My mum has bladder cancer

Hi Brogan... Just wanted to say that your avatar photo is adorable. What a beautiful child! Any news for your mum's treatment yet?

Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear that your mum has been diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer. It's overwhelming news to go from an every day life to hearing that your bladder must be removed. I know it's hard to just breath right now because this diagnosis knocks the air right out of your body. I do hope you hear something very soon as to getting her scheduled to start treatment.

It is generally standard protocol to also do the hysterectomy at the same time for women; and for men, they remove the prostate at the same time as well. Did they say they would do the chemo before her surgery? That has been shown in some studies to improve the outcome later down the road by potentially stopping further spread.

There is no doubt that this is a difficult surgery, but her younger age should work in her favor for recovery time if she is in generally good health otherwise. Support from family is powerful medicine as well, and I can tell that you are there for her in spite of being so scared yourself.

I haven't been through a cystectomy, but there are others here who have and are several years down the road from their surgery. If you have any specific questions about diversions or the procedure, please post them here. If you just need to vent your emotions in a safe, understanding place, we are here for you.

Again, I am so sorry your mum is facing this. Please let us know how her treatment goes and I hope it starts very soon.