Bladder cancer

[anniesboy]

I have just recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will have my bladder removed in the near future.

I thought I would post for two main reasons.

Firstly to encourage anyone with slightest symptoms to get things checked. I did but even so the resultant surgery will be life changing.
My symptoms were blood in urine I went to the doctor immediately and referred to specialists within a week. I'm 73 never smoked not over weight and cycled for many years.

My second reason is to see if anyone has knowledge of anyone cycling after bladder removal.It seems quite likely that I will have to be fitted with an external bag and all that goes with that. The only other possibility is a reconstructed bladder that has its own pros and cons and may not be an option anyway.

[thirdcrank]

All the best and get well soon.

I'm grateful that I have no experience but sorry that means I can't offer any practical advice.

[[XAP]Bob]

Bags don't need to impede cycling - you might want to make sure that it is located in an area which won't be rubbing when cycling.

[hondated]

I have just recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will have my bladder removed in the near future.

I thought I would post for two main reasons.

Firstly to encourage anyone with slightest symptoms to get things checked. I did but even so the resultant surgery will be life changing.
My symptoms were blood in urine I went to the doctor immediately and referred to specialists within a week. I'm 73 never smoked not over weight and cycled for many years.

My second reason is to see if anyone has knowledge of anyone cycling after bladder removal.It seems quite likely that I will have to be fitted with an external bag and all that goes with that. The only other possibility is a reconstructed bladder that has its own pros and cons and may not be an option anyway.

anniesboy first of all I am really sorry to read that you have bladder cancer and I hope that with treatment and or surgery both your love of cycling and and life is not affected greatly. My mate had his gall bladder removed and it has not affected him at all but he was never a cyclist.
I think your two reasons for raising it as an issue on here are spot on because we can all learn from each other when it comes to health issues.

I too am struggling with an health issue at the moment and once I finally get a definitive answer I will let everyone know about my experiences because I don't want anyone to suffer in the same way.

Keep your chin up and most importantly keep us all informed of your progress because we may never meet but we are at least all forum friends.

[kuba]

Really sorry too, I hope it goes as well as it possibly can. I have no direct experience either but wanted to bring this thread to your attention, if you haven't seen it: viewtopic.php?f=49&t=91775&hilit=bowel+cancer

It's about bowel cancer but you may find some interesting information there, and some stories that may well cheer you up a little (I thinking about Ian's courage and grit in fighting this nasty thing, but it's all worth a read).

Good luck.

[eileithyia]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. No experience, but would think (hopefully) you can get back to cycling, and just think, as long as the bag is large enough, no need to find discrete places behind trees......
I would talk it over and ensure the bag is optimally placed for your cycling.

[Vorpal]

I'm very sorry to hear about your health. I've known someone to cycle with a bag, but have no experience of it myself.

Best of luck with it, and speedy recovery.

[anniesboy]

Many thanks for the replies so far.
I have now learned that I'm to have a short course of chemo prior to my bladder removal operation.
As yet I don't know if I will have an external bag or an internal reconstructed bladder.

I will keep this post updated with experiences primarily that others might benefit.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Anniesboy. Sorry to hear of your problems

[anniesboy]

Just a short update, I'm having a short course of Chemo three in total.
My first one was on Thursday last as yet I have none of the common side effects. These are nausea, fatigue,loss of appetite, I am expecting hair and beard loss but none thus far.

I'm still active and able to cycle though with this cold weather not much. I am under "instructions" from medics to avoid crowded places and anyone with as obvious cold,as my immune levels are reduced.

I will soon be discussing the surgery for bladder removal,it will depend if I can opt for bladder reconstruction or if an external bag is the only way forward.

Purely emotionally I have found very helpful to keep friends,neighbours and cycling chums up to-date.As keeping it in might lead to a dark place.

[yakdiver]

You maybe able to have a catheter and a "flip flow valve" (no bag), with the valve you must empty on a regular basis have a chat to you doctor. With the catheter a seat with a cutout would be good.
All the best for the future

[anniesboy]

Thank you for that,to date the consultant had not mentioned such a valve.
Talking to my District Nurse this morning she said that reconstruction was becoming more frequent.
I will discuss with the medics.

[hondated]

Just a short update, I'm having a short course of Chemo three in total.
My first one was on Thursday last as yet I have none of the common side effects. These are nausea, fatigue,loss of appetite, I am expecting hair and beard loss but none thus far.

I'm still active and able to cycle though with this cold weather not much. I am under "instructions" from medics to avoid crowded places and anyone with as obvious cold,as my immune levels are reduced.

I will soon be discussing the surgery for bladder removal,it will depend if I can opt for bladder reconstruction or if an external bag is the only way forward.

Purely emotionally I have found very helpful to keep friends,neighbours and cycling chums up to-date.As keeping it in might lead to a dark place.

See your on line so I just want to say keep your chin up and maintain that positive attitude you show in your Blog.Ted

[anniesboy]

Yes thanks, I looking to next year to do our tandem ride we planned for this year
Third down on this viewtopic.php?f=16&t=91292

Just realized we will be 145 then.

[profpointy]

One small anecdote which may help. A friend of mine had a similar complaint, and some time after surgery a chap from a support group / charity came round to cheer him up, explaining that he himself had been back ballroom dancing after a couple of months and so on. My mate had another friend with him at the time and chipped in "how long after the surgery before you went caving", reply "3 weeks". Well meaning Mr Ballroom dancing duly retreated. My pal did loads of pretty serious caving afterwards, though was somewhat put off the tedious crawls because of squashing the fitted bag - but still did this when he wanted to.

Anyway best wishes, and though I'm sure it's no fun at all, the above shows it shouldn't preclude you from active sports, although