Bladder Cancer Connections via the Worldwide WebWhen I was diagnosed over 4 years ago at age 40, I had no clue that bladder cancer was even a thing. I was floored. Immediately I began seeking out...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
BCG Manufacturer To Triple Production of Tice® BCG With New FacilityPharmaceutical company Merck has announced that it is building a new manufacturing facility so it can significantly expand production of Tice® BCG (BCG live for intravesical use), a drug used...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Active with an Ostomy: My Experience and Tips on Getting StartedBefore the symptoms of bladder cancer were revealed in my body, I led an active life and was getting in shape again. I had already experienced hardships and medical stress...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
What to Buy and What to Try for Your Upcoming RC/ICWe all enter a bladder cancer removal procedure from differing ages, genders, a variety of pre-surgery treatments, and medical advice. I found the below info helpful, but I was in my...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Those First Few Months of My Small Cell Bladder CancerFor those of you who don’t know me, my name is Anita, and in 2016, I was diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer. I remember feeling utterly dumbstruck, scared, frightened...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
I Lived the National Caregiving Trends (Part Two)In May, the AARP released a report, Caregiving in the United States 2020. It is a comprehensive survey of unpaid caregivers in the U.S. The data was gathered via an...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments9 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...Reactions0reactionsComments21 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!...Reactions0reactionsComments2 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments2 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...Reactions0reactionsComments5 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments13 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments