Let’s count our IP blessings.

Let’s count our IP blessings.

            A recent post on another blog site consisted of a lamentation about the misery of bladder cancer, of having to wear a bag, etc., etc. It’s likely that all cancer victims, even long-term survivors who are safely out of the woods, have experienced anger, sadness, guilt, frustration and even depression at various stages of the illness.

            I am not a Pollyanna. On the other hand, when I consider that for most IP-ers, life is pretty normal except for a cumulative one hour a day (about 6 cathing episodes, each requiring roughly ten minutes). Having to haul around the items that we need, even when going out to a restaurant or a movie, the occasional leak – that usually occurs when we don’t expect it – and even the loss of sexual function are a good deal less important than being around for a few more years to enjoy a grandchild’s giggle, an evening with friends, a walk along the beach, the opportunity to write a memoir or the zillion things that call forth an attitude of gratitude.

            I also recognize that some of us have to contend with radiation, chemotherapy, big-time leaks, stones in the pouch, infection and stoma issues. A century ago, bladder cancer patients would have gladly endured each of these, or all of them, to hear a few more of those kiddie giggles.