When diagnosed with cancer of the bladder, one of the primary things that people worry about is the type of bladder cancer side effects that they might experience during treatment. All forms of cancer treatment come with a selection of specific side effects, but knowing how to understand and control those reactions can help you to have a better condition.
Importantly, while there are many possible bladder cancer side effects for various treatments, every patient will not experience the same reaction to the same treatment. Because of this, it can be very difficult for health care professionals to predict exactly how you will feel during and after treatment. Typically, the way your body reacts to cancer treatments will differ according to the stage that your cancer is in, the dosage and length of treatments, and the overall health conditions you experience during treatment.
Talk to Your Doctor About Bladder Cancer Side Effects:
To help put your mind at rest before you begin a difficult and often stressful period in your life, it may help to speak to your doctor about the possible side effects that you may expect for each type of treatment that you will receive. During the conversation, inquire about which side effects are most likely for your specific circumstances, when they're likely to emerge, and what you might be able to do in relieving or preventing them. It may also help to discuss the level of care and treatment you may need during treatment and the recovery process, as you will often find that family members and friends make up an important part of your journey towards better health.
Keep in mind that even if your health team has informed you that certain side effects are normal in your particular circumstances, this doesn't mean that you can't speak to the experts about the things you do experience. Even if you feel that a side effect isn't serious, it can give your doctor more of an insight into how you're coping with treatment.
Bladder Cancer Side Effects with Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy:
Some of the most common treatments used to battle any form of cancer include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is utilized to help destroy cancerous cells, but it can also be responsible for damage to a number of healthy cells within the body too. As a result of this wide-spread damage, radiotherapy can cause a wide range of side effects to people who are undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. For example, common side effects include inflammation of the bladder, diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, tightening of the vagina, infertility, loss of pubic hair, tiredness, and even problems with passing urine.
Similarly, chemotherapy can be a highly effective form of cancer treatment, but it also weakens your immune system, meaning that you will become more vulnerable to instances of infection. Because your body is particularly vulnerable during chemotherapy, it's crucial to tell a doctor if you experience any symptoms of an infection, such as a frequent cough, high temperature, or darkening of the skin. Other side effects caused by chemotherapy may include hair loss, tiredness, nausea, lack of appetite, and vomiting.