Helena Murray's Question

By HELENA MURRAY

1 min read

Last updated: February 2023

I told everyone who wanted to listen I had a bag cos probably feeling sorry for myself. I could not name it because it's a bag and still feel I don't like it. But I am still living because of it but I definitely look at life differently.

And why does every other cancer gets spoke about but not bladder?

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Linda Urbanski Moderator
<inline-mention username="ksmith9341" user-id="3656616"/> murray - Having a bag takes a while to get used to. Not everyone names their bag. It is just a way to make acceptance of it easier I think. It is a part of our body now. Do not beat yourself up for not liking the bag as none of us wanted this but it may have been the best option. Everyone sees it differently. How are you seeing life differently now? It is an adjustment so please take the time needed for that process. My best. Linda ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
HELENA MURRAY
Thanks Linda for the reply some people are stronger than others but I see what you mean I had never heard of bladder cancer till I was told I had it now it's all about checking your bag making sure the urine looks the right colour but still wish I didn't have a bag but at the end of the day it saved my life hope you're well 
1. Linda Urbanski Moderator
 @HELENA MURRAY - My hope for you is that as time goes on you will get more and more used to it. There literally are thousands of ostomates out there and may even be someone you know who has one but has not mentioned it. Remember - baby steps. My best Linda ( moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
2. Laura MacKenzie Moderator
 <inline-mention username="HELENA MURRAY" user-id="2071842"/> like you I really hadn’t heard of bladder cancer before I got it. I think it is so much to take in and knowing we are getting a bag, that it is only after the operation we process emotionally what we went through. That is at the same time as recovering physically and getting used to the bag. It dose get easier with time. I found setting myself little goals helped. Like a lunch out, night away etc. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>BladderCancer.net</a>
Laura MacKenzie Moderator
<inline-mention username="HELENA MURRAY" user-id="2071842"/> how are you getting on now? Are you are getting a little more used to things? Sending positive vibes your way. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>BladderCancer.net</a>
HELENA MURRAY
Yes Laura doing fine I wish all the best to everyone just diagnosed with bladder cancer I had everything removed and 5years cancer free soi thank god every day just going to have a vodka then empty my bag take care x
1. Linda Urbanski Moderator
 @HELENA MURRAY - Congrats on 5 years. That is a big milestone!! My best to you - enjoy that vodka! Linda Urbanski (moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
2. Laura MacKenzie Moderator
 <inline-mention username="HELENA MURRAY" user-id="2071842"/> hi. That’s a great milestone. My 5 year anniversary of my surgery to remove it all and my 5th annual scan is coming up in a few weeks. Hope you enjoyed your vodka. I like a gin myself. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>BladderCancer.net</a>
HELENA MURRAY
I feel sorry for all the people with bladder cancer people don't realise what it's about because they can't see your bag but a bag is life changing take care everyone 
1. Linda Urbanski Moderator
 HELENA MURRAY - Thank you for your comment. You are correct that people cannot see your bag or even know that you have one. The surgery is life changing as you urinate differently but for me that was about the only significant change except - along with you - being cancer free. Congrats on 5 years!! thank you for sharing and I hope that you continue doing well. Linda Urbanski (moderator, <a href='http://Bladdercancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)
2. Laura MacKenzie Moderator
 <inline-mention username="HELENA MURRAY" user-id="2071842"/> it is very frustrating sometimes, I completely agree. Sometimes at work people mention small things that bother them and I want to shout, “I live with two Ostomy bags”. Laura, Moderator, <a href='http://BladderCancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>BladderCancer.net</a>

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