How to Be a Bladder Cancer AdvocateI 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...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Ostomy HacksHaving lived with my urostomy for over two years I'm pretty confident in all aspects of ostomy life. My bag change routine is down to a science and nothing about...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Helena Murray's QuestionI told everyone who wanted to listen I had a bag cos probably feeling sorry for myself. I could not name it because it's a bag and still feel I...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
A grateful patient not behaving gratefullyLearning a bit about each of you, through sharing your stories, takes me to a new level of admiration for your tenacity, and determination for a meaningful life after cancer...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
USAF GULF WAR VETI was a healthy 57-year-old man very active Golf, Workout five days a week non-smoker. Then one November day I had blood coming out of my urine with chunks of...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
The Hidden Anxiety of Bladder Cancer SurveillanceI finally had my follow-up cystoscopy a month ago. Yes, it was about six months overdue. I wasn't nervous, at first. But the longer I went without an exam, the...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
Road Trip with an OstomyI love to travel and explore any chance I get, and even before COVID, this came in the form of long road trips. When air travel became more restricted and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Learning Your Urostomy: The Early Days Post-CystectomyI am just writing this after getting up this morning. My morning is probably very similar to anyone else's: having a shower, breakfast and as it is a weekday, getting...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How Did I Get an "Old Man's" Cancer?Since the first diagnosis, the burning question has been, "How did I get this disease?" No, I do not smoke. No, I don't drink alcohol. No, I don't abuse drugs...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Ask the Advocate: Living with a Urinary DiversionRecently we asked our BladderCancer.net advocates some questions around their pivotal decision to have a radical cystectomy and opt for a urinary diversion. It can be one of the most...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Would I Get a Second Chance?This time of year is a difficult one for me. It is full of mixed emotions and a roller coaster of hours that became days. On the 29th of October...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Affirmations and the Power of Positivity: Coming Out of the HoleI am going to start this by being brutally honest. I have struggled over the last year and a half with depression, low mood, and anxiety. I felt like I...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Being Nominated for a WEGO Health AwardIn June, an email popped up with the subject line, "Congratulations, you've been nominated!" The first thing I thought was, nominated for what? Well, I was nominated in a category...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Never Alone: the Unconditional Support of a CaregiverRecently I had my annual scope. Everything was routine. The same paperwork - ensuring all of my personal information was up to date. Going over my insurance, dotting all the...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Community Views: Radical Cystectomy and Quality of LifeA bladder cancer diagnosis comes with many life changes. As you process the diagnosis, you hear treatment options. One treatment is for a radical cystectomy, which is removal of the...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Complete SurpriseAlmost four years ago after a hard road bicycling ride, my urine looked like cherry kool-aid. I have had no other symptoms before. I am an avid bicyclist and try...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Early Stage Bladder Cancer Diagnosed & TreatedDark spot showed up when scanning for something else -- docs recommended urologist follow up. Cancer found. Bladder "scraped" twice. First time: tissue showed cancer. Second time: tissue, reviewed, showed...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
When Christmas Takes on a Whole New MeaningAsk anyone I know, and they will tell you, I am just a big kid when it comes to Christmas. I have always loved Christmas, the magic of Christmas. I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Speaking at the Bladder Cancer RetreatBack in September, I had the absolute honor of speaking at the 2021 North Carolina Bladder Cancer Retreat. It was incredibly exciting, nerve-wracking, and it remains one of the most...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
