Patient Highlight
Natasha’s Experience with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Natasha, a bladder cancer patient from Vancouver, British Columbia, reached out to Bladder Cancer Canada to share her story and experience overcoming muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This is her story:
“I was diagnosed around Christmas 2021 when I discovered blood in my urine. Tests showed a very large muscle-invasive tumour, so I began several courses of chemo. Unfortunately, the tumour was so large that it blocked my urethra and I was then fitted with a catheter. The nurse was unable to install it, so a urologist was required to find a smaller fitting catheter that fit properly. However, after nine weeks with the catheter, I got an infection that spread to my kidneys and required surgery.
Holes were drilled into my back attaching my kidneys to tubes that drained my urine. These were removed when I had my bladder removal surgery in November.
My kidneys are now both functioning well, as is my stoma. I wish I had one doctor to see me through the whole process and I wish the doctor had time to listen to my concerns when things were not going well.
My main surgeon, Dr. Leone, was splendid and did an excellent job with all my surgeries. However, while at the Cancer Centre, I had no one to talk to when a problem occurred and I felt like a parcel in the post office sorting machine!
I feel very fortunate to have survived and am doing well with my ostomy. I feel very lucky to have survived to 78 years old so far.”
Sincerely,
Natasha Fiket
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BCC Discusses Canadian Perspectives on Bladder Cancer on BCAN "Bladder Cancer Matters" Podcast
In recognition of World Cancer Day, Bladder Cancer Canada’s Executive Director, Michelle Colero and Communications Specialist, Cassandra Schooley, were invited to join BCAN’s podcast, ‘Bladder Cancer Matters’.
Learn more, and listen to episode 41 of the ‘Bladder Cancer Matters’ podcast HERE.
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Seeking Bladder Cancer Patients to Provide Insights and Share Their Experience
Bladder Cancer Canada is looking for patients to provide input for different studies, including two studies directly conducted by doctors. From clinical trial design to treatment information, these studies are looking to gain insights from Canadians who have previously, or recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
We are recruiting patients who are currently / previously diagnosed with:
- Advanced (metastatic) bladder cancer
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
- Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
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If you would be interested in learning more about the studies and/ or want to share your story with other bladder cancer patients, please click HERE.
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Healthcare Professionals Invited to Apply to Help Address the Unmet Needs of Canadians Living with Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Canada, along with the EMD Serono /Pfizer Alliance are excited to announce the second joint request for proposals (RFP) to support programs aimed at improving the quality of care of people living with bladder cancer and help reduce the gap in funding of high-priority research topics for patients, caregivers, and scientists.
For more information on the joint RFP and how to apply, click HERE.
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BCC Executive Director Michelle Colero Joins WBCPC Board of Directors
Our very own Executive Director, Michelle Colero, will succeed long-time BCC board member, Ken Bagshaw, as a Bladder Cancer Canada Representative.
Click here to learn more. |
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Value of Blue Light Cystoscopy for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Detection
- February 27, 2023
- 7:00 pm EST - 8:00 pm EST
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Join us on Monday, February 27 for the webinar, "Out of the Blue." In this educational session, Dr. Erica Frank and Alex Huang speak to their experiences on becoming advocates and how they discovered the value of Blue Light Cystoscopy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer detection.
This webinar will be hosted in English and offered in French by live interpreter.
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Living an Active Life With and Beyond Bladder Cancer
During this workshop, attendees will learn more about the benefits of physical activity for individuals living with and beyond bladder cancer, tips for becoming and staying active and resources available to support your active living.
Presented by Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary & EXCEL Study Principal Investigator
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For upcoming events, webinars, support group meetings and more, visit our Events Page
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Walk with Us In 2023!
We are getting ready for the annual Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer!
On September 23 and 24, join us as we lace up our sneakers and walk for bladder cancer patients across Canada. Together with family and friends, walk with us to help create a world where bladder cancer is just a memory.
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Meet Natalee
Volunteer Role: Participant Engagement Volunteer (PEV)
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Fun fact about Natalee: I ran in my first marathon this past summer!
Why are you passionate about volunteering for BCC: I started volunteering for BCC because I am very passionate about all things healthcare and was motivated to get involved in an organization that focuses on a subject close to my heart. My grandmother was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer and passed a few years ago. After this, I wanted to make a difference for the better in the lives of individuals who have been affected by Bladder Cancer. I then found BCC and through hearing the stories of others, I am now more inspired than ever to continue helping this cause.
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Welcome to:
Amirhossein Foroughianyazdi, Priyadarshini Sahni, Manpreet Kaur, Jessica Chu, Victoria Hayrabedian & Yasmin Awuah
Are you looking to join our volunteer team?
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• Walk Lead: We are gearing up for the 2023 Canada Walks for Bladder Cancer! Help plan an event in your community!
• Short Term Projects: We currently have a few research projects that we need assistance with. Projects can be done independently and will take approximately 10 hours to complete.
• Student Ambassadors: Students can become leaders within their own schools and help us fulfill our mission!
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Fundraise Your Way for Bladder Cancer Canada
The options are endless - whether it be a neighborhood lemonade stand, school event, or office team-building night. All ideas are welcome. Make an incredible impact on the lives of those living with bladder cancer.
Start your own fundraiser and check out our helpful guides HERE.
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Please join us on social media where we’ll be sharing updates and photos from our bladder cancer community. These social media sites are a great resource for patients, survivors, and caregivers. |
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