Life after treatment for bladder cancer
For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of treatment. Life after bladder cancer treatment has its own physical and emotional challenges. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back.
Some people say that they feel pressure to return to ‘normal life’, but they don’t want life to return to how it was before cancer. Take some time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes, and re-establish a new daily routine at your own pace.
After treatment for bladder cancer, many people find that they need to adjust to changes to their bladder function. They might need to manage incontinence of the bladder, and in some cases, they may now have a temporary or permanent stoma.
To learn more call 13 11 20, or see After Cancer Treatment.
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Dealing with feelings of sadness
If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have had cancer.
Talk to your GP, as counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people are able to get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Ask your doctor if you are eligible. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to ask about counselling programs.
The organisation beyondblue has information about coping with depression and anxiety. Go to beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636 to order a fact sheet.
This information was last reviewed in February 2018
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