What Bladder Cancer Taught Me

Cancer is almost always life-changing in some way, and a part of that is how it reshapes how we think. With cancer come lessons.

To find out what you have learned from your fight with bladder cancer, we reached out on the BladderCancer.net Facebook page, and asked you to fill in the blank: “Bladder cancer has taught me ____________.”

More than 80 of you responded. Here is what you shared.

“Put your trust in your urologist!”

Everyone needs a guide through the process of fighting cancer, and one of the most informed choices is your doctor. To that end, make sure you are seeing the best doctor for you. This can mean different things to different people, but finding someone who listens to your concerns and makes sure that you understand what's to come is important.

“Try to take better care of yourself and listen to your doctor.”

“Put your trust in your urologist! I did and have been cancer-free for a year.”

“Early detection is key.”

More than a few of you shared that the diagnosis came as a surprise. You learned that bladder cancer can happen to anyone, sometimes for reasons that you would not have imagined, such as arsenic in the water. A few of you also mentioned that early detection is vital. Anyone who has blood in their urine, or is experiencing frequent or urgent urination should get tested. In many cases, the sooner you know, the more options you have.

“That it can happen to you even if you have little to no symptoms.”

“Because my husband lost his battle 26 days after diagnosis, better testing and early detection is key.”

“To be thankful every day.”

When life shifts and your health is suddenly in question, it follows that your thinking will change. Many of you shared that you feel much more grateful now than you did before. As a result, you are thankful for all of the good days.

“Gratitude for caregivers, health care staff, kind neighbors, religious community, and a patient and understanding employer.”

“To be thankful every day that I am here.”

“Cherish each and every day that I wake up cancer-free!”

“To be more positive.”

Several of you shared that through your battle with bladder cancer, you have learned to be more positive. To stay hopeful along the way, and focus on what is working in your life, rather than what is not working. We love the reminder that you can live your best life without a bladder.

“To be more positive.”

“I can live my best life without a bladder.”

“To remember how much I am truly loved.”

It makes sense that emotions shift as you deal with cancer. You become more aware of your own pain and suffering, which can lead to you being more empathetic toward others. It can also cause you to be more in tune with the emotions others feel toward you—namely love. Cancer is a big emotional event, so it is likely that your heart will expand to allow you to feel these bigger emotional highs and lows.

“To be more empathetic to other people’s suffering.”

“Bladder cancer has taught me to remember how much I am truly loved.”

We want to say thank you to everyone who opened up about their experiences with bladder cancer. We appreciate your advice, suggestions, hope and positivity.