It was the Spring of 2023 when Frank Boyer received the devastating diagnosis of bladder cancer. Despite his initial shock, surrounded by loved ones and guided by his medical team, he embarked on a journey of resilience and determination. Here is his story: “You have cancer,” those are words I certainly did not expect to hear after having a fairly common exploratory procedure last Spring. My doctor had cautioned me that on the off chance the result was signs of cancer, it would likely be in a very early stage. I had no risk factors, was in great health, and lived a very active lifestyle. Yet ..read more

A routine MRI for a work-related injury revealed a jarring presence: a hidden tumor in Brian’s bladder. He had actually had blood in his urine since 2018. Following a transurethral resection of bladder tumor, the diagnosis was clear: bladder cancer. Yet, amidst uncertainty, Brian Trickel found solace in the support of loved ones and BCAN, urging him to share his story: My bladder cancer was detected in March of 2023 when the doctors found a tumor. Before that, the Veterans Administration (VA) had records from 2018 up to now, in which the reports said I had traces of blood in my urine, but non ..read more

Colleen Griffin’s journey began with a puzzling diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Despite treatments, her symptoms persisted. Hope flickered with a mysterious back implant but a month later, strange pains led to a revealing CT scan – bladder cancer. Through chemotherapy and a radical cystectomy, she persevered with unwavering support. Today, she stands as proof of the power of resilience and support in facing life’s mysteries. Here is her story: My medical journey started 15 years ago with a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, and since then I have been no stranger to the urologist. I have h ..read more

During a routine bathroom visit, the sight of very dark urine followed by pure red prompted urgent calls to the urologist and primary care doctor. Confirmatory tests, including X-rays and a cystoscopy, swiftly revealed the truth: a bladder tumor. At that moment, the line between the familiar and the unknown blurred, plunging him into a whirlwind of uncertainty. Here is Ronald’s story: It started back in July of 2020. I went to the bathroom before bed and my urine was brown. It looked like coffee grounds. Then the next time when I got up and urinated, it was just pure red. I called my urologist ..read more

It started with a seemingly innocent symptom: blood in her urine. Initially dismissed as a urinary tract infection by her general practitioner, Anita sought a second opinion in December 2019. By January 2020, the reappearance of blood in her urine prompted an urgent referral to a urologist which led to a turning point in her journey when a cystoscopy revealed a sizable tumor. With a background in animal healthcare, she was familiar with such sights, yet this one, nestled within her, signaling the start of an unexpected journey. Here is Anita’s story: My first symptom of bladder cancer was bloo ..read more

As a caregiver to her husband Larry, their journey took an unexpected turn in 2021 when what they thought was a routine prostate issue turned out to be bladder cancer. Despite initial misdiagnoses, a cystoscopy revealed the presence of a tumor. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of active involvement in appointments and procedures as being crucial for understanding your loved ones’ experience: “Have a frank discussion right up front about what all this means and be clear about what you both want.” Here is her story: Larry was being treated for an enlarged prostate for several years before his bl ..read more

Blood in the urine led James Reiker to a startling discovery: a tumor in his bladder. Diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer, swift action was required. He braced himself for surgery to confront this relentless adversary. However, through his discovery of BCAN, as well as guidance from a bladder cancer survivor in the BCAN community, James was able to face his bladder cancer journey with a hopeful mindset and believes his story can inspire others to do the same: “You can’t worry about what’s going to happen next. You have to accentuate the positive because there are going to be ups and downs ..read more

An overseas restroom stop transformed into an unforeseen encounter for Dean Karrel. The presence of blood in his urine hinted at more than a momentary worry. Upon returning to the States, he confronted an unexpected twist in his life’s path—bladder cancer. Yet, his journey is one of resilience and triumph over unforeseen hurdles. This is Dean’s story: Before November of 2021, I was on a business trip in the UK and was on the Heathrow Express from Heathrow Airport to downtown London. It’s the last place where you want to use a restroom. I was at the Piccadilly station in downtown London and wen ..read more

The concept of bladder preservation was foreign to Bill Moroney until he received the startling news of a bladder cancer diagnosis during a visit to his family doctor. In the ensuing months, he grappled with a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to comprehend the implications of his diagnosis. Determined to confront the challenge, Bill delved headfirst into extensive research on bladder cancer and sought support from various resources. Despite the initial shock, he maintains that his diagnosis hasn’t hindered him from living life to its fullest: “I had a great life before bladder cancer.  A ..read more

Battling through her bladder cancer diagnosis as a young mother, Colleen found hope and resilience, ultimately embracing a transformative therapy. Amidst her journey, family, friends, and the support of BCAN’s invaluable resources became pillars of strength. This is Colleen’s story: I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May of 2022 at 36 years old. I was seven months postpartum with my third child. I had a healthy baby girl in October of 2021. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I had some blood in my urine. My doctors and I presumed this to be associated with cervical change as I neared my deli ..read more