Once you have more information from the biopsy of your tumors, you will have a better idea of what's happening and where to go from here. There will be three pieces of information you'll need to know and should be given: (1) type of tumor e.g., transitional cell (the most common type) and its form, e.g., papillary (sticking out from the bladder wall, like a little mushroom); CIS (carcinoma in situ, flat on the bladder wall). (2) Grade: how abnormal the cells look-low grade are close to normal cells, high grade are very "deranged" and abnormal looking. (3) Stage: how far the cancer has penetrated the bladder wall. You should also find out how large the tumors were, as that can also influence treatment recommendations. There is a lot of information on this site that explains all this in more detail.
The procedure for removing tumors is called a TURB or TURBT, and involves excising the tumor from the bladder wall. I'm not quite sure why the term "scrape" is used, which makes it sound something like shaving, which it really isn't. The Dr. will often excise an area surrounding the tumor, and will try to go deeper than he thinks the tumor has progressed. Getting good "margins" both allows for better diagnosis, and also makes it a bit more certain that the Dr. has gotten out everything he/she can. It is common (and often advised) that a second TURB be done some weeks later, to make sure everything was removed, either by the same Dr. or another one if you are seeking a second opinion.
As to the "chemo" the Dr. was going to instill in your bladder, it was not the type of chemo given in other cancer treatments, but most likely something like mitomycin which is often given to stimulate the bladder's immune response. It's not the end of the world you weren't able to get it, but the reason sounds a little odd to me. I can't quite imagine a urologist excising a tumor to the depth that it would potentially compromise the bladder wall and cause leaking of the mitomycin.
I'm not sure how your urologist would know you've had this bladder cancer for a long time. Maybe you should ask him when you go for your follow-up appointment. Xrays would not show bladder cancer; if the tumors are flat (CIS) and they aren't looking closely for them, I'm not sure they would show up on MRI either, but I'm no expert. I presume some of these xrays and MRIs were done in connection with the kidney stones. I had a papillary tumor which was suggestive in an ultrasound exam; followed up with a CT scan which revealed it more clearly; and confirmed by cystoscopic exam. Cystoscopy is really the best way to diagnose bladder cancer. Tests of urine for abnormal cells is also sometimes done, but is less accurate than direct visual examination.
Please come back here after you've learned more. There is a lot of information on the site, and people here who can help with your questions. Even if you just want to "vent" or worry, folks will lend a sympathetic ear since so many of us have gone through what you are going through.
Ann
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