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... By Liz Hiles3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 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... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 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... By Brittney Tellekamp3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 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... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 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... By Brittney Tellekamp2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 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... By Shirley Norris3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 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... By Mac Howard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 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... By Lelee Young2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments23 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... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 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... By Brittney Tellekamp2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 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... By Linda Urbanski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 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... By Brittney Tellekamp2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 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... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 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... By Emily Downward1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Perks of Being an OstomateTwo years ago I would have said there was absolutely nothing positive about having a urostomy. It was uncomfortable, always a hassle, and a constant outward reminder of my bladder... By Brittney Tellekamp2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments11 comments
Fight Bladder Cancer by Treating OSAIf you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, and you have trouble sleeping — and maybe you have had this trouble with sleep for a while — you may want... By TK Sellman3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Done Waiting: The Results of My Biopsy(Spoiler alert: No skin cancer! Writer does long “happy dance.”) When last we left our faithful cancer fighter (me), I had just had a biopsy of a spot on my... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Telling Your Story May Be Good for Your Health“While writing about my health issues has not cured them, it has helped me develop better coping skills and even contributed to better management of my symptoms (and I could... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Community Views: The Truth About Bladder CancerBladder cancer is not a rare cancer. In fact, it is far more common than people realize. However, it is a type of cancer that most people do not have... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Opinion: Why Bladder Cancer Organizations Should Adopt the Tricolor RibbonWhen I was finally diagnosed with bladder cancer after a few years of fighting the uphill battle, I took to the world wide web. In my pain med-induced stupor, while... By Liz Hiles3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments