Having bladder cancer (including UTUC – upper tract urothelial carcinoma) can be challenging. However, understanding the disease, learning how to manage symptoms and side effects, recovering from surgery, maintaining your emotional health, and engaging in strategies for healthy living can provide a sense of control and enhance well-being. We can prepare you for the many choices and issues you might face throughout your treatment.

Find Support & Information

• Contact us for personalized help. Speak with a skilled and caring oncology nurse navigator or oncology therapist who has experience working with people with bladder cancer and their families.
• Register for programs that can help maintain physical and emotional health. Free classes and support groups on these topics might be of special interest to people with bladder cancer:
  • Monthly Bladder Cancer Support Group
  • Fitness and Yoga to improve strength and stamina
  • Insomnia Management
  • Meditation & Guided Imagery as well as other stress reduction classes
  • Sexual health for men & women
  • Nutrition
• For partners and family members, check out our Caregiver Connection group and ask about our Couples Communicating about Cancer series.
• Speak with an Inova genetic counselor.
• Try a massage (a limited number are free for patients in active treatment with Inova and offered at a discounted fee for all other patients and caregivers). Learn more and make an appointment.

Resources

• • Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN.org):Funds bladder cancer research and provides information and a support network for patients and caregivers, including a section for people who are newly diagnosed.
  • CancerCare: provides telephone, online and face-to-face counseling, support groups, education, publications, financial and co-payment assistance.
  • Learn about clinical trial opportunities.
    • GUMDROP, a non-profit based in the Washington DC Metro area, was organized to enhance patient outcomes through greater cancer clinical trial awareness. The GUMDROP website, www.gumdroptrials.org, provides a central location to learn more about dozens of current clinical trials that apply specifically to prostate, bladder and kidney cancers.
    • BCAN (see above):  has clinical trial finder specifically for bladder cancer