Hi gqkandrk
I think we are bladder buddies in some respects; I am 8 weeks out from having my bladder, prostate and urethra removed. I'm 69 and reasonably fit and lean.
I was diagnosed with CIS in June 2018, had 2 TURBS, 9+3 BCGs by Feb 19, was OK until Aug/Sept 19 when the urine samples and biopsies showed a return and that it was in my urethra through the prostate area. I still had no 'invasions' into the bladder wall but CIS is a bastard and can soon get out of control. A second round off BCG has even less chance of being effective and how do you treat the urethra with BCG failing clamping off the end of the penis?!! So the decision was easy for me; 'if in doubt cut it out!' because if it reached the prostate it becomes an immediate Stage 4 situation.
Post operative pathology showed CIS was everywhere in the bladder and that I had bad prostate cancer though it had not escaped. (I had not been able to keep up with PSA tests during all this time to check my prostate because BCG messes with the tests). Unfortunately there is some evidence of CIS in the lower ureters which will have to be monitored. All this shows how aggressive this stuff is and vindicates the decision to go ahead with removal. If I had made that decision in June 18 maybe my ureters would be safe now, who knows?
In summary, I have had no doubts about my decision; 8 weeks out and I'm feeling OK. I can describe my experience in the first few weeks post the operation another time if you wish and what was helpful and what wasn't. Suffice to say the Docs know all about cutting you up and sewing you back together but it is the nurses who give you your life back.
Come back if you wish.
Mel