Liz Hiles

After my radical cystectomy (RC), I experienced quite a few complications and spent a significant amount of time in a rehab facility. Due to staffing issues, I could not get...

Having been an ostomate for 6 and a half years now and very active in the bladder cancer and ostomy communities, I know that even within the US, wound, ostomy...

I found several products that would work and began sampling them. It has really helped me to gain some control and consistency with my hydration, which, in turn, helps me...

I have always been a hydrating person. Since my college days, at least, it was rare that you did not see me with a water bottle nearby. Even when I...

I'm almost six years into this journey now, and I cannot count the number of times that I see people post online how much they hate the "bag" and their...

After all the years I've been around and all the times I've cautioned others, I recently didn't follow my own advice and very nearly got taken for $100! I know...

This year is my 5th Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. In August, I will be 6 years from my diagnosis. At this time of year, I go through a lot of...

I often talk to others in the bladder cancer communities and people are always curious how I became a bladder cancer advocate. The answer is a lot simpler than one...

My access journey has been a collection of stories all on its own - it has not been a pleasant journey either. When I went in for my radical cystectomy...

Ironically, when I received my bladder cancer diagnosis, I had already been advocating and doing awareness campaigns around the topic of ostomies through the position I had at the time...

Here in the US, we are fortunate to have an organization and national support to celebrate an Ostomy Awareness Day annually on the first Saturday in October. What many don't...

Ladies! Let's dish about the bits 'n' pieces. When I was heading into my radical cystectomy with a radical hysterectomy slated in September 2016, I thought I knew what I...

Having been in the chronically ill health circles for years in varying capacities, I am still surprised that more people are unfamiliar with the Spoon Theory. Recently, I have been...

Cancer is traumatic. Bladder cancer may be even more traumatic. The medical and cancer communities do not discuss it nearly enough, but medical PTSD is a thing! The International Society...

About 4 months after I completed active treatment, I went to a new gynecologist. It was my first gynecology appointment after receiving a radical cystectomy. After 2 office visits, prescribed...

Recently I was presented with an amazing opportunity. I was asked to participate in a research discussion. A panel literally asked me anything about bladder cancer! Yes, exactly as the...

If you had told me 5 years ago that my life would look like it does at this moment - I would have thought you were out of your mind...

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2016. I had my procedure the following month. Until the end of last year, I was under the impression that I was...

You may be wondering why someone in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) demographic may want or need a separate support system from the general population. Well, the primary reason:...

When I was diagnosed in 2016, there were very few bladder cancer resources online, especially for someone as young as I was. Virtual meetings were not really yet a thing...