Scott’s Story: “Stay positive, take things one step at a time, and trust that there’s hope ahead.”

Scott Wiley thought the changes he was experiencing were simply part of getting older, until a routine cystoscopy revealed something troubling. What followed was an unexpected journey marked by second opinions, treatment during the pandemic, personal loss and hard-earned hope. With the support of his family and the BCAN community, Scott’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and learning to face the unknown one step at a time. This is his story:

I didn’t realize I had symptoms, at least not ones I recognized as bladder cancer symptoms. Looking back, it all makes sense now, but at the time, I just thought I was dealing with getting older. I was getting up more frequently at night to urinate, so I went to a urologist to see if anything could be done about it.

During a cystoscopy, the doctor said, “I can’t be 100% certain, but it looks like I’m seeing multiple cysts that I think are cancer.” That’s how I found out. I remember sitting there trying to make sense of it. Later, I realized there had been a few other signs, some back pain, and as a runner, a couple of times I noticed a little blood in my urine, but it would go away, so I never connected the dots.

After the initial diagnosis, I went for a second opinion. The first urologist wanted to go straight into surgery and then follow with chemotherapy. However, the second doctor, who was affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, a world-class medical facility, suggested that we take a more measured approach. He said, “We can always do that later. Let’s see if there are other options first.” I appreciated that perspective and decided to continue treatment under his care.

I had my first TURBT surgery, and the pathology results came back as non-invasive, high-grade carcinoma, which led to six weeks of BCG immunotherapy. This was October 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. The whole experience was strange: masks everywhere, no visitors allowed. My wife couldn’t even come with me to my treatments. She had been there for my surgery, but otherwise, I was on my own in the waiting room. During this time, while in the follow up series of BCG immunotherapy treatments, my mother passed away at the beginning of 2021. Her loss and the uncertainty ahead left me overwhelmed.

After the first six weeks of BCG, I was scoped again in March 2021 and learned that there were still some cysts left, some cancer that had been missed in the initial surgery. So, I had a second TURBT and another round of BCG. By August 2021, my scans were looking good, and I did three more rounds of maintenance treatments that carried me into September 2021.

Since then, my follow-ups have steadily improved. I went from being scoped every three months to every six, and now, as of my most recent visit in September 2025, I only have to go once a year. I can’t officially say I’m cancer-free, but there’s been no recurrence, and I’m hopeful it stays that way.

Emotionally, it was tough. When you first hear “you have cancer,” a million thoughts flood your mind: Am I going to die? What about my family? My wife? My kids? At the time, my third grandchild had just been born. She’s two now, and I remember thinking, I might miss all of this. That fear hits hard.

Still, I know I’m lucky. My diagnosis wasn’t as severe as others. I didn’t have to have my bladder removed or reconstructed, as some patients do. I remind myself every day how fortunate I am.

The treatments weren’t easy. I came home from my first surgery with a catheter and tried to move around the house like normal. I even kept working through my BCG treatments; most days, I didn’t take any time off. I’d go in for treatment in the morning and then head straight to work. I didn’t tell many people at first. You’re not always sure what to say or how people will react. Over time, though, I realized how important it was to acknowledge what I was going through.

I had incredible support from my wife and my two daughters. All three of them work in the medical field, so they understood what was happening in a way that comforted me. My youngest daughter is a doctor, and she came home for my first surgery to help take care of me. Having all of my family by my side made a huge difference.

I first learned about the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) through Facebook. I started reading survivor stories and watching webinars, and it helped me feel connected, to know there’s a whole community out there going through similar experiences. Not everyone has access to the kind of care I did at the Cleveland Clinic, so resources like BCAN really matter. They make sure people everywhere can find information, support and hope.

If I could offer advice to someone newly diagnosed, I’d say: Get a second opinion, or even a third. Find a doctor you trust, someone whose personality and approach fit with yours, because it’s a long road and you need to feel comfortable with your care team. Educate yourself by reading everything you can. There’s new information coming out all the time, and knowledge gives you strength.

If I could go back and talk to the version of me who just got the diagnosis, I’d say: Don’t be so afraid. The unknown is terrifying, but you can’t control everything. What you can control is your outlook. Stay positive, take things one step at a time and trust that there’s hope ahead.