Hi Leigh,
Do you know how many lymph nodes in total were removed, and how large the metastasis was such as <2mm or >2? Micro mets are treated differently in some other cancers. Maybe they feel the cancer is gone, or microscopic and that it would be more beneficial to wait for symptoms. This is how it's done with breast cancer, but breast is less aggressive than bladder cancer.
Are your uro and oncologist are consulting the AVL/NKI for advice on how best to proceed in your case? I was under the impression that is common procedure in The Netherlands. I would ask for a consult if this hasn't happened as they know what they're doing and could give the best information. Here's a Dutch site like this one:
diagnosekanker.nl/wws/info/lotgenoten-blaaskanker
You are right that most of the literature published suggests doing chemo sooner rather than later if lymph node mets are found in the path specimen post op. The are conflicting statistics about just how long survival may be extended, from 5-25% depending on things, but lower for those with lymph node involvement. However, I have seen people recover in this situation and get many years cancer free after chemo
Best of luck with everything and please let us know how it turns out,
Wendy
Amsterdam (breast cancer, patient at the NKI since surgery Dec.'99)