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Bladder Cancer Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Bladder cancer happens when a tumor or cancer cells grow in your bladder. The bladder is part of the urinary tract system. Once the urine leaves the kidneys, it is stored in the bladder until you pass urine. ‚  
This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. The type of surgery depends on how much the tumor has affected the bladder. For cancer that is more involved, the doctor may take out your bladder. If this is done, the doctor will make some other way for the urine to leave the body. You may have a bag that you wear on the outside of your body to hold the urine. If your bladder is not removed, regular bladder examinations will be needed to check for return of the cancer. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • If you had surgery, follow your doctors instructions for wound care.
  • If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help prevent you from feeling sick or other side effects.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You will need regular checkups every 3 to 6 months. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up
  • Prevent infection

Will physical activity be limited?


Rest is important. Your activity level will depend on your procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal activities. Exercise may improve your emotional health. It can also help you stay healthy and strong. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚  
  • Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
  • Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
  • Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
  • Try to eat more low fat or lean meats. Eat less red meat and eat more fish, chicken, turkey, and beans instead.
  • Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
  • Avoid caffeine.

If you need help, ask to see a dietitian. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Your cancer could come back

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


The chance of your cancer coming back depends on many factors. Ask your doctor what you can do to help prevent it from coming back. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can raise your risk of bladder cancer. If possible, avoid being around chemicals, dyes, petroleum products, or diesel exhausts. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain while passing urine, blood in the urine, and trouble passing urine.
  • Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
  • I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or pain with passing urine.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BladderCancer/OverviewGuide/bladder-cancer-overview-after-follow-u-p ‚  
National Cancer Institute ‚  
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/bladder/Patient ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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