Scott’s Story: “I believe I’ll get through this, just like so many others have before me.”

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. 

Scott Lyons went in for a routine checkup, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. No symptoms, no warning signs—just another day, another appointment. But then came the call that changed everything. A few words from his doctor sent him down a path he never saw coming, one filled with unexpected surgeries, tough recoveries, and a battle he never thought he’d have to fight. This is his story of resilience, of finding strength in support, and of facing the unknown head-on. Read Scott’s story here:

I was diagnosed in early April of 2024 during a routine physical. I went in, did the usual checks, and gave a urine sample, something my doctor always requests. The next day, he called me. “There’s blood in your urine,” he said. I hadn’t noticed anything myself. I didn’t feel any differently. No symptoms, no pain. But that phone call set me on a path I never expected—discovering I had bladder cancer.

A CT scan revealed an unusual mass in my bladder, and from there, I was assigned to a urologist. We scheduled a cystoscopy, which confirmed it. A tumor, sitting right on the upper wall of my bladder. My urologist recommended TURBT surgery to remove it, warning me that due to its location, I might need two procedures.

The first surgery was in June 2024, and just as she predicted, I needed a second one later that month to ensure all the cancer was removed. The surgeries weren’t easy, especially the recovery. The bladder is sensitive, and I experienced painful spasms that lasted 20 to 25 seconds at a time. After surgery, I had difficulty urinating and had to use a catheter for a couple of days until my system started working again.

After the surgeries, I started BCG treatments—a six-week course that lasted through late August or early September. It wasn’t always easy. My bladder constantly wanted to expel the treatment, but I got through it. In November, I underwent a three-treatment maintenance round. Then, just a later, my urologist performed another cystoscopy. The cancer was back. Two small nodules. Surgery was scheduled for the following week.

My doctor was up front: “The BCG didn’t work as well as we hoped.” It was disappointing, but I wasn’t entirely shocked. From the beginning, she had told me, “70% of cases like yours come back. You’re not the exception. You’re the rule.” My next step would likely be chemotherapy starting in March. It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I knew I had to keep moving forward.

Following both of my surgeries, I had post-op chemotherapy with gemcitabine. I spent an hour in recovery while it was administered, but other than that, those were the only additional treatments I had received.

Throughout this entire process, I was never alone. My wife, my kids, my friends—everyone rallied around me. I volunteer as a college football coach, and my players and fellow coaches constantly checked in. I had so much support that I almost felt embarrassed by it.

When I first heard the words, “You have cancer,” I wasn’t entirely shocked. I have done my research. I knew something was there, and there weren’t many possibilities besides cancer. Still, when my urologist inserted the scope and said, “There it is, it’s cancer,” it hit me. It looked like a piece of broccoli, she said. Even though I had suspected it, hearing it confirmed was a slap in the face. And then, last Friday, January 10, when she told me it was back, it was the same feeling. A mixture of disappointment and the immediate question: “What’s next?”

If I could give advice to anyone newly diagnosed, I would tell them to push for early screenings. A simple urine test could save lives. Too many people go to their doctors without ever getting tested for blood in their urine. It’s a noninvasive, inexpensive step that could catch bladder cancer before it becomes serious.

Beyond that, I would say find a support group. I discovered BCAN while researching online and was impressed with the resources available. It became a valuable tool in understanding my condition and treatment options. I avoided random blogs and stuck to legitimate sources.

If you’re newly diagnosed, stay calm and do your research. Talk to people who have been through it. I had a friend who had been living with bladder cancer for ten years, and speaking with him helped me understand the road ahead. I explored different treatment options, including ostomy bags and neobladders, so I knew what to expect if my situation ever required more drastic measures. Most importantly, trust your doctors but also ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with your medical team, seek second opinions.

Bladder cancer doesn’t necessarily mean all hope is lost. Yes, it’s always in the back of your mind. Even if you’re declared cancer-free, you wonder, “Is it coming back?” But it doesn’t have to define you. I’ve accepted that this might be a lifelong battle. Maybe someday there will be a breakthrough treatment. Until then, I’ll keep fighting. I’m an optimist—a glass-half-full kind of guy. And I believe I’ll get through this, just like so many others have before me.