TURBT scheduled with a dose of Gemcitabine what should I expect?

I had TURBT last month, the cancer did not penetrate the bladder wall, I am 84 years old. So Far I've had 3 BCG treatments and 3 to go. I was so worried about side effects as I don't tolerate pain very well. To my surprise so far I have not had any side effects not even burning when I had to pee. Ask the person administering the treatment to use a pediatric catheter, which is the smallest one, and to inject lidocaine before they start, you will not feel anything, good luck and please let us know the progress with the treatments.

My husband is returning to his Urologist tomorrow for a 3 month followup after TURBT surgery. At that time the surgeon removed a low grade cancerous tumor which had not "penetrated" the bladder wall.
There was no mention of further treatment plans.
Because my husband has a history of esophageal cancer involving a 16 hour surgery and months long horrific recovery experience, I'm very concerned. He has been cancer free since 2009.
Am I being overly concerned or should we expect his doctor to show more interest in a more aggressive treatment plan?

@1ofmany The words used by my Urologist, 6 treatments, once a week to make sure tumor does not return. I would trust your dr. if it worries you or your hubby then I would go for a second opinion, good luck to hubby God Bless you both.

@1ofmany Welcome to the bladder cancer group. I know of many people with low grade bladder cancer non muscle invasive that are on a monitoring type of treatment plan. My husband's was the opposite, highly aggressive and muscle invasive so he had an aggressive treatment. Having had a poor experience in the diagnostic phase with a local urologist, and finally diagnosed at Mayo Clinic, I can't recommend enough the importance of a second opinion. If a thorough discussion of the treatment plan is not satisfactory with this urologist, then seek a referral for a second opinion. Do you have a large referral center within reasonable driving distance?

@jmiche75, I hope you saw the helpful posts from fellow bladder cancer members. You might also be interested in these related discussions:
- Bladder Tumor Scraping: What is recovery from TURBT like?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/turbt-first-time-for-husband-with-bladder-tumor/
- How soon can one fly after TURBT? What is needed for at home care?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/turbt-procedure/

When is your surgery scheduled for [transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)]?

I had one dose during surgery. I woke up feeling the need to use the bathroom but had to wait before emptying my bladder . 2 days after surgery the fatigue set in. It lasted 2 days. I did not have and side effects from surgery.

@dianeoh26 I am so sorry you are going through this. My dr as well said cancer as in definitely while conducting the cystoscopy. That was 12/3. I was scheduled for a TURBT 12/22. However, once in the bladder dr was not sure- dr said it did not “present” as bc . Dr completed a biopsy on largest lesion - 2.8cm , there 2 others that were not biopsied- why? Great question, they did not present to their usual presentation. Biopsy indicted - high grade NMI papillary carcinoma. Dr then scheduled 2 nd TURBT for 2/2. Secured more tissue of first site to ensure all cells were removed and removed 2 other smaller lesions - I AM STILL WATING ON A PATHOLOGY report over 2 months later. I am within the Cleveland clinic and so far the experience has been awful. I am now seeking 2 second opinions. Oh, I did wake up from surgery while the gembiticine still had 30 minutes to go. I am sorry to report - the pain was excruciating it felt like there was a bonfire in my bladder. I pray this does not happen to you. Also the second surgery I did not have a sedative before the surgery and I did much better the second surgery from a anesthesia side effect standpoint. Sending good wishes to you. Keep asking questions.