Amanda, co sorry to hear this. I would assume that the urologist send the tissue specimens for pathology, which is the only way to be sure exactly what the situation is.
And a second opinion is DEFINITELY called for. I have not been in that position, but my urologist told me when we started our journey together that IF it ever came to bladder removal, he would REQUIRE that I get a second opinion!
You have two excellent choices nearby. Stanford is, of course, top notch and UCSF would be a good second choice. When considering cystectomy (bladder removal) there are a lot of decisions to be made. There are three general types of diversion and there are options for before/after surgery treatment also. It is very important that your husband be aware of all of these before he makes a decision. He also wants to be treated at a center that does LOTS of these surgeries and has LOTS of experience in this area. It is NOT necessarily routine.
Wishing you the best of luck
Sara Anne
