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Helpful Information SYMPTOMS

CHEMOTHERAPY

Before removing the bladder, chemotherapy (or “chemo”) is often recommended (called “neoadjuvant chemotherapy”). The purpose of the treatment prior to surgery is to stop the disease from spreading through the blood or lymph system to other parts of the body and to reduce the tumours. In addition, chemotherapy is usually better tolerated prior to major surgery.

Not everyone is a candidate for pre-operative chemotherapy, however, and in such cases, it may be advisable to have post-surgery chemotherapy (called “adjuvant chemotherapy”). If lymph nodes are affected by the cancer, the oncologist may recommend adjuvant chemotherapy to combat further spread. The risk is that patients may decline post-surgery chemotherapy. This can happen for a number of reasons, including the fear of side effects, weakness and fatigue from the surgery itself, or thinking that the cancer is gone so chemotherapy is not necessary.

Chemotherapy has side effects which can be unpleasant and these must be taken into account by both you and your doctor. However, since the goal is to extend life with good quality, you should make an informed decision, based on the recommendation of your doctor.


SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY

Side effects of chemotherapy will depend on the type of drug used and the dose, how the drug is given and your overall health. They can happen any time during or after chemotherapy. Most side effects go away when chemotherapy is over, although some side effects may be longer-lasting or even be permanent.

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy drugs are fatigue, nausea, changes to blood cell counts (increasing the risk of infection), loss of appetite, effects on bowel movements and urination, and hair loss. It’s important to let your medical team know of any side effects that you experience, because many of them can be treated. And, hair usually grows back after treatments have stopped.

 

Click here to continue reading about what to expect after your surgery.

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    • ABOUT US
      • Our Mission/Vision
      • Board Of Directors
      • Medical Advisory
        and Research Board
      • Sponsors & Partners
      • Financial Statements and Annual Report
      • Contact Us
    • FACING
      BLADDER CANCER
      • Newly Diagnosed?
      • Canadian Patient Guidebooks
      • Dealing With Emotions
      • Get Support
      • Join a Discussion Forum
      • Videos
      • Webinar Recordings
      • Patient Resources
    • HELPFUL
      INFORMATION
      • Bladder Cancer Facts
      • See Red?
      • Symptoms
      • Bladder Cancer Basics
        • How The Body Works
        • Types of Bladder Cancer
        • Causes
        • Diagnosis
        • Staging and Grading
      • How will my cancer be treated?
        • Nonmuscle Invasive
        • Muscle Invasive
        • Bladder Preservation
        • Metastatic Bladder Cancer
        • Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
      • Bladder Removal
        • Diversion Types
        • Common Issues
        • Chemotherapy
        • After Your Surgery
        • At Home
      • Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
      • Palliative Care
      • Doctor Resources
      • Glossary
      • Links
    • STORIES,
      NEWS & EVENTS
      • Latest News & Stories
      • Upcoming Meetings And Events
      • Newsletter Archive
    • RESEARCH and
      CLINICAL TRIALS
      • Canadian Bladder Cancer Information System
      • Clinical Trials
      • BCC Funded Research
      • BCC Research Grant
    • GET
      INVOLVED
      • Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer
      • Volunteer
      • Host A Fundraiser
      • Subscribe To Our Newsletter
    • DONATE NOW
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      • Honour & Memorial Donations
      • Join an Awareness Walk
      • Planned Giving
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      • Employer Matching Gifts
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