Stories

February 10, 2021 is a day I will never forget.  This was the day I was told I had abnormal cells and growths in my bladder, according to the cytology report and cystoscopy.  I was devastated, and my mind was racing to the darkest places I could have… Read More

My bladder cancer story began following minor surgery for vein ablation. After that, I was placed on a blood thinner.  Shortly thereafter, I noticed blood in my urine.  I was referred to a urologist who performed a cystoscopy and discovered what turned out to be a high-grade non-invasive carcinoma-in-situ. Read More

My journey with cancer started 14 years ago when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I had a hysterectomy, and no further treatment was necessary. But after I healed, I experienced intermittent spotting a few times a year. I had it checked out thoroughly, and my oncologist assured me… Read More

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021 at the age of 21. One day I decided to make an appointment to see my OB/GYN because I was having what I thought were painful periods. The doctor did the usual pap smear, which was painful. I have a family history… Read More

Bladder cancer is an insidious disease and has a high rate of recurrence.  Michael Morigi of Staten Island, NY, has had bladder cancer.  And prostate cancer.  Bladder cancer was his first bout with the “Big C.” In 2009, Michael was feeling off.  He described it as a strange, “itchy” feeling… Read More

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in December 2019 at the age of 39. Everything happened pretty fast. Before my diagnosis, I was having what I thought were recurring urinary tract infections for six months. I went to my doctor, and he would prescribe me antibiotics, which did not… Read More

In 2008, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Before my initial diagnosis, I had just started a new job and did not have health insurance when my symptoms appeared. I eventually went to the emergency room, where I received an ultrasound and the ER doctor informed me that they found… Read More

In 1980, I was diagnosed with Reiter’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease consisting of a triad of symptoms, iritis, urethritis, and arthritis. Over the years, individual symptoms would occasionally flare up. My eyes would burn, or my joints would hurt, and if all three flared up simultaneously, I would have… Read More

Although I worked in healthcare for 30 years as a genetic counselor, Melanie was shocked to learn that she had bladder cancer. She told BCAN: Melanie and her husband In 2018, a year before my diagnosis I was having heaviness of the pelvic floor that prompted me to schedule… Read More