Jen,
Welcome to this site, sorry you get to join us.
Each of us has a somewhat different story, and one size does not always fit all.
I recently finished four - three week cycles of Cisplatin/Gemzar chemo as neo-adjuvant therapy prior of a planned radical cystectomy.
My initial question way, "why allow 12 additional weeks and give cancer time to spread ?". The answer was given to me in two parts: 1) Cancer may have already spread, but cannot yet be detected. Chemo can fight that unseen spread if it exists" and 2) Following the RC you may not be healthy enough to complete a course of chemo for a few months, so now is the best opportunity at prevention of spread."
I read much of the current information (from Reliable sources only) and agreed. I saw a chance of immediate benefit in addition to a statistically better long-term outcome. I cite one reliable source below: it discusses the choices involved in making the decision. Much more info is on the web - just be careful of the source of the info.
One size does not fit all. Since I have only one kidney (and a couple of other issues) , there was a chance that I would not be able to complete a full course of chemo. Chemo afterwards might not be possible, due to some potential kidney damage. Each of us has a different story and we need a doc and care team we can trust to help us find the best options.
consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/review-neoadjuvant-chemotherapy-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer/
In my evaluation of my options for my situation, Neo-adjuvant chemo seemed reasonable, AND I trust my doc.
Best to you as you decide,
Jack