Michael’s Experience with Stage 1 Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (High-Grade)
Michael offers a glimpse into his life after he was diagnosed with stage 1 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2023. It all started with an urgent and frequent need to rush to the bathroom, even while he was in the middle of a conversation, and a burning sensation during urination. He had already been known for needing to urinate more frequently than others. In retrospect, these symptoms raised questions about missed early signs.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Michael had an uncomfortable first foray into the unfamiliar world of urology. He felt out of place in waiting rooms filled with older patients. Tests, including a CT scan and a cystoscopy, revealed a suspicious spot in his bladder. They led to his first TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) treatment. He was ultimately diagnosed with non-invasive, high-grade, stage 1 bladder cancer.
Michael was stunned to read the dreaded word ‘carcinoma’ in his report. He and his wife had to wait through the holiday season for this confirmation, which made his diagnosis even harder to take. But his family and friends rallied around him and helped him manage his emotional and logistical challenges. His wife, for example, pushed for and successfully got quicker appointments for him.
Aside from several TURBT sessions, Michael’s treatment for stage 1 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer included BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) treatments. (Editor’s Note: BCG treatments deliver special immunotherapy drugs directly to the bladder through a catheter. They trigger an inflammatory response that prevents the tumor from returning.) These treatments came with tough side effects, like flu-like symptoms. But Michael was determined to keep his and his family’s life as normal as he could. For instance, he insisted on attending family activities even though he had to collapse into bed afterwards.
Michael’s advocacy extends beyond his personal experience. He shares his story on TikTok, offering support and information to other bladder cancer patients. He’s frank and open about his experience — the emotional toll, the constant worry with every bathroom visit, and the anxiety surrounding follow-up visits to the doctor. His strength and commitment to living happily and fully despite bladder cancer are inspiring.
Watch Michael’s non-muscle invasive bladder cancer story and take a deep dive into:
- How seeing the word “carcinoma” changed everything
- When Michael’s wife became his greatest healthcare advocate
- How he touches the lives of fellow bladder cancer patients
- The support that carried Michael through
- How his story proves that bladder cancer isn’t just an older person’s disease
- Name:
- Michael V.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 46
- Diagnosis:
- Bladder Cancer (Non-Invasive High-Grade Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma or HGPUC)
- Staging:
- Stage 1
- Symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Treatments:
- Surgery: Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor or TURBT
- Immunotherapy: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG Treatment
This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
Inspired by Michael’s story?
Share your story, too!
More Bladder Cancer Stories
Lori M., Bladder Cancer, Stage 4 (Metastatic)
Symptoms: Stomach issues resembling food poisoning, extreme lower back pain, dramatic weight loss, declining kidney function, inability to eat
Treatments: Surgery (nephrectomy), chemotherapy, immunotherapy
Tony S., Bladder Cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder)
Symptoms: Gross hematuria (visible blood in urine), abdominal cramping and extreme fatigue during exercise
Treatments: Surgeries (nephrectomy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor or TURBT), chemotherapy (gemcitabine)
Lyn U., Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC)
Symptom: Blood in urine
Treatments: Surgeries (transurethral resection of bladder tumor, thyroidectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy
John M., Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer, Stage T2
Symptoms: Intermittent appearance of blood in urine or hematuria
Treatments: Surgeries (radical cystectomy, splenectomy, ileal conduit urinary diversion), chemotherapy
Laurent Gemenick, Bladder Cancer
Symptom: Presence of blood in urine
Treatment: Surgery: transurethral resection of bladder tumor or TURBT
Jon T., Locally Advanced Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Symptom: Darkening urine, blood in urine, dull right flank pain
Treatments: Surgery(transurethral resection of bladder tumor or TURBT), antibody-drug conjugate, chemotherapy
Leave a Reply