Hi Lori -
I also was T1G3, diagnosed in late Nov. 2009. I think the best thing you're doing is getting a second opinion at UNC. Hopefully your doc is well versed in bladder cancer and deals with it on a daily basis. T1G3 is tough, aggressive and usually needs to be restaged to confirm stage and if there's muscle involement. I had 2 TURBTs and was ready to start BCG before I went to University of Michigan where I was restaged in early February. My surgeon gae me 3 senarios: 1) no diease present - go to BCG, 2) diease present but no muscle involvement - RC. 3) diease present and in the muscle - chemo followed by probable RC. My cancer had already returned aggressively (but no muscle involvement) so I opted for an RC and neo bladder. Surgery was on March 2 and so far I'm doing well. My surgeon said since the cancer had returned, BCG was not a good option for me. I also am 52 - he said if I was older he may have tried it - but that I'd probably end up with an RC eventually. I'm happy with my decision, I wasn't looking forward to continual BCG treatments and the threat of the cancer returning hanging over my head. That being said, many folks have had good luck with BCG and are very happy with their decison. I would ask your doc about options if the cancer returns, potential choices for a diversion if you do need to think about an RC, and how your life will be affected if you continue BCG versus having an RC. Best of luck - you're on the right track. Keep asking questions and be your own best advocate.
Andy