This diary entry from our partner, Treatment Diaries, is from a man diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer in 2000.

Diary Entry:

A year ago, my life changed significantly…I was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. Later it was determined prostate cancer had also joined the party (need to limit those medical malady invites).   The prior 12 months allowed me to  experience (against my better judgement) life’s highs, lows and a great deal of uncertainty. But with support of friends, their prayers, a positive mindset, humor, access to an incredible medical staff, and an extremely supportive wife, I’ve continued to stay upright.  Manage to stay upright despite; 12 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin sucks), bladder removal/reconstruction, losing 30 pounds in 2.5 weeks post bladder surgery, an inability to taste food during the holidays (not to mention I couldn’t drink), a dreadful winter, multiple catheters and pills, lots of pills.   Now that I think about it….I didn’t have a good time.

This week my last three month consult was completed. All the news received was the best I could hope for….no indication of cancer at this time. Now I am no longer a patient, but a patient/survivor who should share his experience with others. To all of you who posted to my diary…..THANK YOU!!  I can only hope to do the same for others!