Hi Zak72 and thank you for your post.

I'm sorry to hear that your bladder cancer has returned, and that you require further treatment.

 It sounds like you have been through a lot already and I appreciate that that you want to keep your bladder if possible.

Treatment options depend on the type of bladder cancer you have, its stage and grade, the treatments you have already had, and how the cancer has responded.

From what you have described, your team may be concerned that the cancer could be at high risk of coming back despite BCG treatment.

This may be why they are discussing either further BCG or bladder removal (cystectomy).

I’m not sure what type of bladder cancer you have, but a cystectomy can be recommended when non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer continues to return after treatment with BCG. 

Did your specialist explain why they feel cystectomy or more BCG are the most suitable options for you?

It may help to ask them to talk you through the reasons for their recommendation and whether there are any clinical trials that you might be eligible for.

If you have a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), it may also be useful to contact them before your appointment. They can often help explain treatment options, answer questions and provide support.

Sometimes a second opinion can help you explore all your options and make you feel more confident about the decisions you make. 

If you feel you would like a second opinion from another cancer specialist, you could ask your GP or current hospital specialist to refer you.  

Maybe a referral to a cancer specialist hospital or centre, such as The Royal Marsden or The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, may give you more options.

You may also find the information on Action Bladder Cancer UK helpful.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

I hope this information is helpful.

Kind regards

Tina