Hi,
I am 50 female married with 4 daughters and have just been diagnosed with T2 bladder cancer which is localised. I have managed to stay fairly positive over the last couple of weeks while waiting for diagnosis and then since Friday when actually diagnosed as the initial consultant said he was confident it can be cured and that was the prime piece of information I was clinging on to. Today I saw the surgical consultant and am reeling from all the information received and the reality of how losing my bladder is going to affect my life. He spoke about the options such as having a neo bladder which would involve self catheterisation versus the alternative which would involve a bag for the rest of my life. I cannot see how I can consider a neo bladder as I am really clumsy and very anxious about all things health wise and cannot imagine self catheterising and dealing with the risk of infections and potential further surgery. But on the other hand I am totally freaked out about having an external bag. Has anyone got any experience of either of these solutions?

Thanks for 'listening'.

Nicky