The “New Normal”: Life with a StomaI was diagnosed with a high grade, aggressive bladder tumor. This was totally unexpected, although I had known for quite some time that something “wasn’t quite right”. What it was... By Shirley Norris2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Urine AnxietyIt sounds silly, but hear me out: Having bladder cancer has given me a renewed appreciation for my health and my mortality, sure. But it's also given me a phobia... By Sarah Watts2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
My Post-Operation Hospital StayThe hospital wants to get you home as soon as possible following surgery. The first 24 hours was a blur, I was aware that a nurse was in the room... By Jim Van Horne2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Making Changes to Diet and LifestyleWe often read how important diet can be to contribute to a healthier life, and this can become even more relevant after being diagnosed with cancer. I can honestly say... By Noel Forrest6 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Bladder Cancer Anxieties: Relationships & FamilyIn this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing physical illness and its side effects. Phrases in bold are the words of our community members across various conditions... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Six-Month LeashEvery six months, my friend Cheryl and I get together and celebrate our good health. Cheryl and I are both cancer survivors – bladder cancer for me, and appendix cancer... By Sarah Watts2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Educate Yourself About Toxins to Live a Good Life for as Long as PossibleThe news that Johnson & Johnson knew for many years that some of its talcum powder may have been contaminated with asbestos disturbed me deeply. Some ovarian cancer patients had... By Renata Louwers3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
When is the Right Time to Change Your Treatment?After being diagnosed with high-grade T1 bladder cancer in 2017, I was launched into a conversation with my doctor after my TURBTs that at the time I was ill-equipped to... By Noel Forrest4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Menopause After Bladder Cancer Surgery: The Joys of Being a WomanI had my bladder removed and a hysterectomy on August 19, 2017. In March of 2018, I saw an endocrinologist who diagnosed a few things wrong with this old body... By Anita Brown4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
My Typical CystoscopyWhen you are told you need to have a cystoscopy, it can be quite terrifying. Inserting an endoscope into your bladder with a camera on the end, while awake, scared... By Jennifer Toth3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Thank Goodness It's Over!So, Christmas is over. The New Year has come and gone; we are all partied out and have survived the festive season like a pro, so why do I feel... By Anita Brown4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Tips to Quit Smoking for a Healthier YouMany of us know that quitting smoking can help us to be healthier, but it’s so much easier said than done. Smoking is kind of like a friend who has... By Bridget Gawinowicz3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The CatheterWhen I had my bladder cancer removed last year, the doctor warned me that I would need to wear a catheter bag for a few weeks after surgery to give... By Sarah Watts3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Staying in Gratitude During the HolidaysIf you or someone close to you received a bladder cancer diagnosis, it may be tough to reflect on the year and feel grateful for what it has brought. But... By Renata Louwers2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Christmas CancerIt’s been said the once someone gets cancer, the whole family gets it. Truer words were never spoken. I guess in my case, I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed... By Jim Van Horne2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
10 Tips to Avoid Leaks over the Holiday SeasonAs the holiday season approaches and the party invites begin to arrive, many of us who have a “stoma” might start to worry about “leaks”. So, here are some tips... By Shirley Norris3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
5 Tips to Get Through the Holidays with a StomaSo this is the 2nd Christmas that I’m about to share with my little stoma, “Winnie”. Last year was quite daunting as everything was “new”. The holiday season and all... By Shirley Norris3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
BC. And We’re Not Talking FlintstonesBC. Before Cancer. I could pee standing up without really thinking about it. I knew when my bladder was full based on a feeling versus an alarm clock. I didn’t... By Paul Hebert3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Cancer and Discrimination in the Workplace: Your RightsAs someone who was fully employed in a professional, full-time role before my bladder cancer diagnosis, I’ve been very disheartened by stories I have heard from other cancer patients and... By Shirley Norris3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Coping with Cancer Costs: Surveys and Video ConferencingAfter a cancer diagnosis, our finances can go into a tailspin. There are co-payments, treatments, medications not covered, and travel expenses. Add to that if you have been placed on disability... By Jennifer Toth2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments