I am at the same point you are in. I had my third BCG intravesical infusion yesterday and am hoping these treatments will keep the bladder cancer at bay. My urologist has gone over the statistics of the BCG working and the option of an R/C at this point.
In my case, getting an R/C would eradicate the cancer, since the cancer has not spread through the bladder muscle wall. With that said, an R/C would drastically change my life. It's like nipping the cancer forever, but creating another life changing element in your life. Is this option of getting rid of the bladder cancer worth the change in the quality of life?
Many doctors and bladder cancer patients feel it's not, especially when you consider the effectiveness of the BCG treatments. I say this knowing that the BCG treatments are a long term commitment (at least 5-10 years).
Is there a risk with the cancer spreading beyond the muscle walls while doing the BCG treatments? I suppose if the BCG treatments don't stop the cancer, my doctor would tell me before the cancer spreads beyond the muscle walls and there would be time to change course and implement a R/C. But even with this, there are no guarantees.
I have decided to have faith with the BCG treatment because of the experiences of other bladder cancer survivors. And the statistical numbers enforces this. As Alan stated, there are no guarantees and it's one day at a time.