Bladder Cancer Stories: Seeking Diagnosis, Radical Cystectomy, Chemotherapy and Recovery

A Cancer diagnosis challenges and changes you and the people who care for you in very many ways. Strangely, not all of them are bad. I don't believe you are powerless in the face of even the most devastating news. We are all going to die, that's for sure but, like almost everyone, I'm dedicated to holding that day off as long as possible. The hard work was done by the surgeons and oncologists of course. I could honour their efforts by doing my best to live a long and happy life. I had the feeling that if I'd put those damaging system overloads which contributed to my cancer in, I stood a chance of at least partly taking them back out. It doesn't matter whether that's true or whether anyone believes that there's any scientific basis in these beliefs. Some people pray to their gods for a good outcome ... I was prepared to make changes. This is my story from a desperate search for answers through diagnosis, Radical Cystectomy and Chemotherapy. It's a story with a happy ending because I'm here to write it nearly 5 years later. Your diagnosis may be different, your treatment plan may be different but I hope you find some reassurance in these pages. And I hope you find the medical help and the love and support that you need. If you have blood in your urine and even mild discomfort run, don't walk, and ask your doctor for a blood test, a scan and cystoscopy.