According to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, bladder cancer has one of the highest rates of recurrence of any cancer, which makes long-term caregiving a demanding, often years-long process, creating chronic uncertainty that causes long-term stress and emotional exhaustion.
Caregiving requires frequent, long-term monitoring via cystoscopies, which can span years and lead to ongoing anxiety for both patients and caregivers.
The possibility of the disease progressing and the need for bladder removal can be overwhelming. For patients undergoing bladder removal, caregivers need to learn complex home-based skills, such as managing a urostomy, changing stoma bags, monitoring for infections, and helping their loved one adjust to life-changing changes and a loss of independence.