Well, he sure piled a lot on your plate at once!!!
My guess at an interpretation? When the urologist did the cystoscopy, he saw what looked like a tumor...the kind that is usually low grade. However, it will only be after he removes the tumor and a pathologist examines it, that he/you will know for sure.
Probably the surgery you will be having is a TURB (trans urethral resection of the bladder). In this procedure, the urologist will carefully examine the lining of the bladder and take samples to send to the pathologist. He will also try to completely remove whatever tumor he finds.
The procedure itself is not bad...and is usually a bit easier on women than men. I have had it twice and neither time was it necessary for me to have a catheter...your case may be a bit different. You will be asleep during it, so won't feel a thing.
About a week after the TURB, you will sit down with your urologist and discuss the findings. Only then will you really know what you are facing, and be able to start making some decisions about your treatment.
Meanwhile, you have time to really educate yourself. An informed patient is a GOOD patient!! Go to our home page, and at the very top, under "HELP", are several tabs. As you click on these, you will find lots of information about bladder cancer. It is a lot to digest at one time, so take it slowly, with a cup of tea!!! If you have any questions, please be sure to ask us.
Remember that most bladder cancer is very treatable; it does tend to come back, which is why your urologist said that you were going to be friends for a long time! Probably you will be having exams every three months for a while, then every six months, then...
Good Luck to you
Sara Anne