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Bladder Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer treatment often includes surgery, anti-cancer drugs such as chemotherapy, radiation, and medicine that will help to build up the immune system. The treatment will vary depending upon the severity of the cancer and how soon it is discovered. New tumors are usually easy to remove but tumors that have been there for a while will be more deeply imbedded and attached to cells and blood vessels making the treatment more difficult. Bladder cancer support groups provide therapy to help the patient cope with the anxiety associated with a serious illness. Everyone needs support and comfort from others. This support can come through a cancer support group, from family, friends, and fellowship with other Christians.

Bladder cancer symptoms inlcude blood in the urine and the feeling of having to urinate often. These symptoms can also be indicative of a urinary tract infection. A person should consult their physician with these symptoms so that a proper diagnosis can be made. After a diagnosis is made the patient can begin treatment. The treatment for infection will include antibiotics and drinking lots of water. Bladder cancer treatment will be much more involved and will take much longer to treat. To diagnose the condition the urine is tested for abnormal cells and a test can be done that will allow the doctor to look into the bladder and extract tissue samples to look at under a microscope.

Risks factors include smoking, being exposed to chemicals such as dye, rubber, paint, and leather, a diet high in nitrates and fats, chronic urinary tract infections, a family history of urinary tract cancer, as well as age and gender. A person may be able to lower his or her risk of developing the illness by making lifestyle changes that incorporate a healthy lifestyle. Some of the best foods to eat are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low fat dairy products, and foods rich in flavanoids and omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, limit alcoholic beverages, dark colored drinks, and caffeine.

Once a diagnosis is definitive then the decision will need to be made on the course of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Bladder cancer treatment can have some uncomfortable side effects, especially with chemotherapy and radiation. Some of these include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, fatigue, and insomnia. The best way to handle the side effects of treatment is to talk to the doctor about things that can be done to help with the discomfort. The main problem associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea is dehydration. Signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, dry mouth and reduce urine output with dark colored urine. Drinking plenty of liquids will help to prevent dehydration so that the symptoms are minimized.

Managing stress is one of the most important issues when dealing with a serious illness. Bladder cancer support groups can help a person to deal with the stress and the emotional turmoil. Treatment for bladder cancer will mean time off from work and help to take care of the things at home. There may also be side effects of the treatment that make the illness more difficult to deal with including loss of hair and pain. A serious illness can cause trauma and stress for a patient who does not have the support needed to deal with the issues that can occur. Family and friends can provide support by helping with issues at home and being there when the patient needs to talk. The best bladder cancer treatment that a patient can have is hope and being part of a support team can help to provide this.

Christian fellowship and prayer can help a bladder cancer patient to cope with the illness as well as provide encouragement and hope. Research has shown that people who rely on their faith do better during times of serious illness than those who do not. "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah" (Psalm 62:8). Bladder cancer support groups help a person to feel that they are not alone, that there are others who are dealing with the same types of problems. Being in group therapy allows the patient to listen to other people's stories of going through a major illness and how they are coping with the stress and pain.

Finding tumors in the urinary tract early provides a better chance that a patient can be completely cured. As with any type of cancer the mortality rate is largely due to timing. Those who are at high risk for developing the disease should consider early screening exams. A routine urine analysis could help to find the disease before it progresses since blood in the urine is one of the first signs. Another test that can be done on the urine to detect the disease is to find the presence of an enzyme that is often found in abnormal cells.

Fatigue can be one of the hardest symptoms to manage with the disease. Resting periodically throughout the day will help the symptoms of fatigue. Staying active is important and can help a person to combat fatigue. Participating with bladder cancer support groups can provide some insight on how others deal with the fatigue associated with the illness. Part of the drain on the body may be due to the side effects of chemotherapy. When errands or tasks become too burdensome because of the fatigue support from others can mean the difference between a person coping or not coping.

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