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  • Ronald’s Story: “Trust your gut.”

    During a routine bathroom visit, the sight of very dark urine followed by pure red prompted urgent calls to the urologist and primary care doctor. Confirmatory tests, including X-rays and a cystoscopy, swiftly revealed the truth: a bladder tumor. At that moment, the line between the familiar and the unknown… Read More

  • Anita’s Story: “We have to be our own advocates and live life as bravely and as fully as we can.”

    It started with a seemingly innocent symptom: blood in her urine. Initially dismissed as a urinary tract infection by her general practitioner, Anita sought a second opinion in December 2019. By January 2020, the reappearance of blood in her urine prompted an urgent referral to a urologist which led to… Read More

  • Bonnie’s Story: “The greatest stress during all this time is not knowing how things will turn out.”

    As a caregiver to her husband Larry, their journey took an unexpected turn in 2021 when what they thought was a routine prostate issue turned out to be bladder cancer. Despite initial misdiagnoses, a cystoscopy revealed the presence of a tumor. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of active involvement in appointments… Read More

  • Joe’s Story: “I am not alone on this journey.”

    Amid other health issues, Joe Moore’s bladder cancer diagnosis arrived unexpectedly. The sight of blood in his urine prompted concern which encouraged him to undergo tests where it was revealed that he had a tumor in his bladder. He embarked on his journey into a cancer diagnosis, marked by uncertainty… Read More

  • Jim’s Story: “It’s been a long journey, but I’ve been hopeful all the time. There is a positive out of this.”

    Blood in the urine led Jim Rieker to a startling discovery: a tumor in his bladder. Diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer, swift action was required. He braced himself for surgery to confront this relentless adversary. However, through his discovery of BCAN, as well as guidance from a bladder cancer survivor… Read More

  • Dean’s Story: “You have to remember that life does not end when you’re diagnosed with bladder cancer.”

    Listen to our interview with Dean on BCAN’s Bladder Cancer Matters podcast: An overseas restroom stop transformed into an unforeseen encounter for Dean Karrel. The presence of blood in his urine hinted at more than a momentary worry. Upon returning to the States, he confronted an unexpected twist in… Read More

  • Bill’s Story: “I am eternally grateful I discovered bladder preservation.”

    The concept of bladder preservation was foreign to Bill Moroney until he received the startling news of a bladder cancer diagnosis following a visit to his family doctor. In the ensuing months, he grappled with a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to comprehend the implications of his diagnosis. Determined to confront the… Read More

  • Colleen’s Story: “I told myself, Okay, I’m going to live in the moment the best that I can and I’m not going to let this stop me.”

    Battling through her bladder cancer diagnosis as a young mother, Colleen found hope and resilience, ultimately embracing a transformative therapy. Amidst her journey, family, friends, and the support of BCAN’s invaluable resources became pillars of strength. This is Colleen’s story: I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May of… Read More

  • Kathy’s Story: “I kept thinking, ‘I am on this train, and I don’t know where I am, and I don’t recognize the scenery of where we are.”

    Upon discovering blood in her urine, Kathy Whilden sensed things weren’t right. To her surprise, she not only faced kidney cancer but also a simultaneous diagnosis of bladder cancer. The revelation was startling, especially considering she hadn’t experienced any discomfort. Recognizing that health challenges might emerge with age, Kathy… Read More

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