Karen’s Bladder Cancer Story | How I’ve Advocated for My Health | The Patient Story

When Karen R. was just 19, she was shot in an armed robbery and became paraplegic. Because of her paralysis, she catheterizes several times a day, which eventually led to recurrent UTIs. And after a cluster of kidney stones and a failed lithotripsy, doctors discovered a tumor.
In this conversation, Karen shares how she fought to feel heard by her doctors, how she advocated for her health and how she’s overcome the mental strain of her diagnosis.
The interview has only been edited for clarity.
Full story & transcript → www.thepatientstory.com/patie...
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[@annettehenry2083]

What an articulate and intelligent lady, may you have a long and happy future ahead of you. Congratulations to you both on your engagement.

[@davdav3945]

My hubby is a doctor and both of us got misdiagnosed twice, so we always check and read a lot. Well done and warm wishes from Germany 🍀🍀🍀

[@helenbotelho285]

You're a strong, beautiful woman. Thanks for sharing!

[@sandpiperca4722]

So happy your treatment is progressing and going so well for you. May your cancer continue NOT not to slow your life down. 💪🏻👍🏻💋💋🥰

[@betsyeberle8116]

Thanks for sharing!! I’m having so much trouble with doctors and have lost trust in them. You’ve encouraged me to take a breath & then start again.

[@barbaravyse660]

You have such a beautiful smile. I wish you all the best. 🙏🏼

[@helenpaul4886]

Amazing woman…an inspiration

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Thanks for sharing You are a beautiful Lady Warm Hugs 🤗

[@crystalhale9018]

Amazing person I have bladder cancer and I needed to hear your story. Thank you ❤️🙏😇

[@barbarameehan113]

You are an inspiration to those who are fighting the cancer battle. Thank you for your honesty and your knowledge.

[@kirkgorman5724]

Your are such an inspiration. I am a patient as well. The attitude you portray is what it takes to deal with this condition. Thank you very much.

[@Dublin1008]

You are a beautiful woman in and out! You have gone through so much. I wish you all the best❤

[@user-tf5yw7dj3y]

God bless u

[@a-k6575]

Oh, my what excruciating life-threatening experiences you have been through, however I could not overhear at 17:06 you said "always being a good girl and being scared to death of your parents kind of always being a good kid". Boundaries as I regard them are set to safeguard us as minors but being scared is not the same. There is yet heaps to let go of, you have started the journey of letting go by advocating for yourself. You are a very strong young woman.

[@itsmeterri]

Amen

[@k9khodi363]

This woman has suffered so much. She is amazing.

[@sdd123]

Prayers for your continued recovery.❤❤❤

[@kimgibbs8143]

I like you believe that a positive attitude goes a long way in life. Thank you for having the strength to believe in yourself and knowledge to get the best care for yourself. I’m advocating for my mother at present who is going in for a resection on Thursday. Don’t know what stage yet but fingers crossed. Doing my research and found a lot of great info from people like yourself. X

[@rosiepeakman2778]

Amazing lady

[@corinadaschievici1925]

Beautiful!

[@elainecartwright1793]

Your a strong beautiful lady I wish I had you strength your intelligent and you let doctors no what was what well done I wish you all the happiness you deserve love from England ❤

[@heatherish0588]

I am scheduled for a radical cystectomy in about 10 days. Im about the same age as this woman, I'm 54. I hadnt really thought there may be a better option, but she said she didn't want to lose her bladder at this age. This is making me second guess things.

[@suez5468]

Hi sweetie I am inspired by your strength and courage. Your amazing. I had muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2019 high grade as well. I had my bladder, uterus, appendix and lymph nodes removed. I now have a neo bladder and I can only empty by self cathing. I still struggle with continuing UTIs and we don’t know why. I also now have chronic kidney disease stage 3B. How do you manage your UTIs?

[@sandilobianco6734]

God bless Karen. She knows!

[@mariasullivan577]

❤❤❤

[@tieraholligan2028]

Have you gave your life to Jesus Christ yet, he’s waiting for you, he loves and cares for you, Jesus is also coming back again we are living in the last days, tomorrow is not promised to no Man, repent from your sins and be saved, acknowledge your sins, confess your sins and be saved while we still have time. No matter what your going through Jesus is the answer to your problems. God Bless You

[@donnabare2337]

Amen!

[@marloulman104]

Not everyone has the same religious or spiritual path. I think we need to be both sensitive & respectful of this. Especially when dealing with cancer!

[@Ceerads]

Btw, it’s “given,” not “gave.” 🤮