The Power of Sharing Your StoryHistorically, when a person was battling cancer, it was very hush-hush. It wasn't even discussed within the confines of the person's household, let alone with others outside the household. It...reactions2comments
Creating a New "Tribe" Due to Bladder CancerEveryone in life has their own "tribe." You know, your group of people - friends and family - who love and support you through thick and thin. Those who actually...reactions1comment
One Year Later: Living with an Ostomy and Stoma Care TipsWell, it's official: I have had my life-saving stoma for an entire year now. Within 2 weeks of my diagnosis, my oncologists and surgeons knew I needed to have my...reactions2comments
Follow Your Intuition About a DoctorYour doctor — be it your urologist, medical oncologist, radiologist, or other specialist treating you for bladder cancer — is your partner. He or she is there to help you...reactions1comment
During and After My R/IC Surgery: I Made it to the Finish LineMy surgery date for a radical cystectomy/ileal conduit (RC/IC) arrived quickly. The weeks prior were a flurry of appointments, pre-surgery testing, and keeping my mind occupied elsewhere. I still have not decided...reactions1comment
Your Treatment Choices Are Your Own – and Others’ Are TheirsAs any cancer patient or caregiver can tell you, everyone has an opinion about how to treat your cancer. And many of those people will let you know what they...reactions5comments
Reflecting on Four Years Since My DiagnosisOn August 9th, 2016, I went to the urologist to have a cystoscopy. This simple procedure permanently altered the course of my life. At 40 years old, I had experienced...reactions2comments
Newly Diagnosed with Bladder Cancer? Build Your Care TeamI think good medical and emotional support for a bladder cancer patient comes from three sources: All three are important to fully support a patient and family facing bladder cancer...reactionscomments
The Youngest in the RoomAs I sit in the waiting room of my cancer center, I look around and see the chairs spaced a perfect six feet apart. There are no visitors, and everyone’s...reactions2comments
After the Diagnosis: Treating T1 High-Grade Bladder CancerI was absolutely shocked by a bladder cancer diagnosis in late August 2014. Earlier the same day, my youngest daughter told me that she and her husband were finally expecting their...reactionscomments
Caregivers Feel Rage, TooIt has been 6 years since I was a caregiver in the trenches of stage IV bladder cancer. My husband and I were on a desperate quest to save his...reactions3comments
UTI or Bladder Cancer? Misdiagnosed Twice!It was the fall of 2013, and I was having a great time with friends and family at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. It appeared that my only "attraction" was...reactions4comments
The Rewarding Work of Being a Volunteer Moderator for an Advanced Cancer Caregiver Support GroupIn my Part One article, I wrote about the nonprofit AnCan's Advanced Cancer Caregivers’ Call that I co-moderate. This virtual support group is based on a “peer-to-peer” format. What does...reactionscomments
The Days, Weeks, and Months Surrounding a Bladder Cancer DiagnosisThe days, weeks, and months surrounding a bladder cancer diagnosis can look different for each person. Some people experience the most common bladder cancer symptom (blood in urine) and are...reactions12comments
10 Questions for Your Doctor Right After You Are Diagnosed With Bladder CancerIn Part One, I addressed the three first steps I recommended taking right after you are diagnosed with bladder cancer. In this part, I offer you some ideas for questions...reactions2comments
How I Made the Decision to Have a NeobladderOne thing they tell you when you write for sites like this is to be really careful you don’t provide medical advice. I am not qualified to give advice, and...reactions27comments
Organizing Daily Activities for a Happy and Purposeful Day: Part 2Welcome to Part Two of organizing your day in your space. In Part One, we laid some basic groundwork for structuring the day: identifying personal challenges, aiming for balance, identifying...reactionscomments
Finding Reflux Relief When You Have Bladder CancerYou may know gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by its more commonly known name, heartburn. Also called acid reflux or, simply, reflux, it affects at least 20 percent of the US...reactionscomments
Agent Orange Exposure and Bladder Cancer: Benefits to VetsBladder cancer is recognized as a condition caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service. On July 22, 2020, the U.S. Senate amended the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)...reactions1comment
Self-Advocacy and Coping with a Shocking Bladder Cancer PrognosisAt age 76, Karl was diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer. Before his diagnosis, he was in great physical health and lived an active life, so the cancer diagnosis came...reactions1comment
