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Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

“It is our hope that the My Bladder Cancer Story campaign will be an avenue for those affected by bladder cancer to share their stories to be a voice for those who, for far too long, have felt alone in this fight against this disease.”

Andrea Maddox-Smith, BCAN CEO
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  • Gary and Cecilia: Be Thankful That Every Day is Another Day of Success

    BCAN had the pleasure of speaking with Gary and Cecilia DeVore. Gary was diagnosed with stage three muscle-invasive bladder cancer in January 2021. The DeVores shed light on their journey from a caregiver and patient point of view. BCAN: What symptoms did you experience before your diagnosis? Gary: I noticed… Read More

  • Sebrena’s Story: Bladder Cancer Turned Into “Resolution”

    Editor’s note: BCAN had the pleasure of speaking with Sebrena on her bladder cancer diagnosis anniversary. When asked how she felt about being a one-year survivor, she stated “I am stronger in one sense, but the struggle is still present.”  This is her story. In March 2022, I noticed… Read More

  • Steve’s Journey: From Agent Orange to a Radical Cystectomy

    My journey with bladder cancer began in October 2017 at the age of 70. Being a Vietnam War veteran exposed to Agent Orange, I cannot help but think that may have played a role in my diagnosis. Before finding out that I had bladder cancer, I had mild symptoms. There… Read More

  • Walter Had Stage IV, Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

    Before his Stage IV bladder cancer diagnosis, Walter was healthy but when we could return home from the gym, there was blood in his urine. He knew that something was wrong, but he did not suspect bladder cancer. Read More

  • Krisztina Walks for Bladder Cancer Patients

    Krisztina Emodi is a nurse practitioner at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).  She works very closely with Dr. Sima Porten, a urologic cancer surgeon, a researcher at UCSF and a 2022 Walk to End Bladder Cancer ambassador. Krisztina Emodi Krisztina and Dr. Porten have been involved… Read More

  • Allen’s Story: Anger, Denial, Then Acceptance

    In March of 2014, I was diagnosed with stage two bladder cancer. I went in for my annual check-up with my general practitioner and he saw something in my blood work that he did not like, so he requested I do another blood draw. During the next six weeks, I… Read More

  • Lionel’s Story: A Great Life with a Neobladder, 25 Years Later

    Lionel Cohen is a 25-year bladder cancer survivor and credits his longevity to his decision to opt for a neobladder more than two decades ago, and also to the skill and expertise of Dr. Gary Steinberg, his surgeon. Lionel was diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in 1997 at… Read More

  • Robert’s Story: My Mind Was Racing to the Darkest Places I Could Have Ever Imagined

    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

  • Don’s Story: Don’t Be Alone on Your Bladder Cancer Journey

    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

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