Living

About 4 and a half months into my diagnosis, I had my first office visit with my oncologist. I met him a few times while I was an inpatient after...

If you are familiar with my cancer story, you know that it has been ANYTHING but typical. From my age, stage of diagnosis, recovery story, even my treatment plan. Nothing...

In a previous article, I talked about the changes in support meetings through this pandemic. The topic of disappointment, I believe, goes hand in hand with this. As I've shared...

Seven years ago, I was faced with the choice of which urinary diversion to have. IP? Neobladder? Pouch? Each option has different surgical complexities, different recovery issues, and different life-long...

When I was diagnosed over 4 years ago at age 40, I had no clue that bladder cancer was even a thing. I was floored. Immediately I began seeking out...

Before the symptoms of bladder cancer were revealed in my body, I led an active life and was getting in shape again. I had already experienced hardships and medical stress...

We all enter a bladder cancer removal procedure from differing ages, genders, a variety of pre-surgery treatments, and medical advice. I found the below info helpful, but I was in my...

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Anita, and in 2016, I was diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer. I remember feeling utterly dumbstruck, scared, frightened...

When I met with my urology oncology surgeon the first time, a friend who is a nurse went with me. I had a list of questions and she went over...

I sometimes wonder if I’m standing alone when it comes to the choice of removing your bladder to avoid any chance of your cancer spreading. I have huge respect for...

Bladder cancer can make you hyper-aware of your body and your habits. You might decide to start drinking more water – only to then worry about your more frequent urination!...

In response to another piece I wrote, the question was asked, "How did you find a therapist?" This is a great question, and gave me some pause to think about...

September 7th was #GratefulPatient Day. Going through bladder cancer is, as my oncologist puts it, not all puppy dogs, rainbows, and unicorns. That's for darn sure, right?! Silver linings are...

If you have a neobladder, one of the new “normal” things the doctors will alert you to is “mucus” in your urine. My basic understanding is that because the neobladder...

I realized while reading my initial article on finding a therapist that I may have missed a few important talking points. We live in a time where medication and physical...

I was a caregiver for a year to a spouse with advanced bladder cancer. In the six years since his death, I have worked as a bladder cancer patient advocate...

Many routine bladder cancer check-up appointments were delayed or canceled altogether this year due to COVID-19. For some, the time made them more anxious and worried about a recurrence. Others...

In early 2006, I walked into Dr. Unni’s office for the first time. I had never seen a urologist, never passed blood in my urine. Never had any serious health...

After you and your medical team have determined that a radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit (IC) is your best bladder cancer treatment option, preparation is invaluable. Having a surgery such...