Bladder Cancer (cont.)
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of cancer care. The health care team
makes every effort to help the patient return to normal activities as soon as
possible.
Patients who have a stoma need to learn to care for it. Enterostomal
therapists or nurses can help. These health care specialists often visit
patients before surgery to discuss what to expect. They teach patients how to
care for themselves and their stomas after surgery. They talk with patients
about lifestyle issues, including emotional, physical, and sexual concerns.
Often they can provide information about resources and support groups.
Followup care
Followup care after treatment for bladder cancer is important. Bladder cancer
can return in the bladder or elsewhere in the body. Therefore, people who have
had bladder cancer may wish to discuss the chance of recurrence with the doctor.
If the bladder was not removed, the doctor will perform cystoscopy and remove
any new superficial tumors that are found. Patients also may have urine tests to
check for signs of cancer. Followup care may also include blood tests, x-rays,
or other tests.
People should not hesitate to discuss followup care with the doctor. Regular
followup ensures that the doctor will notice changes so that any problems can be
treated as soon as possible. Between checkups, people who have had bladder
cancer should report any health problems as soon as they appear.
Support for people with bladder cancer
Living with a serious disease such as cancer is not easy. Some people find
they need help coping with the emotional and practical aspects of their disease.
Support groups can help. In these groups, patients or their family members get
together to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the
effects of treatment. Patients may want to talk with a member of their health
care team about finding a support group.
People living with cancer may worry about caring for
their families, holding on to their jobs, or keeping up with daily activities.
Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical
bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care
team will answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities.
Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful
to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often,
a social worker can suggest resources for help with rehabilitation, emotional
support, financial aid, transportation, or home care.
Materials on coping are available from the Cancer Information Service
(1-800-4-CANCER) and through other sources listed in the "National Cancer
Institute Information Resources" section. The Cancer Information Service can
also provide information to help patients and their families locate programs and
services.
Next: What does the future hold for bladder cancer? »
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