Bladder Cancer Survivor

I was diagnosed with Low-Grade Bladder Cancer on 7/15/2019 at the age of 49 years old.

How it started

I had been experiencing the need to visit the bathroom more frequently but didn't think much of it. One day, I found myself spotting. I was in menopause so this was not typical and decided it was best to contact my gynecologist office. I was told this should not be happening and scheduled an appointment with the doctor. I almost canceled the appointment as the spotting stopped; thank goodness I did not do that. My gynecologist sent me for an ultrasound, which is how they found it. I had one large one and three small ones that took place on 6/29/2019. I saw my urologist, my lifesaver, on 7/15/2019, and I was in surgery on 7/22/2019.

The news I didn’t want

Unfortunately, my cancer has come back four times now. I just saw him on 5/8/2023 and found a little one. He is sending it out for a biopsy, and then he will cauterize the area. Moving forward I see him anywhere from 3-6 months. I will continue to drink my water, and listen to what he tells me to do.

Finding support with my bladder cancer diagnosis

I am glad this community is here for us. I'm sure you can imagine, I was devastated when I was diagnosed. I am a former smoker and had no idea I could get this. I quit on 12/17/2017 at the age of 47, so I am young enough to have this. My family and work have been wonderful to me during this time. I have days where I'm sad and scared but I continue to work through the feelings. Always ever so thankful to see another day.