4 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Radical CystectomyWhen 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... By Liz Hiles4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Calling Time on Your BladderI 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... By Noel Forrest5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments21 comments
Bladder Cancer Comic: HydratedBladder 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!... By Lucius Wisniewski1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
I Lived the National Caregiving Trends (Part 1)I don’t need the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to tell me that unpaid caregiving is a tough job in the United States. But it is validating, as well... By Renata Louwers3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Tips for Finding a Therapist Who Fits Your NeedsIn 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... By Mac Howard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
4 Ways to Be a #GratefulPatient with Bladder CancerSeptember 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... By Liz Hiles3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Disturbed Sleep Research OpportunityArizona State University is seeking sleep-disturbed cancer patients to participate in a research study. The purpose of the research is to determine the effects of an 8-week smartphone-based health intervention... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2020: Voices from the CommunityEach year, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is observed in October. This year, October 10 will mark the day to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Mucus: File Under "Things That Make You Go Ugh"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... By Paul Hebert4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments11 comments
The Benefits of TherapyI 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... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Grating Phrases and Jargon That Confuse (and Sometimes Demoralize) PatientsI 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... By Renata Louwers3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Bladder Cancer Comic: Rescheduling My CystoscopyMany 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... By Lucius Wisniewski1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
How Does the Care Team Treat the Caregiver?Cancer caregivers are often described — in brochures or panel discussions – as selfless. Friends, family, and providers have a tendency put them on a pedestal. In my experience, though... By Renata Louwers3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Urologist RetiredIn 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... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Things I Wish I Knew Before Surgery: Preparing for a CystectomyAfter 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... By Linda Urbanski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Inching Towards a World With Fewer CystoscopiesAs a diagnostic tool to confirm or rule out bladder cancer, the cystoscopy (along with cytology urine tests) have long been considered the gold standard. But cystoscopies are uncomfortable at... By Renata Louwers2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Beating Brain FogYou may have heard of “chemo brain,” but cancer-related brain fog is not limited to those who have experienced chemotherapy. So, what do we mean when we cancer patients say... By Brittney Tellekamp4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What is PD-L1 and Why Should I Be Tested for It?With the arrival of new cancer drugs that act in specialized ways or target things like the immune system, it’s helpful to know whether your cancer might respond to a... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Describing the Worst Days With Chronic PainIn September of 2019, Health Union (the parent company of BladderCancer.net) partnered with the US Pain Foundation for our first ever Chronic Pain in America survey to ask members of... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Similarities Between Bladder Cancer and COVID-19An illness that kills some and is a nuisance illness for others. An experience that disrupts life as we knew it. A highly unpredictable disease that seems arbitrary in its... By Renata Louwers2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments