Monitoring for recurrence: Bladder cancer recurrence is common, so your healthcare provider may recommend you begin screenings three months after your surgery and then every three to six months for two to four years. If you’re cancer free at that time, he or she may allow reduced visits to annual exams and tests.
There aren’t “standard” guidelines or research on the effects of monitoring on survival or quality of life, so your doctor may determine how frequently you need follow-up based on your condition.
Managing urinary diversion: Complications with urinary diversion can occur up to 20 years after surgery. Your healthcare provider can help you navigate special follow-up recommendations and when to call if you suspect you may have a complication.
Navigating sexual side effects: Having a pouch on the outside of your body can understandably get in the way during sex as well as affect your confidence. Bladder cancer treatment can otherwise affect men and women in different ways.
- Men: Since a radical cystectomy removes both the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (which make the bulk of seminal fluid), Verywell Health notes. This may make your orgasms dry. You may also experience erectile dysfunction (due to nerve damage), which is very common after surgery. Erectile dysfunction may improve over time
- Women: Bladder surgery, especially if part of the vagina has been removed, can cause pain with intercourse (dyspareunia), according to Verywell Health. The good news is, it usually improves with time. If you have nerve damage, you may experience problems with both arousal and orgasm. Surgical menopause (via removal of the ovaries) can also cause sexual problems.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to combat side effects and improve your sexual health. Some cancer centers have sexual medicine programs that are recommended during healing from surgery.
If you have bladder cancer, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed as you cope with your norm. But with the right care team and support system, you can work through the side effects and challenges and lead a healthy life.