Sandy, others can also comment on the weight loss, but in my case I lost 30 pounds (from 190 to 160). I also was 55 when I had the surgery. The issue is that from the day before surgery to about four or five days afterwards, she will not likely be eating anything solid – only clear fluids to start with, then to creamed type fluids and finally when her bowels are active to solid food. Of course she’ll be on IV as long as she is in hospital for nutrition. Her appetite however may be pretty low for sometime to come. And her energy level may well be at an all time low as well, from the surgery and the lack of food and the weight loss. Sort of a what comes first, the chicken or the egg – but she won’t be eating either! I am only going on my own experience and the stories I have heard from others who have had this surgery. And when she starts eating, whenever that is, she’ll want to take it slowly. Those chalk-like drinks to provide nutrition may be an alternative once she is home, perhaps mixed with some fruit so they are palatable (sorry, my own bias is showing). One of the nice things about the ileal conduit surgery is that it can be somewhat shorter in duration than other surgeries for other diversions. Still, it is called “radical” for a reason.
Having now scared you even more, know this. There really is not a whole lot of choice or Dr Shayegan would have suggested it, I’m sure. The gold standard for muscle invasive bladder cancer is a radical cystectomy. Only a very few in a small group even qualify to do chemo and radiation as a substitute. A radiation oncologist who spoke recently at a meeting in Winnipeg admitted that while the results may be similar for that small group, he could not recommend it as a viable alternative for the vast majority. It was in reality available mainly for those who could not survive the surgery or who had co-morbidities that would preclude having the surgery due to their own risk (bad heart, etc.). Not sure your mom’s situation, but probably the RC is the only option if action is to be taken and that’s why Dr S has presented it.
You mentioned you are making the decision for her. Is she comfortable with the decision? None of my business, of course, but she has a road of recovery that can be difficult.
All the best,
Greg
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