Hogans,
All of us here with bladder cancer started out as concerned and confused, and found some answers and hope here. We all start off not understand all the terms and options that are considered. As a patient also, all I can offer is my thoughts - perhaps suggest some sources and some questions for your doctors.
It sounds like you are suspected of having early stage, caught early, non-invasive BC (bladder cancer) , often called 'superficial bladder cancer. Caught early and treated, the outlook is very good. The trouble with BC is that it tends to come back and need additional treatment, thus you may need follow ups for years. It sounds like you are in a good place to be, everything considered.
A couple of terms you use seem to conflict. If, like me, after the word 'cancer' was spoken, the rest may have gotten kind of fuzzy.
One of the next steps is to take bladder biopsies. Tissue will be sent to pathology to determine the stage and grade of the cancer, which will help determine future treatment options. Often done as an outpatient, under sedation, the visible cancer is removed in a surgical procedure called a TURBT - Transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
Quoting from the source provided below:
"Transurethral resection (TUR) with fulguration: Surgery in which a cystoscope (a thin lighted tube) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. A tool with a small wire loop on the end is then used to remove the cancer or to burn the tumor away with high-energy electricity. This is known as fulguration."
A partial cystectomy is a different procedure from a TURBT. I'm not sure what is implied. You can read the difference in the document below.
You will know much more once the TURBT is done and the pathologist has reported. You are at the beginning stage of being treated - the information gathering stage.
You can read lots of ideas on the net. Stick to major reliable sources such as major cancer treatment hospital pages. The source below is from Cancer.Gov it has a lot of background info on many pages and describes a whole range of issues. Individual treatment will vary.
This is a good site to come back to with specific questions and ask about what others have experienced. There are people here who have dealing with BC far longer than me who I have found very helpful. BUT always take your questions and concerns to your doctor, and make sure your questions are completely answered.
One starting point for information:
www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/patient/bladder-treatment-pdq
Best,
Jack
