Carol99,
So sorry for your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in my left kidney via biopsy. I had the kidney removed but the ureter remained. At the time, the margins were clear of cancer. However, once removed the kidney pathology indicated urethelial (bladder) cancer. I recovered for 6 weeks and sought out a second opinion.
During that time, the ureter had become fully consumed by cancer and I had cancer tumors in the bladder. The ureter was removed and I went through 6 weeks of BCG with zero affect. The bladder/prostate was removed and I have an ileal conduit diversion. Very happy right now and cancer free for more than 1 year.
I'd highly recommend seeking the advice of a bladder cancer specialist. My first doctor was a general urologist and I'll always wonder if he would have removed the kidney and ureter together would it have spread to the bladder.
I was fortunate that none of my lymph nodes were affected by cancer and didn't require chemotherapy, but I'd recommend validating that guidance with a specialist since there is a lot to consider such as the type and grade of cancer.
Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress! There are many success stories out there!
Joe