How do I get a second opinion?

Before starting your treatment plan, or having surgery, you may want to get a second opinion about the diagnosis, stage, and treatment. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover it if the patient requests this. Gathering medical records and arranging to see another doctor may take a little time. In most cases, a brief delay in treatment will not affect the outcome.To find a doctor for a second opinion, you can ask your own doctor for a referral. You should also consider contacting the Urology Department at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. In general, physicians at the cancer centers see a higher volume of bladder cancer patients and have considerable experience dealing with the disease.
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Survivorship Issues

Cancer survivorship includes all of the issues cancer patients deal with from the first diagnosis onward. Survivorship programs tend to focus on improving quality of life, whether that means dealing with physical issues like pain or emotional issues like depression.

Dr. David Latini, Ph.D discusses what bladder cancer survivors can do to improve quality of life for themselves and their families in the Winter 2009 Ask the Doctor: Cancer Survivorship Issues.

Dr. Michael Rabow, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco, presented on the various survivorship issues cancer patients deal with. Dr. Rabow considered four different categories: physical issues, emotional or psychological issues, social or relationship issues, and existential or spiritual issues.  Check out the excerpts of his presentation below for more information.  These are all issues that bladder cancer survivors and loved ones may deal with.  If you are dealing with any of these issues, we encourage you to talk to your doctor and find out what resources may be available to you.

Physical Issues

Emotional and Psychological Issues

Social and Relationship Issues

Existential and Spiritual Issues

Other ways you can be a proactive patient:

If you are concerned about flying with an ostomy bag, BCAN offers some travel tips that may make your trip easier.

In addition to second opinions and asking your doctor the most informative questions, there are many other ways that you can be a proactive patient. Learn about healthy ways to cope with bladder cancer and the treatments associated from it from the “Ask the Doctor” portion of our newsletter, Outlook.

Dr. Arthur Sagalowsky, M.D. discusses  whether sexual intercourse is safe while undergoing BCG treatments, and what follow-up is recommended for patients following bladder removal in the Winter 2008 Ask the Doctor.

In the second half of the Fall 2007 Ask the Doctor, Dr. Donald Lamm, M.D discusses ways that you can prevent Urinary Tract Infections after BCG.

Please check out our It’s Complementary Archive, where you can find much more about living with bladder cancer: from information about nutritional recommendations, to ways that you can reduce the stress associated with having cancer, to Alternative and Complimentary medicinal practices.

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The information and services provides by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) are for informational purposes only. The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, seek professional medical attention immediately! BCAN does not recommend or endorse any specific physicians, treatments, procedures or products even though they may be mentioned on this site