Brittney Tellekamp

In May of this year, I was faced with a difficult situation. Stay at the small cancer center I had moved to for maintenance treatment or transfer back to the...

When I was diagnosed with bladder cancer I suddenly found myself in charge of tracking, packing, and keeping so many different things with me at all times. Extra ostomy supplies...

I am always emphasizing that cancer patients should make a point to be the most educated person in the room. I don't mean you need a medical degree and know...

COVID changed how so many hospitals, cancer centers, patients, and their families have to approach treatment and procedures. A year and a half later, and most facilities are either strictly...

No matter what your stage, type of treatment, or even what urinary diversion you may end up with after a bladder cancer diagnosis, there is one certain thing. Cancer will...

In the cancer community, we acknowledge the anniversary date of our diagnosis. We call it our "cancerversary." I say acknowledge because celebrating the day you were given probably the worst...

After all the needle pokes, procedures, and tests I have endured during my cancer journey, there is still one thing that gives me the worst anxiety of them all. CT...

I have always enjoyed being active. For years I danced recreationally and professionally. I also took up powerlifting for a few years. Working out and doing physical activities has always...

For those who have gone through bladder cancer, had a radical cystectomy, and either chosen or ended up with a urostomy - it may feel like you are tied down...

Blame it on Hollywood or maybe those heart-wrenching cancer commercials, but society definitely recognizes a very specific, stereotypical look for cancer patients. It's as if the casting call states: "Actor...

I am a 100% supporter of science-backed medicine. It is my medical team’s knowledge and care that has brought me back from the brink of my bladder cancer time and...

There is a lot I was prepared for after my radical cystectomy surgery. A big scar, an ostomy, a rigorous recovery, but there were so many things I had no...

My latest set of CT scans have come back saying I’m still in good shape. My labs are great, I’m handling treatment well and we know that this will be...

I have gotten pretty good at rolling with the punches. I think any cancer patient has to be prepared to remain flexible and ready for the unexpected. But every now...

As I was in the hospital recovering from my radical cystectomy, the flowers and cards from family, friends, and supporters covered every inch of my room. My phone was constantly...

Two years ago I would have said there was absolutely nothing positive about having a urostomy. It was uncomfortable, always a hassle, and a constant outward reminder of my bladder...

When the vaccine for COVID-19 was released, I immediately sat down with my oncologist to discuss the pros and cons of me personally getting the vaccine. Primarily we were concerned...

Survivor's guilt: noun, a condition of mental and emotional stress experienced by someone who has survived an incident in which others died. I actually came pretty close a couple of...

Grief tourist: someone who pretends to care about your chronic/serious illness on social media, but never offers their help in any real meaningful capacity. I was laying in my hospital...

My name is Brittney. I am 30 years old, and I have stage IV bladder cancer. Take another look at that sentence. I HAVE cancer, I am not my cancer...