Angela
My journey with bladder cancer began in November 2005 with common symptoms for a UTI (urgency, back pain, etc.). I was placed on an antibiotic, but my symptoms were not relieved. Eventually, the symptoms went away but then reappeared in February when I began having painless gross hematuria in my urine. Because it was painless and inconvenient to go to the doctor, I ignored it.

I researched gross hematuria on the web, and while I saw bladder cancer listed as a cause, I disregarded it since I didn’t have any of the risk factors. After a month, I finally went to my primary care provider who referred me to a urologist.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April 2006 and had three T1G3 tumors removed. Due to the grade and stage of my disease, it was concluded I would have the best chance of survival and quality of life via radical cystectomy. My surgery was June 13, 2006 and I now have a neobladder. My original bladder was also found to have CIS upon removal.

Since surgery, I have enjoyed a wonderful quality of life and feel the radical cystectomy provided the best option for me and my family. I have experienced some hypercontinence, but no complications otherwise, and am looking forward to spending a long, healthy life with my husband and two children.