Patient Highlight: Reclaiming Life Post Bladder Cancer and Overcoming Challenges with Neo-Bladder, Gladus

Like many people, Pat discovered she had bladder cancer almost by accident. In the summer of 2016, Pat went to hospital with nausea and stomach pain. It was a kidney stone. While treating the stone, her medical team discovered spots on her bladder and suggested a follow up.

Other priorities meant the follow up was delayed until October, when a large tumour was discovered. By December 1, Pat was diagnosed with an aggressive muscle-invasive tumour, T2 and high-grade.

“What kept me calm after hearing my diagnosis,” recalls Pat, “Was my doctor telling me that bladder cancer is one of the best kinds to have because it’s treatable.” From that point, things moved quickly.

Just 13 days after the diagnosis, Pat met with her surgeon, Dr. Luke Lavallee, and then her oncologist at the Ottawa Cancer Centre the next day.

Dr. Lavallee outlined her options for surgery: chemotherapy (which was not an ideal experience for Pat, who suffered many side effects), followed by an ileal conduit or a neobladder. But first, Pat needed some support to help her make a decision. She turned to Bladder Cancer Canada.

“Bladder Cancer Canada provided me with the people to call to hear about their experiences with the ileal conduit and the neobladder. I also went to church and asked God for guidance.”

Medical staff at the Ottawa Hospital Urology Clinic put Pat in touch with the Ottawa Bladder Cancer Support Group.

“The support group was an important part of my cancer journey,” says Pat. “Everyone came from different backgrounds, were going through different types and stages of bladder cancer. I thought: ‘Look, they are all doing great!’ It was really, and still continues to be, a wonderful experience.”

Family support was also key. “My husband was an amazing support,” says Pat. “Bladder cancer is a very difficult thing to go through and I was very fortunate to have his support. When I came home [Pat chose the neobladder surgery, which was done April 3, 2017 in Ottawa], he took over all the medical and household duties, including flushing my catheter and sterilizations.”

Pat’s son and husband were there for her throughout the whole process, including her first appointment with the surgeon. “There was a ton of information to be shared, which can be overwhelming. To have them both there was a great comfort.” Through her journey, Pat’s daughter-in-law was also a strong supporter.

Today, at 72, Pat has been cancer free for more than six years. She calls her neobladder Gladus, “Because I’m glad she was created and she was glad to be created,” says Pat. “Now Gladus runs the show. For example, I used to hate drinking water. Now I drink lots of water. I’ve learned to live with Gladus, and she’s learned to live with me. She’s still the boss, but I live a very normal lifestyle.”

She’s an active walker who can walk 7 km, does line dancing, goes white-water rafting with her grandchildren and travels. The whole family, including those grandchildren, take part in the annual Bladder Cancer Canada walk in Ottawa every year.

“I dedicate my time to the walk, because without the help of Bladder Cancer Canada, and the research they support, I would not have my neobladder. They help to get the word out there and raise awareness of bladder cancer. Being a bladder cancer patient myself, I think that’s very important. I was able to get the support I needed thanks to the Ottawa Bladder Cancer Support Group.”

Pat is an active fundraiser and has supported Bladder Cancer Canada as a volunteer, hosting awareness tables in Ottawa, and as a One2One Peer Support Volunteer, speaking to patients and providing support to newly diagnosed patients seeking guidance. As part of her involvement with the Ottawa Support Group, she was able to help develop resources for female patients.

Pat truly believes in paying it forward. “I am so thankful someone was there for me, so I’m happy to be there for someone else.”