Monique’s Story: “Don’t let it define you.”

20 Years of Impact: 20 Voices of BCAN

For two decades, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) has been a beacon of hope, support, and advocacy for patients and their loved ones. As we celebrate 20 years of collective progress, we honor the voices that have shaped this journey—those who have faced bladder cancer with resilience, and those who have provided unwavering support.

Through our 20 Voices initiative, we are sharing powerful personal stories that highlight the impact of bladder cancer and the strength of our community. These voices reflect the challenges, triumphs, and hope that define BCAN’s mission for better todays and more tomorrows for all those impacted by bladder cancer. 

Monique Lavigne-Patenaude never expected a routine health concern to change her life, but sometimes, the smallest warning signs lead to the biggest challenges. When she first noticed something unusual, it was easy to brush it off—until it refused to be ignored. What started as a minor inconvenience soon unraveled into a journey of resilience, difficult choices, and unexpected support. Through it all, she discovered the true strength within her and the power of the people who stood by her side. Read Monique’s story here:

In February 2006, I was in Texas where we spent our winters since we’re Canadian. That’s when I first noticed blood in my urine. No pain, no discomfort—just blood. I didn’t have a doctor in Texas, so I went to the emergency room. They said it was probably a urinary tract infection (UTI) and gave me antibiotics. The doctor mentioned tests for other possibilities were expensive and might not be covered by insurance. The blood went away, and I didn’t think much of it.

When I returned to Canada in March, everything seemed fine until May, when the blood came back stronger. This time, I went to my family doctor. He said it likely wasn’t a UTI and referred me to a urologist, who I saw in June. The urologist ordered a cystoscopy, which was done in September. By October, I had my results, and the urologist told me it was cancer.

I was stunned. We were preparing to leave for Texas in two weeks and had no home in Canada at the time. I asked if it could wait until April when we planned to return, but the doctor said, “No, this is very aggressive.”

Neighbors in our small community generously offered us a place to stay and winter clothes since we didn’t have any. Our son, who lived in Hamilton, Ontario, suggested we come to stay with him. He told me Hamilton had an excellent cancer hospital, the Juravinski Cancer Centre. We moved in with him, and in November, my treatment began.

I had surgery on November 27, 2006—a radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit. The cancer was already stage four and nearly through the bladder wall, but thankfully, the 20 or 21 lymph nodes they removed were clear. After surgery, I underwent 16 rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy just to be safe.

By May 2007, we returned home. I’ve been cancer-free ever since.

The adjustment took about a year. I was worried it would interfere with things I love like golf, but it didn’t. I even joke now that I can “pee like a man” and laugh about finding a tree to go.

Still, there were challenges. Leakage was a big concern. I carried replacement products everywhere for a long time. About four years ago, I switched from Hollister to Coloplast products, which helped immensely with leakage issues.

I had regular CAT scans for five years after surgery, but once they stopped finding anything. That “no evidence of disease” news is the best thing you can hear.

My husband has been incredible. He insists on helping me change the bag, even though I’m fully capable. He’s my “duty nurse,” always ensuring everything is done properly. His support, along with that of family and friends, made a huge difference.

Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Yes, you cry and ask, “Why me?” at first. But eventually, you realize it’s not the end of the world. Bladder cancer is treatable, especially compared to other cancers.

If you see blood in your urine, don’t ignore it. Even if a doctor says it’s a UTI, get a second opinion. With bladder cancer, there’s often no pain, unlike a UTI, so it’s easy to overlook.

Choose your treatment options carefully. I opted for an ileal conduit because I didn’t want to deal with neobladder issues. Make sure the products you use fit your body’s needs.

I’m 71 now, and cancer hasn’t stopped me from living my life. I still face some challenges—Parkinson’s, which I was diagnosed with two years ago, has slowed me down more than cancer ever did.

But I wake up every day thankful. It’s not the end of the world. There’s hope, and there’s life after a bladder cancer diagnosis. For anyone facing this journey, listen to your doctors, lean on your support system, and don’t let it define you.