Hi Shelly
I think you’d have to be crazy not to be nervous about your upcoming surgery – it’s a very big deal. I had the ileal conduit surgery with hysterectomy etc. in October 2011 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary. I had been dealing with bladder cancer recurrences since April 2007 when I decided on the surgery. Reading your letter to the forum made me remember how incredibly anxious and full of dread I was before the surgery. I think your comparison to a grieving process is very apt. Please let me reassure you that, while it is a big operation and will take some time to recover, you will be fine! I am so happy with my decision. Life with a pouch is really very “normal” after the initial adjustment period. I know that is kind of impossible to imagine beforehand, but it’s really true! The enterostomy nurses at the hospital (and hopefully in Red Deer for afterwards) will be a huge help to you. You also might want to ask for a visitor from the Ostomy Society, either while you’re in hospital or when you get home. Good luck and keep posting.
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