Something Old Yet Something NewAfter I was diagnosed with Stage II bladder cancer requiring a radical cystectomy I talked with the doctors about the various diversions available to me. Based on my situation I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Dealing With Surveillance Check-ups After Receiving the All ClearI've had some difficult moments on my cancer journey. Dealing with cystoscopies, TURBT and BCG treatments is never easy. The process and my treatment were made very clear after diagnosis...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
When To Call The DoctorIn 2014, I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and have been in active treatment ever since. I go every two weeks to have Opdivo (immunotherapy) infusions (into a vein). In 2017, when...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Emotional Christmas Day with CancerWhether you are awaiting diagnosis, newly diagnosed or are going through treatment, the holiday season seems to emphasize our vulnerability even more. For everyone else everything appears to be perfect...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Not Always a Placebo! Types of Clinical TrialsWhen many people think of clinical trials, they may think of testing a new experimental drug or taking a placebo pill. But, not all clinical trials involve treatment! Even among...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Bladder Cancer and Financial ToxicityWhen you think of bladder cancer, have you thought about how expensive it is to treat bladder cancer and the ongoing economic impacts of ongoing treatment? When I was diagnosed...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
BCG or UTI?Have you recently started BCG treatments for non-invasive bladder cancer? There are many possible side effects of this treatment: The common theme here is that BCG side effects may mimic...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Coping with Sexual DysfunctionFor some individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer, the recommended treatment may be surgery to remove portions of the affected organ, such as cystectomy which includes removal of the bladder, and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
7 Things to Help You Prepare for a Clinical TrialYou're ready to explore the world of clinical trials! I have come up with what I think are the top 7 things to keep in mind as you prepare and...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Diagnosis StoryFirst of all, welcome to our new BladderCancer.net friends. We are a caring group and we know this is not the new club you wanted to join. You were forced...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What to Bring to the Hospital for a Radical CystectomySo, you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer and are having a radical cystectomy. Your head is probably in a whirl right now with fear, anxiety, and relief that, finally...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Will I Need to Pay to Be in a Clinical Trial?Clinical trials can provide an opportunity for patients to receive the latest treatment, provide a new treatment option for those whose previous treatment didn’t work, and allow patients to be...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
5 Things Not To Say To Someone with Bladder CancerIt's tough to know the right things to say to anyone who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. We want to make sure we are saying the right things that...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Bladder Cancer FAQsA bladder cancer diagnosis can be stressful and overwhelming, and sifting through information to get answers is difficult. More than 700,000 people are living with bladder cancer in the United...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Are You Given All the FACTS?Within 2 weeks of being diagnosed with bladder cancer, I was admitted to hospital for surgery to remove the tumor. The operation is called a transurethral resection of the bladder...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My TURBT ExperienceThe operation is called a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Your surgeon removes the tumor in your bladder through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips to Prepare for a CystectomyI had a radical cystectomy earlier this year. This involved the removal of my bladder, cervix, appendix, anterior vaginal wall and a number of lymph nodes. I had an ileal...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
BCG: It Was All Going So WellFor those of us diagnosed with non-invasive bladder cancer, there is some relief with the knowledge that there are treatments that can stop the spread of cancer from within the...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
7 Tips to Get You Through the Holiday SeasonThis time last year I had received my bladder cancer diagnosis and was awaiting my Radical Cystectomy, scheduled for the 30th January. I had the whole holiday season to get through...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
5 Things You Should Know Before Going To The Grocery StoreOne topic that came up once I was diagnosed with Stage IV bladder cancer was the topic of nutrition. I started to think I must change my diet and immediately...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments