A Guide for Navigating Recurrence Anxiety

1 min read

One of the hardest parts of living with bladder cancer is dealing with the fear of your cancer coming back (recurrence). Unfortunately, people who have had bladder cancer have a high risk of recurrence.¹ That is why we created this guide for you.

Understanding recurrence

Understanding bladder cancer is not easy. Reading up on bladder cancer recurrence can arm you with the knowledge you need.

What is Recurrence
A guide to understanding what recurrence is and why it can happen.

Fears of Recurrence or a Second Cancer We break down bladder cancer recurrence as well as the development of second cancers.

Can Bladder Cancer Return After Bladder Removal?
Learn more about the possibility of a bladder cancer recurrence after bladder removal.

Detecting recurrence: stay vigilant

Part of the bladder cancer journey is staying aware of any symptoms of recurrence. This can mainly be done through maintenance treatment, being vigilant for warning signs, and routine checks with your doctor.

Is it Normal or Is it Cancer?
We firmly believe you know your body best. You know your red flags and what cannot wait. Brittney shares tips for checking in with your body.

Fears of Recurrence: A Constant Reminder to Remain Vigilant
Linda shares how she has navigated ways to stay on top of symptoms years beyond her initial diagnosis.

Did you get all the information you needed?

Navigating life after a recurrence

One of the biggest questions after being diagnosed is "Will this come back?" Please know you are not alone with this. Read how others grapple with the small voice inside their heads.

Tips for Staying Sane Learn tactics to help prioritize your mental health and well-being.

Recurrent Bladder Cancer is Unpredictable and Variable Jacquie shares her perspective having had her bladder cancer after her 16-year journey of battling cancer.

Bladder Cancer Recurrence: A Persistent Fear for Patients See the statistics on how fellow BladderCancer.net community members view recurrence anxiety.

Can you relate to having experienced anxiety or fears around recurrence? If so, share below or consider sharing your bladder cancer story with us.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The BladderCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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bing Member
I am 87 man with Bladder cancer...Urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS). Noinvasive. I have had BCG for 5 year. It has not worked. What other treatment are being used in a case like mine. Does anyone have any information?
1. Linda Urbanski Member
 @Tincanman I agree with the wearing of Depends or similar product. It would help with accidents as well as preventing having the liquid treatment voided in a place where it may be difficult to clean it up. My best to you. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
2. Linda Urbanski Member
 @Tincanman - Good luck wit the Gemcitabine. Unfortunately BCG does not work for everyone but it is great that another option is available to try. Hope that this one is successful!! Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
Laura MacKenzie Member
Great article covering so many topics and concerns bladder cancer patients go through often daily. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
bing Member
Thank you Garrett67 for your information I shall pass it on to my doctor. God Bless.
Mihoo Member
Hello all. Thank you for the article on anxiety about cancer recurrence. It helped me; I had a radical cystectomy March 14, 2022, and peritonitis the following week or 10 days due to a fungal infection with my post-op drain. It gave me a scare! BUT! I am happy to share that now, 10 weeks later, I feel that I'm 90% back to 'normal' and anticipate regaining that 10% more and soon! 
1. Charles Anthony Ulloa Member
 <inline-mention username="Mihoo" user-id="4255020"/> congratulations on your successful RC and fabulous attitude! I think we as a community need to hear more people who have elected for RC to share their stories with pride! You never know WHO needs to hear your success, it might just empower them toward making a life-saving choice. Wishing you all the best and hoping to hear many updates on your journey! All the best, Charles (Moderator / <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>) 
2. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="Mihoo" user-id="4255020"/> how are you doing today? Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
Mihoo Member
Laura, thank you for asking! No self-pity (or not much) but when I was diagnosed and contacted about 47 of my friends and relatives, only about 10-15 responded - once - and 3-4 contacted me a 2nd time. Now, hardly no one beside my wife, sister and brother! Despite that, I have regained 90% of my pre-surgery strength and stamina, and my appetite, sense of taste, and mood are G R E A T!! (as Tony the Tiger would say). How are you?
1. Mihoo Member
 <inline-mention username="Laura MacKenzie" user-id="4260298"/> Hello, and thanks for asking. I'm about 95% back to normal strength-wise, and here at 4 months post-op I am about as good as I ever was! My next check-up, with CT scan, etc, is next month. I've had plenty of time to reflect on my experiences and am humbled by the vast number of people I met or saw during just my few hours of chemo October through January whom are suffering and enduring worse cancers than I. And, I am grateful for the multitude of nurses, doctors and attendants who dedicate their time and energy to us cancer patients - in fact, anyone who receives medical care.
2. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="Mihoo" user-id="4255020"/> great to hear from you. Great to hear you are doing so well. Good luck with your CT scan. We are very lucky to have access to the medical Teams and treatments. Keep Letting that great positivity shine through. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>

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