The Pandemic Gap and Bladder CancerSince March 2020, there has been a steady flow of news about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and people in need of all types of care were...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Bladder Cancer and COVID-19Since late 2019, COVID-19 has become a household name. It has changed many aspects of daily life. Especially for those living with chronic conditions. "Quarantine," "social distancing," and "herd immunity"...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Don’t Delay Getting Back to LifeIt has been 8 years since my chemotherapy and surgery to remove my bladder and prostate, installing a neobladder. I'm pretty much back to normal. I say pretty much because...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Don’t Fear the Bladder CancerI was reminded I have a CAT scan coming up in a few weeks. I am 8 years from my surgery and still need to get annual CAT scans. My...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Reduce Emergency Room Visits: Managing Abdominal PainPain management when you have bladder cancer can be a real challenge. Recent research shows that people with bladder cancer are more likely to visit an emergency room for gastrointestinal...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Trying Holistic RemediesI am a 100% supporter of science-backed medicine. It is my medical team’s knowledge and care that has brought me back from the brink of my bladder cancer time and...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Seemingly Impossible Task of Avoiding Bladder IrritantsThinking back on my first urology appointment, sometimes I have to laugh. The urologist was the first doctor in years who actually listened to my symptoms and took the appropriate...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Suffering for ManhoodA young man reaches out to his mother and says, “I am suffering from some depression.” The father walks by catches the statement and says, “Your just weak-minded.” I hear...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Swollen Ankles and Other Post-Op SymptomsThere is a lot I was prepared for after my radical cystectomy surgery. A big scar, an ostomy, a rigorous recovery, but there were so many things I had no...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Take the Person Before Patient SurveyThe Person Before Patient Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! What makes us the people we are? Living with a serious health condition like bladder cancer can...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What to do When Treatment is Going WellMy latest set of CT scans have come back saying I’m still in good shape. My labs are great, I’m handling treatment well and we know that this will be...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Reflecting on My 4th Year Cancer-FreeJanuary 31, 2021, was four years since I had my radical cystectomy. Ordinarily, the day is met with various fanfares from me. It usually goes something like this - I...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Escaping Nagging Paranoia with MindfulnessI want to be transparent here. I want anyone reading these articles to see my truth and be able to relate as they can or need to. This is therapeutic...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My Journey and How it All StartedHello, my name is Lelee. I am a bladder cancer fighter; I use the word fighter because this cancer keeps coming back so I feel like the fight keeps going...Reactions0reactionsComments23 comments
National Cancer Survivors Day 2021: Motivation During Our Darkest Days with CancerOn National Cancer Survivors Day, observed each year on the first Sunday in June, we honor and celebrate all of those who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Every...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
One More Thing: Kidney Disease and Lifestyle ChangeI have gotten pretty good at rolling with the punches. I think any cancer patient has to be prepared to remain flexible and ready for the unexpected. But every now...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Value of Community: North Carolina Bladder Cancer RetreatMay is bladder cancer awareness month, and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to tell you about how I met some of my online support team. I was diagnosed...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Support Fatigue and Managing ExpectationsAs I was in the hospital recovering from my radical cystectomy, the flowers and cards from family, friends, and supporters covered every inch of my room. My phone was constantly...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Importance of Emotional Support for Patient and CaregiverJust how important a caregiver can be to a person with cancer is becoming clearer. Many studies have shown that a person’s own emotions can affect their choices and thoughts...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Living With & Finding StrengthEvery chronic and life-threatening condition comes with its own symptoms and challenges, and while each individual's experience is unique, there is wisdom to be found in learning how others have...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments