5 Things You Should Know Before Going To The Grocery StoreOne topic that came up once I was diagnosed with Stage IV bladder cancer was the topic of nutrition. I started to think I must change my diet and immediately...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What's a Bladder Spasm? I Found Out the Hard WayAfter my surgery, a nurse came to the recovery room to prepare me for discharge. In her hand were prescriptions for three different medicines – an antibiotic to prevent UTIs...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
What Can Giving Back Give You?Giving can seem like a one way street. We let go of something that belongs to us - often my money or clothing or food - so that someone in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Is It Important to Set Short and Long-Term Goals?So, why in my current position is this more poignant? I've just come through what was one of the toughest 6 months of my life. Not just physically, but mentally...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
First Outing with My Stoma: What I LearnedSo, I had been home from the hospital for a couple of weeks and had been gradually increasing the amount of walking I was doing, firstly around the house: up...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Importance of Early DetectionWhen it comes to early detection of bladder cancer, we can all turn to Google or any search engine and find out what the typical symptoms are. Typically blood in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Who Has to Pee ALL the Time?ME!!! Oh my. When I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in April 2017, I had absolutely no symptoms. A tumor was found inside my bladder during my every 3 months...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Cystoscopy ExperienceA cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your bladder and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A hollow tube...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Hearing That You Have CancerI believe in life there are words that you want to hear, such as, "Yes you've won", or "I'm happy to tell you you've got the job". So I suppose...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My 1st Hotel Stay and a Bit of a Sticky ProblemIt was roughly three and a half weeks after my radical cystectomy, and my husband had received an invite to go to an awards ceremony to celebrate his 30 years...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Discovering I Had a Bladder ProblemI never knew I had a problem with my bladder until I went for a routine pre-op appointment for a surgery I required on my elbow. Numerous straightforward tests were...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Just Diagnosed — What’s Next?A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be extremely overwhelming. You may feel a wide range of emotions and wonder how your life will change. There will be many questions and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Creating a Medical DiaryIf you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, then you are already aware of all the tests, doctor’s visits, therapy visits, etc. The amount of paperwork...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Starting BCG Treatments: What to Expect Before, During, and AfterBacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a type of immunotherapy used to treat bladder cancer. BCG is placed in the bladder through a catheter. This triggers the body’s immune system to stop...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Ignoring the Obvious SignsWhether it's the way I was brought up or something I've adapted to over the years, I've never seriously taken into account my health needs. I was never poorly as...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Getting a Second OpinionReceiving a bladder cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming and anxiety-ridden event. It can often present us with many questions, including whether our doctor has made the correct diagnosis. Your doctor...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Home After Radical Cystectomy: How to PrepareSo you've had your radical cystectomy and are on your way back home. What can you do to prepare for this momentous homecoming? There are in fact a lot of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Get a Second Opinion About Recurring UTIsI had been put under the care of a Urologist who I saw approximately every six months. I was self-catheterizing 3-4 times a day as my bladder didn't fully void...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
