Bladder cancer surgery is a major procedure, so if you find that your recovery process is taking some time, it’s completely normal. Here’s what you can expect after your surgery and how to navigate the road to recovery.
Recovering from bladder cancer
After surgery, it’s common to have blood in your urine for the first two to three days and light bleeding for up to two weeks.
If you’ve undergone transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), you will have a catheter in your bladder. Your care team may remove it before you are discharged from the hospital, however, you may be required to wear it at home until your first follow-up appointment.
Your nurse will show you how to drain the bag and attach it so that you are able to move around at home.
If you had a cystectomy and urinary diversion, you will need to keep your abdominal incisions clean and dry while you heal. Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can shower or get the areas wet.
You will also be tired when you return home and need to monitor your activity level after discharge. In general, it’s recommended to steer clear of lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for several weeks.
Your care team can also help you navigate ways to prevent the side effects of pain medications, including constipation. It’s also important to watch for signs of blood clots, which include swelling, redness or pain in your calves.
Long-Term Care
After bladder cancer surgery, regular follow-up may be required for the rest of your life so that your care team can monitor your recovery and side effects, and watch for recurrence.
Here’s what you can expect for long-term bladder cancer care: