They just took out a piece of my tumor a week ago Friday. The sergeon told us yesterday it is a grade 4 (old school lingo.....) he meant 3, stage 2 either a or b. He said it is in the lining and muscle, but thinks it is "localized". He wants us to make the decision on the next treatment. We are way overwhelmed and he is not being much help. I am a 58 year old male, high school teacher, in great shape, surfing (waves) everyday, x-smoker and drinker (ten years drug free) .
There seem to be so many options and I don't think I have enough information. I'm hoping to get a second opinion from either UCSF or Stanford, but that may not happen (insurance doesn't cover and may not be able to get in even with cash). How do I go about finding out the exact kind of cancer it is, and is the stage really set or do they need to go in and pull out the bladder.
I'd like to keep all my parts, don't have any spares (Ha!), but just want to be cancer free and live a long healtly life. I'm reading, and reading more, but would appreciate any advice anyone could give me. I'm supposed to come up with an answer by Wednesday. I'd love to take care of this during summer vacation, but still am feeling very lost. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.......... :o