Takes my breath away

By Michellesstory2021

1 min read

My name is Michelle and I like most people get up and go to work everyday looking forward to the day I can retire and just enjoy the simple things in life. Well in September 2021 I noticed blood in my urine which I never had except when I had a period which stopped when I was 47 now at 61.

Ultrasound results took my breath away

After seeing that I knew something not good was going on, so I at my upcoming Dr appointment my Dr sent me for an ultrasound and the results showed 2 masses in the bladder. At that point, I was sent to a urologist and it was confirmed that it was Bladder cancer and they scheduled me for surgery.

Stress and self destruction

Needless to say I felt like the life has just been sucked out of me and I have not been able to wrap my head around it yet. I too am a smoker and I am struggling with quitting. I walk around blaming myself for such a rotten addiction and being so stressed out while still trying to work my 13 hours a day job and trying to take care of my home, and take care of my 93 year old mom and the dogs.

Moving forward

I don’t know if I really had the time to take it all in. I did go through my treatments and in May after another exam learned another tumor appeared. I had another surgery this month and will start more treatments by August. I can’t talk to anyone at home or work I just can’t talk about it. I don’t know why. Could use a little feedback on this because I sure do feel alone.

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Laura MacKenzie Member
<inline-mention username="Michellesstory2021" user-id="4750079"/> Hi and welcome. Obviously sorry for the reason you found us but glad you did. We are a very supportive community. We aren't medically trained but people are very willing to share their experiences and answer any questions they can. It is a lot to take in and it sounds like you have a lot of other things going on. Wishing you well with the surgery and treatment. Please let us know how you. Sending positive vibes your way. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
CommunityMember419 Member
So very sorry you are dealing with this. I am 62 and have also recently had a radical cystectomy. My life has been a lot like yours, aging parents suffering with strokes, Alzheimer's and beginning dementia, 3 crazy dogs and a wife with anxiety and back issues. I just told a friend of mine that I felt like a black hole with all the stuff going on around me. I found that verbalizing my situation to friends and family using humor (they all call me the "bag lady" lol) has helped with my mood and ability to cope. Having someone to laugh with instead of at is definitely therapeutic. I have recently uploaded my "story" and hope you find comfort in reading it once it is published so you know that there are many of us like you out there and all we can do is help each other to get through the day! Remember you, like me are stronger than the storm!!
1. Laura MacKenzie Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember419" user-id="4808900"/> sharing your stories and experiences, help others so much. thanks so much for sharing and being part of your community. Wishing you well. Laura, Moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>BladderCancer.net</a>
Linda Urbanski Member
<inline-mention username="Michellesstory2021" user-id="4750079"/> - I am so happy that you found this site and are comfortable telling us your story. You are definitely not alone. People on this site are here to support you and let you know that we know what you are going through because we have been there. I think it is understandable that for some it is not easy to talk about the subject of cancer because then it becomes real. Please know that we want to help you through this so ask questions, share your concerns, let us know how you are doing. We will support you because that is what we do. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, <a href='https://bladdercancer.net' target='_blank'>Bladdercancer.net</a> team member)