Well, They Didn't Tell Me THATMaybe we can blame it on the emergency surrounding my surgery, and maybe we can say the post-op complications were taking precedence. But before and even after my surgery, I... By Brittney Tellekamp3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments11 comments
Self-Care: Acceptable and NecessaryFor me, self-care was never a thought. I was so caught up in taking care of everyone around me that taking care of myself was relegated to having hot coffee... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
In America: What's That?The In America survey is now closed. A bladder cancer diagnosis is a shock, but what can make it more difficult is the lack of information and research available for... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Supporting an Ostomy Bag: Flange Extenders and Ostomy PowderHi again. I am back to look at another couple of additional ostomy products that may help you on your journey. Some people need support in the early days while... By Laura MacKenzie3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Coping With MusicMusic has always been an integral part of my life. Even as a baby, my parents said I was always dancing and bouncing whenever there was a tune playing. As... By Brittney Tellekamp3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Being OpenIsolation is debilitating. Be it physical or emotional. Feeling like you are alone or the only one going through what you are going through is brutal. Being open about your... By Mac Howard2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Signing My Life Away, Or Saving It?Surgery day was approaching. On October 31st, 2017, I was admitted to the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow, Scotland, for my total pelvic exenteration surgery scheduled for the next day. Confirmation... By Laura MacKenzie4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Living the 1 PercentFrom the day of my diagnosis, I have always been "different." I was too young (only 28 years old at diagnosis). I was a woman. I had never smoked or... By Brittney Tellekamp3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
The Dawn of a New Year and a Fresh StartThe New Year means different things to different people. I live in Scotland. December 31 is known as Hogmanay. Historically Christmas day wasn't even a holiday in Scotland; however, New... By Laura MacKenzie3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Caregiver AppreciationNovember is Caregiver Appreciation Month. I am writing this on the first day of December. On November 8th, election day in America, my wife went to vote and pick up... By Mac Howard3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
An Ostomy: The Gift That Keeps on Giving"All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth," sang Alvin and the Chipmunks, but what do we all really want for Christmas? Well, you could ask thousands of... By Laura MacKenzie2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Genetics and Bladder Cancer: A Family AffairBladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, and the number of new cases continues to rise each year. Bladder cancer is more likely to affect... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments19 comments
Caring for Your Mental HealthOnce faced with a cancer diagnosis, your entire focus tends to shift to caring for your body. Staying hydrated, eating well, prepping for procedures, dealing with treatment after effects, and... By Brittney Tellekamp3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Never Let Your Ostomy Hold You BackToday is a good day. No, today is a great day! This evening, I will head to Glasgow Airport, Scotland, and board a plane to Portugal. For anyone who knows... By Laura MacKenzie3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Hope for a Happy New YearOn July 25th, 2019, everything stopped. It was like my world froze into place, and here we are now, and it feels in many ways like I am still frozen... By Brittney Tellekamp2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Cachexia and Sarcopenia With Bladder CancerUnintended weight loss can be a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. For many people, this is not a problem. But for some, it begins to affect their... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Humor Is the Best Medicine: Finding Laughs Along the WayI was stuck in traffic heading home from the airport in the early hours last winter, having just returned from a trip to Mexico. I quickly realized there was a... By Linda Urbanski4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Behind the Door of an Ostomy OrganizationIt's Monday Morning. Back at work after two days away from my day job. E-mails to catch up on. Busy? Yes, however, I am buzzing from my trip during my... By Laura MacKenzie3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Medical Records and History - Are They Current and Accurate?When we put our lives in the hands of medical providers, the information gained from our conversations, tests, procedures, surgeries, and prescriptions are recorded. It is imperative that this medical... By Linda Urbanski4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
How Medical Nutrition Therapy May Help Fight CancerDiet and nutrition are hot topics lately. If you are on social media, you are likely scrolling past lots of articles on the newest studies about how food can affect... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments