Newbie

Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I will second everything that Alan said.....I would especially recommend a second opinion at a place that sees a LOT of bladder cancer cases such as a medical school or nationally recognized center of excellence such as MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Johns-Hopkins...If you let us know where you live perhaps someone will have a suggestion. I have not been in the situation you are in, but my urologist told me at the start that if it ever came time for a radical cystectomy he would INSIST that I seek a second opinion.

I would also second Alan's comment about radiation. Very often in situations such as yours chemotherapy is done prior to surgery, but radiation can do damage. Also you do want a surgeon who does MANY RCs a year. Many are only comfortable with the simplest procedure which may not be the best for you.

Sara Anne

Welcome Rome91,

All questions are welcome and there are many here that have "been there and done that". Keep asking away as someone will have some of that to add.

While your diagnosis is serious keep in mind this still beatable and treatable disease. Stage 3 means you want to attacking expeditiously, especially with lymph node involvement. The chemo certainly makes sense, radiation not quite as much. With stage 3, I am assuming all have talked about your need for a cystectomy. Radiation can sometimes damage tissues needed for reconstruction on a urinary diversion. Thus, a second opinion is sometimes good for fresh eyes, peace of mind and maybe new ideas. However, you do want to get going on this.

I am attaching a link....just copy and paste into your browser on the pros and cons of the 3diversions. On that subject. When you settle on a surgeon make sure you pick one that does many a year (25-35+ a year).
Some will also have a preferred because that is all they know....so research and questions are vital. Most people that have gone through this are happy with their choices. See: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12546-urinary-reconstruction--diversion