A Narrative Inquiry into the Adjustment Experiences of Male Bladder Cancer Survivors with a Neobladder

Abstract

This study aimed to explore three male bladder cancer survivors’ adjustment experiences after neobladder reconstruction. A narrative inquiry method was adopted to closely investigate the individual experiences of bladder cancer survivors and the meaning of their experiences. Three themes emerged regarding physical and mental changes resulting from neobladder reconstruction: difficulty urinating or holding urine, sexual dysfunction and sexlessness, and stress resulting from urinary incontinence. Life changes following surgery varied across each participant and included ‘unwanted retirement’, ‘quitting drinking and leaving work’, and ‘beginning of a restrained life’. The theme of adjustment experience emerged, comprising ‘active exploration of resolutions’, ‘accepting change and partial return to daily life’, and ‘living in line with the health condition and family wishes’. Bladder cancer survivors with a neobladder, in this study, continue to adjust to changes in the voiding mechanism, various symptoms including incontinence, and life changes even after surgical cancer resection. The findings suggest that not only therapeutic interventions, but additional interventions are also needed to assist bladder cancer survivors with adjustment, rehabilitation, and return to society. These findings are also expected to be used both to educate bladder cancer survivors with a neobladder and to develop policies to help them.