Update:
I sought a 2nd opinion re: my treatment options for Ta G3 tumor. The urologist/oncologist I consulted recommended:
1) CT scan (Kidney Triphasic [includes pelvis])
2) TURBT with retrograde
3) If no invasive cancer found, 6 weeks BCG
My question is, the 2nd opinion doc referred to T1 as invasive BC. My other doctor refers to it as noninvasive, like Ta. Apparently, the 2nd opinion doc is of the mind that if you have T1 Gr 3, the bladder should come out. I was rather shocked to consult him re: noninvasive cancer and have him mention taking the bladder out about 4 times in 15 minutes. As far as anyone knows, I don't have T1, I have Ta! It was almost like he was assuming he would find invasion if he did a TUR, at least as he defined invasive. He would hardly talk to me about noninvasive treatment options, just kept saying "Let's see what we find." He then did a cystoscopy and saw a suspicious spot on the bladder wall that was not mentioned by my urologist.
My urologist recommends BCG, cystoscopy in 3 months and 6 months, and take it from there depending on what, if anything, is found. The 2nd opinion guy recommends the TUR, then the BCG, unless high grade T1 is found.
So now I don't know what to do; I have two opposing opinions. The stress of trying to make this decision is getting to me.
Meanwhile, I still don't have the 2nd opinion on my pathology because my urologist's office screwed up the paperwork. My urologist is out of the country. So I'm still waiting on that. I understand Bostwick Laboratories are excellent uropathologists, so I'm not really expecting a 2nd opinion to say it's G2 instead of G3, though I'm hoping against hope.
Have others diagnosed with TaG3 been advised to get a CT scan? Retrograde? I don't think it's safe to get a lot of CT scans, and I've had a few for other reasons, so I try to avoid them, if possible. Wouldn't it make more sense to hold off on the CT scan unless T1 is found? Just wondering.
One other thing. The 2nd opinion guy was so rough with the cystoscopy that I could hardly urinate for 24 hours afterwards. Normally I have no pain or problems after a cysto. I have to wonder how I'd feel after a TUR with this doc.
Connie