From your description of the path report and your urologist's response to it, it would appear that your cancer is low grade and non-invasive. The usual protocol for dealing with such a diagnosis is to have cystoscopy every three months for about two years, every six months until 5 years have passed, and annually forever UNLESS it returns.
So your urologist's plan is pretty standard.
The path report mentioned the presence of muscle, since that indicates first that the urologist got a pretty good sample during the TURB and that there apparently was no sign of cancer in the muscle, which is good. Sometimes when no muscle is present in the biopsy samples it is necessary to do a second TURB to make sure.
As for the diet, that is for you to decide. IMHO, since it took years for whatever changes caused the cells in your bladder lining to become unstable and turn cancerous, it is a bit of a stretch to assume that diet will have any effect now. That is just MY biased opinion, and not a medical one!! Good nutrition is certainly good for everyone, if that is what is being recommended. If the recommendations include pricey supplements, I would run the other way.
As for a second opinion, that also is for YOU to decide. If your doctor decides that HE wants a second opinion on something that he might have questions about, then he can get one. IF on the other hand, you feel uncomfortable with what you are being told or unsure of the treatment options being presented, you can get a second opinion any time you want. Also, if you are not comfortable with a doctor for any reason, you should be free to find a different one. Not every doctor is right for every patient. You will be dealing with your urologist for years so you want one you have confidence in and you answers your concerns.
Even with all the "ifs" listed above, if I am summarized your path report correctly, you have about as good a diagnosis of bladder cancer as you can get.
Sara Anne
