Bladder cancer

[reohn2]

I've only just seen this thread as I don't usually frequent the section.I'm sorry to read of your health problems,I can't offer any advice on your problem,but I do hope you get well soon and resume your cycling .

All the best.

[steady eddy]

First posts today after a years absence with the dreaded c word. You WILL get through this - chemo is tough - I have three sessions left and would happily have abandoned it before Christmas but a stern talking to from my wife soon put an end that idea! Now I am starting to think about riding my bike again but it will have to get a lot warmer before I can. You will probably get some of the side effects some of the time but hopefully not the full list all the time. I still have most of my hair, they say it might change colour and texture- I rather fancy green curls in place of the grey! Food tastes funny and immediately after the session I feel very tired but it wears off and then we start again. So far no moth sores or sickness but there is still time!!!

There will be low days and high days. Try to find a distraction or it can become a major focus in your life. But there is light at the end of the tunnel - these surgeon guys/girls are just so clever and the care I have received on the NHS has been second to none. Keep planning stuff for the future and don't give up.
Very best wishes.

[anniesboy]

Just a brief update, I have now completed my short course (three sessions) of chemo.

I was clearly very lucky in that I did not suffer any side effects,other than hair loss.

I had no fatigue and as a result able to keep up some fitness, though I did not cycle much,primarily because of poor weather and wanting to minimize infection risk.

Im soon moving to the next stage,removal of my bladder. I am hoping to be able to have a reconstructed bladder (neo bladder).

I will post again post surgery.

[Vorpal]

I'm glad to hear that it has gone well so far, and wish you the best for your surgery.

[reohn2]

I'm glad to hear that it has gone well so far, and wish you the best for your surgery.

+1
Good luck with the surgery and I hope everything goes to plan

[anniesboy]

Just a short update, I am now nearly a month post operative.

In the end I opted for a neo bladder hence no external bag.
The operation was along one 6- 8 hours preformed laproscopically (query spelling)

This was the first operation of this kind carried out at RBH Reading. Clearly I will have many weeks recovering.
once my under carriage begins to feel "normal" , I will try my stationary bike

[reohn2]

Get well soon
I hope you're not too long out of action

[cheesypeeps]

I hope all goes well with the neo bladder. I think it's great that you've shared your story. Things like this are such a taboo nowadays and I think it's best to get them out there and discuss. Helps others feel like they're not alone.
Hope ur recovery is quick and u manage to get out on the bike. Why not get a turbo trainer n build back up on that. That way if u tire quicker than u Thought home is right there for you

[Edwards]

Best wishes to you and that you can start to cycle soon .

[Vorpal]

Get well soon
I hope you're not too long out of action

+1

[anniesboy]

I sure it was just sods law but following my post on April 27th,I developed a fairly accute infection which resulted in another eight days in hospital.

This clearly set back my recovery, however yesterday on went for a very short ride on my touring bike. This went fairly well but having not been on a bike or been able to do much exercise since mid March ,I did not want to push things.

Im getting on with training my neo bladder (by way of pelvic floor exrecises), I can go about an hour and a half to two hours before i need to pee.Hopefully given time I will go for longer.

At least Im not having to cope with external bags.

To anyone unfortunate to have this form of cancer I can recommend the neo bladder operation. But be warned the recovery is no picnic.

[Vorpal]

Glad to hear you're back on the bike!

[DaveP]

Yes, it's always good when someone shares their good news!

And if you ask nicely, I'm sure there must be one or two on here who could explain how to, err, "manage" without even getting off the bike

[anniesboy]

Just an update,for anyone who is unlucky enough to develop bladder cancer.

It is not the end of cycling.

As on Sunday I sucessfully completed the Oxford CTC Tri Vets 100 mile ride.

[531colin]

Chapeau.
What a wonderful heartening story.