Going Orange for Bladder Cancer AwarenessMy passion for raising awareness of bladder cancer gets re-lit almost daily. Sometimes it is fuelled by a good news story. A story of someone who has come out the...reactionscomments
Starting a New Health JourneyBefore I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and in the subsequent 6 months after diagnosis I lost an extreme amount of weight. This is very characteristic of most cancer patients...reactions2comments
Making the Most of Visits When You Live Far AwayLiving in another country during my mother’s cancer journey brought myriad obstacles and issues I never expected. From learning how to "be there" when I couldn’t physically be there to...reactionscomments
Showing Your Ostomy Who's BossYou may be reading this as a new ostomate. Or you may be reading it has someone with ostomy surgery planned. It may be that you are reading this as...reactions2comments
Sneezing With an OstomyAs a child, one of my favorite books was Stand Back, Said the Elephant, I'm Going to Sneeze, by Patricia Thomas. It always made me laugh – and it still...reactions2comments
Taking Time-Outs From CancerI don’t think anyone forgets the time, day, or date they first heard that word: the “C” word. That day, in many ways, changes your life forever, the day you...reactions7comments
Talking Away TabooBreast and balls. We feel comfortable talking about cancers that attack those body parts. Charities have done an amazing job of removing social taboos and making conversations about awareness, self-checks...reactions1comment
My Personal Story of GratitudeOne evening, I found myself sitting on the sofa with my mom, having another one of our cancer “hash it out sessions.” It never fails; whenever I visit, we spend...reactions1comment
You Too Can Ooze Ostomy ConfidenceDo you remember hearing the words ostomy, stoma, urostomy, or ileal conduit? I can bet many of you, like me, had never heard of them or knew what they were...reactionscomments
The Guilt of Good HealthWhen my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer, I was studying abroad. Being so far apart when receiving the news of her diagnosis was definitely a challenging time...reactions2comments
Empowerment, Empathy & UnderstandingEmpowerment. What does it mean? At its core, empowerment enables individuals or groups to gain greater control over their lives, making decisions that positively affect their well-being. But for someone...reactions1comment
A Demonstration of True FriendshipAfter 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...reactions4comments
The Power of WordsAs a family we’ve always been a pretty positive bunch. Growing up, our house was always one filled with laughter and jokes, sarcasm and satire. No one was exempt from...reactions1comment
My 8th Annual Urologist Follow-Up: Bladder Cancer Takes and ThoughtsThe night before, my wife and I talked a little about my visit today. I told her this was the most humiliating of all my follow-ups, and I've had a...reactions4comments
The 14th Annual North Carolina Bladder Cancer RetreatWe all need support and to not feel alone. When I read of cancer patients who feel alone because they are not comfortable sharing their story with others, or because...reactions8comments
Packing for a Cruise With an OstomyI am finally going on my first big trip since being diagnosed with bladder cancer - a 1-week cruise to the Virgin Islands. I am so excited, but also very...reactions2comments
What Can You Do Without a WOCN Near YouHaving 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...reactionscomments
Beach Bag ReadyAs winter turns to spring and thoughts turn from spring to summer, many of us will start to think of vacations. If you are new to life with an ostomy...reactions6comments
My Journey So FarIn July 2014 I had lumbar fusion surgery and little did I know that in approximately 90 days I would be diagnosed with bladder cancer. As I was preparing to...reactions1comment
1 and a Half Years Cancer FreeI am officially a year and a half cancer free and I really don't know how to feel. Part of me wants to jump for joy and celebrate every day...reactions1comment
