Bladder Cancer Awareness

I am a 2.5-year survivor of Stage 3a Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder. I was having urinary urgency issues and was extremely tired all the time. These were my only symptoms. As soon as it was located, I was off on a flurry of many different appointments. They thought the cancer might have been a secondary tumor as this type of cancer is very rare in the bladder, but it wasn't. It was found to have traveled to one lymph node. I had an excellent surgeon who was able to remove all the cancer with good margins in radical cysectomy, and I also had a full hysterectomy and several lymph nodes removed. I was given an ileal conduit or stoma as I lost the entire bladder. I now have to wear urostomy pouches. They think the cancer was from smoking, as I'm in relatively good health and being 49 at the time (so young). As my cancer is rare, reoccurring, and aggressive, I wasn't given the best outlook. So, I try to live for each day and strive for happiness. Making jewelry is therapeutic, and it brings me joy to see other people enjoying the things I've created. And I encourage everyone to try to stress less and focus on and find enjoyment with their lives. Life is to short, and anything can happen. Be mindful about yourself and your body. Don't wait to get medical care if you think something is wrong. The sooner you catch these things, the better off you'll be. Thx for taking the time to read. Hug someone you love.