My Journey with Bladder Cancer, 10 Years Later

From the good news desk: After 10 years, more than a dozen cystoscopies (I lost count after the 8th one), two major surgeries, a potent blast of chemo and endless anxiety whenever I peed, I am bladder cancer free. My urologist Dr. David Robbins, who has cared for me since this whole journey began in 2016, told me the good news after my recent visit, “We don’t need to follow you,” he said. “We don’t need to torture you anymore.” This was after my last cystoscopy (not a fun procedure which I won’t miss anytime soon.) A few years ago, I posted a detailed account of what led me to see him, the mysterious red specks, his diagnosis, the surgeries and recoveries because bladder cancer is a topic most people, especially men, don’t like to talk about. But former NFL player and current coach Deion Sanders helped changed that last year when he revealed he had an aggressive form of bladder cancer which led to the removal of his bladder, which was replaced with one made from his intestines. I am linking to my previous blog post about my journey but the takeaway then and now is, Please look down at your urine as you pee. Attached is a photo with Dr. Robbins from my recent office visit because I don’t know when I will see him again. Hopefully, not for a long time.