Bladder Cancer

[sheridan]

I will have to undergo the major bladder removal surgery on Jan. 15, go into the hospital on the 14th. I will have the new bladder made from small intestines attached to my urethra if there is no problem with my urethra. My prostate is also to be removed. I have been fearing this terrible operation since I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in December 2003 and now it will be a reality. I would like to talk to men who have undergone this surgery successfully. My doctor went on vacation and is back Jan. 2 and I am hoping he will arrange a face to face talk with a couple of his bladder removal patients. I would like to have hope that this surgery will be successful and after reading many negative stories on the internet, I would like to talk to a man who got through surgery and has a life.

I have talked to a couple women who have had the surgery and they have been very helpful, but it seems that other men find this a very difficult thing to talk about.

I can be reached at [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] and live in Los Angeles.

SHERIDAN

[crakerjac]

How did it go? How has your recovery been? My dad will undergo this surgery soon, and I would love to hear from you. I hope you are recovering well. I am also in Los Angeles. Did you have your procedure done at USC's Norris Hospital?