Wow...this is a case of gross understaging even with a very old Ct scanner. Most hospitals now have the helical computed tomography which would pick up those lymph nodes and perivesical fat. Fox Chase is no slouch but U. of Penn is better and i really don't understand an oncologist giving 2 cycles of Cisplatin/Gemzar. I mean there are new versions out there such as the one at USC/Norris.....i don't know what to say. Maybe she should travel to Osaka Japan and see if she can get in on their program which i just listed in Articles of Interest.
Or at least get a second opinion from U. of Penn and Dr. Malkowicz
www.pennmedicine.org/Wagform/MainPage.aspx?config=provider&P=PP&ID=1398
None of this sounds right to me..i mean you have the TURB and pathology, CT scans, blood work, bone scans..if invasive then chemo started within 2 weeks and then cystectomy within 6 weeks after that...and inbetween you get a second opinion..but this was definately not contained within the bladder.
i know you are trying to help and sis is staying blissfully ignorant....help her out....Pat