Peter,
You are 67, my husband was 66, smoker for years, and diagnosed July 3rd, this summer, with Stage 3 T-2 muscle invasive, we to were scared to death, the waititng is the worst but it seems you are moving along quickly. He had no chemo no radiation, NO SIGNS OF CANCER ELSEWHERE.. hE ALSO HAS THE BAG,, NOT A PROBLEM, IT WORKS WELL, his bladder surgery was Sept. 14 th at the Cleveland Clinic, he stayed 6 days, his surgery was 6 hours, they have a laproscopic surgeon Dr. Gill, he removed Gene's bladder laprosocically , therefore only 4 slits rather than the 10 inch cut, then Dr. Campbll did the bag diversion. The first few days are rough, but not bad, getting the bowels going is the primary concern , they have a mind of there own after being asleep. it sounds like your wife is on board for all of this so not to worry, she just has to be there for you, and learn to change your bag, the stoma nurses are important, be sure to set up home visits for 6 weeks, twice a week, they will get you in the bag that is best for your frame and size. Gene lost 30 pounds total, he has gained back 15 of that, chocolate milk shakes, so the first few week are slow but you will see improvement every week, we are at week 7 out of surgery and doing most everything we did before. What scares you the most? and how can i help your wife? be glad you got it early, some aren't so fortuneate....what can we tell you to help? Ginger Beane
