Lisa
2003 brought with it many changes, one of which has shaped me into an entirely different person. That year kept me busy, as my son was only a newborn and my marriage was adapting to our new addition. Naturally, I was tired, as any new mother would be, but my exhaustion took on a new form later in the year. I began feeling tired and increasingly achy, especially in my lower pelvic region. Since I had endured a lengthy and difficult labor, to be followed by a Caesarean section, it was not surprising to the doctor that I might be sore and tired. Additionally, I had several bouts with kidney stones during my pregnancy, so blood in my urine from time to time was attributed to a possible recurrence of stones or bladder infections. Two very obvious symptoms of bladder cancer, bloody urine and pain, were overlooked repeatedly, due to the fact that I had a history of kidney stones, I was a young female, and a non-smoker. Cancer was not even a blip on the radar screen.

 My pain and exhaustion persisted, and likewise, I persisted to question what could possibly be going on? I went through a handful of doctors and explanations, none of which suited me in the least. Finally, one doctor listened to my concerns and found a growth in my bladder. I was referred to a urologist, who removed the growth (by the TURB), and found it to be a stage one, non-invasive, papillary carcinoma.  When the doctor seemed to dismiss my concerns about having bladder cancer, I found another urologist, who specializes in bladder .  This doctor now handles my regular monitoring, and from him, I have learned legions of relevant information, leaving me with a sense of empowerment and control.

 I continue to be cancer free, and now have a cystoscopy only on an annual basis. I don’t think I’ll ever stop concerning myself with the possibility of recurrence. Cancer affects people in ways that really cannot be erased from the mind. I know that I was very, very lucky to have found the tumor so early.  It is now my responsibility to be strong, for myself, for my son, for family and friends. Instead of fearing cancer so much, it has been my mission to understand more about it and to be as educated as possible.