Bladder Cancer Survivor
Monica Austin Cox was diagnosed with Stage Ta noninvasive papillary carcinoma in 2005
"At the age of 30, I was diagnosed with low-grade non-invasive bladder cancer. My gynecologist felt something during my examination and ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed there was something in my bladder. After further testing, I was told that I had bladder cancer. After digesting the shocking news, I started to research and educate myself about bladder cancer. Thankfully, I came across the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) via the internet. BCAN became a very vital resource for me in educating myself, my family, and the community about bladder cancer.
“It’s been approximately 20 years since I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Even though I’m required to have lifelong surveillance check-ups, I am surviving and thriving after bladder cancer.
“My outlook on life has changed tremendously. I try to live each day to its fullest, exercise more, and eliminate as much stress as I can. The connection with (BCAN) has been a beacon of hope over the past 20 years. I became a patient advocate, organizer of the annual walk to end bladder cancer, and the president of the Richmond, Virginia, BCAN chapter. In addition, this connection has allowed me to share my journey to create a sense of connection, to offer hope, and to give someone the courage to face their own challenges.”
