Non-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
Share Your Story
  • Brian’s Story

    A routine MRI for a work-related injury revealed a jarring presence: a hidden tumor in Brian’s bladder. He had actually had blood in his urine since 2018. Following a transurethral resection of bladder tumor, the diagnosis was clear: bladder cancer. Yet, amidst uncertainty, Brian Trickel found solace in the support… Read More
  • Colleen’s Story: “It is important to take each day as it comes because the obstacles seem insurmountable in the beginning.”

    Colleen Griffin’s journey began with a puzzling diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Despite treatments, her symptoms persisted. Hope flickered with a mysterious back implant but a month later, strange pains led to a revealing CT scan – bladder cancer. Through chemotherapy and a radical cystectomy, she persevered with unwavering support. Today,… Read More
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • David’s Story: “Make your first shot your best shot, even if it’s going to be a harder route.”

    An annual check-up took a distressing turn when David Klaus unexpectedly received a bladder cancer diagnosis. The discovery of blood in his urine had initially raised his concerns, but he never anticipated such a diagnosis. Despite the challenges he has encountered along his bladder cancer journey, he imparts a valuable… Read More
  • Len’s Story: “I noticed blood in my urine, and I said, This is really not good, period.”

    A bladder cancer diagnosis was the last thing Len Magnus expected to hear after seeing blood in his urine. His journey has not been easy, filled with many medical procedures, but he believes one of the things that helped him overcome his diagnosis was being able to be part of… Read More