blurted out..."you hav invasive cancer, you need 4 months of chemo and then have your bladder removed." I felt so completely alone and helpless until I found this website and what a blessing it has been for me and many others.
Anyway, I found lots of info. and more importantly, several here who took turns holding my hand, so to speak, and helped walk me through this proces. Yes, I was on a very difficult journey but I was not alone. I followed alot of Pat's comments because I was very interested in the Indiana Pouch and she sounded very happy with her decision. I also made friends with a gal in California who also had gotten an Indiana Pouch...also pleased with her outcome and said she was going to wear her bikini when she went on her next cruise. Both she and Pat have their stoma put where the belly button is....mine is located just off to the right and down a few inches. I have affectionately named my stoma "Rosebud" and I loved her at first sight. I did my chemo last spring and summer, had my RC in late July, went back to work on a reduced schedule in early February and now am back to full time schedule.
Gracie, trust me when I say that I am a big baby...can't handle pain and all in my family (to include my mother) have called me the "family whimp"....but not anymore.
I amazed them and myself...and especially my spouse. I would never have imagined that I could make that journey and make it successfully but Pat and others like Holly kept telling me that I would be OK. I have a very strong faith and I asked God to direct me to the right doctors and the right procedures, etc. and I always felt like I was being watched over. Yes, there were times when I was frustrated, frightened, angry, depressed, but I have to tell you, there also were times when I was so encouraged and inspired by others I met here and elsewhere who were also fighting cancer...brave, noble, caring, awesome people. I felt so very blessed to be in contact with so much goodness.
Anyway, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of cancer. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have for me...I am hoping the gal I know in California will chime in since you may live near her. I am 57, have two college age kids, daughter and son. I live near Seattle and had my RC at the Univ. of Washington Medical Center...had a 9"in incision with staples...healing very nicely...I don't think I will have much of a scar, if any. My insurance did not cover for me to go outside the state of Washington so I went with the best I could find here....head of the Urology Dept.
I have not found any women in my area who have a neobladder that don't have to cath themselves, so I wanted the Indy pouch and am very glad I was able to get it. It was frustrating in the beginning, getting it trained, but now I almost feel like a pro...just as Pat said I would. It's miraculous really when I think about it...how efficiently it works for me. I turely feel blessed. I do have to be cautious about what I eat and drink but I am feeling healthier all the time. Please don't hesitate to contact me via PM if you would like. I will go ahead and PM you to give you my phone number if you wish to call me. I love helping others who are on this journey so please feel free to call or email me. Stay strong.
Melodie
