Jonathan Mills

I was diagnosed with stage 3 muscle-invasive bladder cancer in February 2024 and began chemotherapy immediately. Unfortunately very early on it was clear that bladder removal surgery would be needed. A full cystoprostatectomy was booked for June 2024; it was performed using the Di Vinci surgical robot and was a great success. I was then left with a permanent urostomy. During a routine CT scan in February 2025 further tumors were spotted and caused concern. Following further CT and PET CT scans and two biopsy surgeries, I was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer. The main tumor was in my left kidney and associated lymph nodes, including my supraclavicular lymph nodes. Surgeons made the decision to cancel my kidney removal surgery given the spread of the cancer. Immediately I began a combination therapy treatment plan. This treatment is proving to be very challenging due to the known and well-documented side effects – but my CT scans show it is working. I am a single guy and live with my elderly parents in Crowthorne, Berkshire, a small village located to the west of London in England. I enjoy going to the gym, walking and am a massive football fan (soccer) – I regularly attend multiple games in a week. Despite my diagnosis I always try to remain positive and still love to socialize with friends as much as I can.