What are the treatment options for muscle invasive bladder cancer?

There are several established treatment approaches for muscle invasive bladder cancer, including radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder), chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy, and sometimes neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Each treatment path has different considerations for recovery, side effects, and outcomes, so it's wonderful that you're reaching out to connect with others who understand this journey. This community is a great place to learn from others' experiences and get support as you explore your options with your medical team.

I had my bladder removed and now have an urostomy in its place. I developed a huge hernia, it kept getting bigger while I was in treatment. General surgeon couldn't do anything until my immune system got strong enough. I finished my treatments in May of 2025 and had my hernia repair surgery in November of 2025. I now am dealing with a hole in my stoma. My oncologist stopped all treatments until I can get this all taken care of! My urologist doesn't think he'll be able to repair my stoma due to all of the damage from the radiation. I'm currently on antibiotics to keep the infections at bay. Still no word on the solution to my issues.

I wasn’t giving options, radical cystectomy with 6 treatments before surgery of chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. Starting more treatments after surgery in 10 days. Probably same as before surgery but hopefully they can reduce chemotherapy . some because I’m have huge issues with neuropathy caused by chemotherapy.

How was your recovery after the cystectomy? My husband having this surgery July 29 He too is suffering with severe neuropathy post chemo and immunotherapy

Hospital stay was 4.5 days. The beds are terrible so I wanted out really bad. Couldn’t sleep. Recovery was pretty easy, I think I stayed on Tylenol every 6 hrs for 10 days then quit all pain meds. Constipation can be a real issue so don’t let it get out of hand. If he’s not going at least every other day call his nurse. I’ve seen many that get hernia under the stoma so follow the no lifting protocol and any activity that could cause strain on stomach muscles.