Follow-up care is important in the treatment of bladder cancer, especially where it concerns the recurrence of the disease or the appearance of new tumors in the bladder or in other areas of the urinary system.
Giving proper attention to follow-up care means regular visits with the cancer care team, which will determine the tests that have to be done and how frequently they will be carried out.
A general physical exam is a normal part of such follow-up care. Routine tests may include x-ray studies, blood tests, urine cytology, and cystoscopy. Some doctors may even recommend tumor marker studies, flow cytometry, or image cytometry to detect new or recurrent tumors.
ADOPTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SHOULD HELP PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE TREATMENT FOR BLADDER CANCER.
Quitting smoking could lead to improved appetite and overall health. It may also reduce the risk of developing a new cancer. Patients should also maintain a diet high in wholegrain foods, vegetables, and fruits.
Those undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy may experience fatigue. When this happens, rest is recommended. Patients may begin exercising only after feeling fully rested and after having consulted with a doctor about the limits that a particular treatment may place on the kind and level of exercises they may engage in.
How a patient will react to treatment is as unique as the person being treated. No one can say how a person will respond. Personal strengths, however, may have some bearing on a person’s recovery. These include, but are not limited to, the patient’s general state of health and fitness, a deep faith, and a strong support system from family and friends. Professionals in health care, social services, and spiritual life can provide assistance for patients trying to cope with the disease.
The diagnosis of cancer presents a major life challenge to every patient. Cancer affects not just the patient, but family and friends as well. Patients must try as much as possible to maintain a good quality of life, which means attending to various personal needs, be they emotional, psychological, even spiritual. Attending a support group is a good way of coming to terms with the disease and the effects of treatment.
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