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Dear Cathy,

I think your family is making a wise decision at this point, to get the bladder out, and maybe the kidney and ureter if they are involved. It's a scary fact that about 25% of long term survivors who have spared their bladder get upper tract cancer and that might be what happened here, only the surgery will tell for sure and also remove any diseased parts. The surgery is meant to be curative---and that's a good thing...it means he can go on to get many years disease free and hopefully die of old age in his bed.

I know the coming time will be difficult for you all, but time goes fast, faster than we think..and before long it will be about recovery.

There are some patient-created survival guides on WebCafe's main site, about what to expect with bladder removal surgery, how to prepare as a caregiver and what to expect after being released from the hospital, perhaps there are some tips that will help you and prepare. I hope so.

Keep in touch. I wish you and your father much success with the surgery.
Wendy

Dear Cathy
I am sorry that you are here at all but pleased you found the site.I found the waiting for surgery the hardest time to bare.The fear of the unknown etc once the treatment roundabout begins you sort of get dragged along and deal with things as the crop up.
I am sure you and your family have helped your Dad over the years and will continue to be such a valuable support over the coming weeks.Does he have access to the internet because I am sure he has loads of questions himself.
Take care thanks for the update and if I can help at all give me a shout.
  Love Claire x

Wendy, thankyou once again for your reply, I do think that Dad has made the right choice, this thing has given him nothing but trouble for years, as drastic as it is we are hoping that in the future after recovery faze, his life can be more normal than it is now if you get what I mean. I have gathered some very valuble information of the site & still looking, it is great to be able to have such a wealth of information in one place.

Claire, I am sorry to be hear also, having said that I have read about some very insperational people, you included, this has made me feel more conferdent & happy with the way things are going right now & hopefull for the future, I do also believe that the waiting is the worst part & once the surgery has taken place time will fly by, He does have access to the internet, I will have to place this site into his favorites for him & mum, as it has some very good info.

Joe, Thanks for your thoughts & prayers, I am also thinking of you all in your own journey's, be it survivor, carer, family or friends. Also those that have lost the battle. Best wishes to all.
Cathy