Welcome to the Forum, even though you probably do not want to be here! Please remember as you go through this that even if it IS bladder cancer, many bladder cancers are very treatable.
While the urologist may think that it is cancer from his experience, no one can be sure until the pathology report comes back after your TURB. And remember that this can take up to a week. The pathology report will tell the
urologist and you whether or not it is cancer and what kind, whether it is low grade (slow growing) or high grade (rapidly growing), and if it has penetrated the muscle. BE SURE TO ASK FOR A COPY OF THE PATHOLOGY REPORT FOR YOUR RECORDS. Only after your doctor and you have this information will you know what the treatment options might be.
If it is non-invasive and low grade, the only "treatment" is usually every three month cystoscopy exams. The frequency of these exams is because this type of cancer does have a habit of returning and if it does you want it to be caught immediately. If it is non-invasive and high grade, the recommendation will probably be for immunotherapy with BCG. This is very "do-able," but you don't need all the details until you know if it applies in your case.
I was diagnosed with high grade CIS (a form of bladder cancer that is sort of like a rash on the bladder lining) over 9 years ago, had BCG treatments and have no sign of the cancer.
Please let us know how the TURB comes out. And feel free to ask any questions you may have. We have all been where you are now!
Wishing you all the best
Sara Anne
