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
The Clinical Trial Consent Form: Understanding Your Rights & ResponsibilitiesInformed consent is the term that signifies a person has been given information regarding all possible consequences for a treatment, including both potential risks and benefits. While informed consent frequently...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What's a Bladder Spasm? I Found Out the Hard WayAfter my surgery, a nurse came to the recovery room to prepare me for discharge. In her hand were prescriptions for three different medicines – an antibiotic to prevent UTIs...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
What Can Giving Back Give You?Giving can seem like a one way street. We let go of something that belongs to us - often my money or clothing or food - so that someone in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Genetic & Genomic Testing: What I LearnedHave you thought about cancer genetic testing, has your doctor mentioned it, or have you even heard of cancer genetic testing? I was one of those who had never heard...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Is It Important to Set Short and Long-Term Goals?So, why in my current position is this more poignant? I've just come through what was one of the toughest 6 months of my life. Not just physically, but mentally...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
First Outing with My Stoma: What I LearnedSo, I had been home from the hospital for a couple of weeks and had been gradually increasing the amount of walking I was doing, firstly around the house: up...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Importance of Early DetectionWhen it comes to early detection of bladder cancer, we can all turn to Google or any search engine and find out what the typical symptoms are. Typically blood in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Wasn’t I Chosen for a Clinical Trial?In any clinical trial, participants must meet certain criteria to be eligible to participate. There are two commonly used terms when describing clinical trial eligibility, and those are “inclusion criteria”...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Who Has to Pee ALL the Time?ME!!! Oh my. When I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in April 2017, I had absolutely no symptoms. A tumor was found inside my bladder during my every 3 months...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Cystoscopy ExperienceA cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your bladder and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A hollow tube...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Understanding Your Pathology ReportGetting a bladder cancer diagnosis can be scary and surprising. The words used by your doctor may be confusing; the medical terms may not be familiar to you. To fully...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Hearing That You Have CancerI believe in life there are words that you want to hear, such as, "Yes you've won", or "I'm happy to tell you you've got the job". So I suppose...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My 1st Hotel Stay and a Bit of a Sticky ProblemIt was roughly three and a half weeks after my radical cystectomy, and my husband had received an invite to go to an awards ceremony to celebrate his 30 years...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Discovering I Had a Bladder ProblemI never knew I had a problem with my bladder until I went for a routine pre-op appointment for a surgery I required on my elbow. Numerous straightforward tests were...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Just Diagnosed — What’s Next?A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be extremely overwhelming. You may feel a wide range of emotions and wonder how your life will change. There will be many questions and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Creating a Medical DiaryIf you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, then you are already aware of all the tests, doctor’s visits, therapy visits, etc. The amount of paperwork...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments