Protecting Against a Future UTIUTI stands for urinary tract infection. Typically with this type of infection, there can be pain, burning with urination, possibly blood in urine, a frequency to urinate, cloudy, dark, or strange...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Lessons I Have LearnedI have been living with terminal bladder cancer for nearly three years now. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had this extra time; this is something we didn't think...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Public Restrooms: The Dilemma of Using "Disabled" ToiletsPrior to having my bladder removed, I never gave "disabled" toilets a second thought. In fact, I would walk past them and assume that they were for use only by...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
How I Handled Menopause and HRTHormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn't suitable for everyone, and there are some huge risks. One of them being that you may develop breast cancer. That didn't and still doesn't worry...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Why Patient Advocacy Matters and Why You Should Participate If You CanSince losing my first husband (Ahmad) to bladder cancer in 2014, I have gotten involved in patient advocacy related to bladder cancer. After he was diagnosed and during the course...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What NOT to Say to Someone with Bladder Cancer!Over the last three years, I think I have heard every kind of reaction to my "I have terminal bladder cancer." Let's face it, people are idiots who don't always use...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
UTI: Run, Don't Walk To Your DoctorHello, everyone. I have been missing in action for approximately 5 weeks. The reason and subsequent actions will probably blow your mind. I have never been a person to have a...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Second Annual Checkup Looms: Does it Ever Get Any Easier?I’ve been supporting and advocating for bladder cancer patients for over a year now, after I myself went through bladder cancer in 2016-2017. My experience resulting in a Radical Cystectomy...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Two Caregivers Share Their StoriesIn so many ways, caregivers make it possible for people diagnosed with bladder cancer to survive. After I had my TURBT surgery, my mother drove me home from the hospital...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Communicating with Your Doctor About the Sexual Impact of TreatmentChanges in sexual functioning are common side effects of various forms of bladder cancer treatment. Some of these side effects may include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, problems with arousal...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A New Neobladder: Life Goes OnOnce I had the staples and all the drainage paraphernalia removed, I was ready to start living my “new” life again. I had a bladder that thought it was still...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Bladder Cancer and Blood Clots (Thrombosis)Bladder cancer develops when cells inside the bladder, often in the lining, start growing out of control. One of the most common early signs of bladder cancer is blood in...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
Surgery & Recovery ComplicationsWhen it comes to surgery and recovery, there can be complications. And guess what? I couldn’t dodge the bullet. Discharged after seven days and sent home with three drainage bags...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Here's What Chemo Feels LikeWhen I first heard that I'd need chemotherapy to treat my bladder cancer, terrifying visions swam into my head. Knowing virtually nothing about cancer treatment, I pictured chemotherapy like it's...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Is Bladder Cancer Contagious?I came across a few blogs, articles, and other writing that were focused on one topic of bladder cancer. Many people wanted to know if cancer, specifically bladder cancer, was...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Dr. GoogleMaybe it's a generational thing (I'm a Millennial), but when I get news that's confusing or scary, my first urge is to research it extensively on the Internet. My urologist...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Advice to Your Past SelfLife with bladder cancer can take unexpected twists and turns. In many cases, your story may develop into something completely different than what you had envisioned at the time of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Recovering from Surgery: Roll with the PunchesThe hardest part about recovering from surgery, for me, was allowing my body to heal. I wanted to be better yesterday; I don’t have a lot of patience. But the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Beginner's Mind and Cancer MindMindfulness has become a very popular concept in recent years as a means of relaxation and remaining anchored in the present moment. It originated in Zen Buddhism as a way...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Bladder Cancer and Its Effect on My Body ImageI’ve had my stoma, “my Winnie”, coming up on two years now. Having my stoma hasn’t stopped me from doing anything: traveling, spa days, swimming, etc. In fact, I have...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments