Stories

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Co-Founders Diane & John Quale My husband, John Quale, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May 2000—he was 53, and I was 43. Our lives changed forever on that day.  Like the majority of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, we had never… Read More

Diagnosed in 2011 at age 53 with muscle invasive bladder cancer  In early May of 2011, I noticed blood in my urine. At first I thought this might be a sign of menopause. Then I recalled that a neighbor nine years earlier had thought… Read More

Diagnosed in 2008 at age 41 with bladder cancer  In August, 2008, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. At the time, I was a 41-year-old physically fit non-smoker and, like most, thought that bladder cancer was a disease that only affected male senior citizens. Read More

Diagnosed with Stage 1, high grade bladder cancer in 2008  My story may sound like the fastest bladder cancer diagnosis in history but please read to the end. Coming home from a family reunion on Saturday, January 5, 2008 (dates are forever… Read More

Diagnosed at age 53 in 2011 with non-invasive bladder cancer I was diagnosed with minimally invasive bladder cancer in March, 2011. I was completely shocked by the diagnosis! I had been having some symptoms such as pain and dark colored… Read More

Diagnosed in 2009 with non-invasive bladder cancer The first thing I noticed was blood in my urine. I went to my general practitioner who gave me antibiotics and told me to bring a urine sample back in 10 days. When I took… Read More

Diagnosed in 2009 at age 52 with non-invasive bladder cancer Every woman should understand the implications of blood in the urine. I am a middle school life science teacher and even with all I know about the human body, my diagnosis was a shock. Read More

Diagnosed in 2010 at age 65 with Stage III bladder cancer Key message: Women often have missed or delayed diagnosis, be your own advocate. Avid bike rider and runner, Pat received a delayed diagnosis. My bladder cancer experience began close to two years prior to my… Read More

Diagnosed in 2005 at age 30 with non-invasive bladder cancer Key message: Don’t ignore any aches, pains, or feelings that something is not right within your body. Be attentive and aggressive with your medical care and know that you do not have to face this journey… Read More