“You Know Your Body”: Ebony’s Story Highlights the Power of Persistence in Cancer Detection
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a time to amplify patient stories that emphasize the importance of early detection, self-advocacy, and listening to your intuition.
Ebony, a 45-year-old mother of three and engineer, was living a healthy and active life when subtle symptoms began—microscopic blood in her urine and unexplained weight gain in her midsection. Despite frequent visits to her doctor, the cause remained elusive. She was told, “maybe that’s just how your body functions now.” But Ebony knew something wasn’t right.
Her persistence eventually led to a diagnosis of high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It was a shock, but also a turning point. Her experience navigating delayed diagnosis, complex treatment, and life with a neobladder underscores a message every patient should hear:
"Don't be fearful of what the outcome can be, because the sooner you find whatever is going on, the sooner you can start treatment."
Ebony’s story is a powerful reminder: you know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, keep asking questions. Push for second opinions. Your life may depend on it.
This Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, let Ebony’s journey encourage others to advocate for their health and trust their instincts—because early detection saves lives.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
