Update

[Sophie’s Mom]

I have not posted in a very long while although I visit the website very often. When I last posted I received encouragement from many members as I had been diagnosed with stage 3b cancer but my doc saw metastases on CT scan so felt I was terminal and suggested I had 6 to 12 months to live (don’t worry you set me straight on that prognosis). At 47 years of age I was devastated. I wanted to live. Your words really helped me then.

Since that date, I had an RC resulting in an ileal conduit. I am now on chemo. And guess what…I am cancer free! The sites on the CT scan that showed metasteses came back clear, my margins are clear and my lymph nodes are clear. I believe it was an answer to prayer, a true miracle, and I am so grateful. ☺

Question: Has anyone felt like they are grieving their bladder? What I am feeling currently feels akin to that.

Forever grateful day by day for my life,

Melinda

[EddieM]

OUTSTANDING News!!!! In terms of the “cancer free” Melinda. Hearing this just made my day.

In terms of the “grieving bladder” I’ll leave that one open to those on the site that have experience.

I just wanted to chime in and say how happy I am to hear your update.

Eddie

[Sophie’s Mom]

Thanks Eddie. I very much appreciate your reply. I also very much appreciate all of the scientific information you post, which I read voraciously.

Melinda

[marysue]

First off congratulations on the clear results! That is no mean feat given the journey that you went through and are still going through. I’m glad that others were able to bolster your spirits when the chips were down.

I cannot comment on the “grieving your bladder” since I was fortunate enough to keep mine but I did experience a similar thing when I went through an emergency hysterectomy in 2002. I was long done having kids so I was surprised at my feelings. I mentioned this to my doc and all she could think of was that it was the feeling of finality- not being able to have any more regardless of whether I actually wanted more probably caused those feelings. In other words it was the end of an era so to speak – in my case- giving birth and raising kids. In your case I’m wondering if it may be related to saying good-bye to whom you were before (being able to sit down and urinate versus now doing what you have to do – empty the pouch etc.) to who you are now. It is the adjustment process to a “new normal” that takes time. I’ve been involved with Wellspring Calgary, the support centre here and I’ve heard similar comments from women that have had mastectomies so as mentioned I think it is just part of the process. I think it is healthy to acknowledge and grieve to a certain extent the losses that you’ve dealt with and then work on building yourself back up and getting on with life again. No one can tell you how long that will take. It is an individual thing. My suggestion is though if you find it difficult to cope mentally as a result of this loss and you are very depressed then talk to your health care providers. Also stay in touch with us. We want to know how you are. All the best going forward. (((((HUGS))))

[Author]

Posts