Lilbit,
If there is one thing that is critical when getting a cystectomy, it is getting to the best place possible with a doctor who performs your preferred diversion multiple times a week. Johns Hopkins has already been mentioned. Study after study (and experience of some members on this site) shows that top bladder cancer surgeons who perform 50 or more a year of these surgeries (and diversions) have better patient outcomes.
Liking your doctor is one thing but that's not what this is about.
Ask any doctor who does radical cystectomies what they think about radiation treatment. I had already researched myself and ruled that out as an option before I even have my recurrence. Radiation makes the RC surgery much more difficult for the doctor and can limit your options for diversions. I did ask my surgeon about it during one of my follow ups because someone else had asked about it here.
Indiana pouch seems to be the preferred option for women. There is a very high rate of complication for neobladders in women.
Depending on the depth of the T2, chemo prior may be in order. If everything looks good after the surgery, often there is no chemo. If there is lymph node involvement, that's a different story regarding chemo post surgery. My T2 was just barely into the muscle so I had no chemo prior or post surgery and I'm going on 2.5 years cancer free since my cystectomy.
Before you start any chemo, I'd highly recommend getting to John's Hopkins for a 2nd opinion.
As has been said by others, no question is too personal here. I publish my age and bladder cancer history in my signature on my posts.
Mike
