Douglas (let us know if you prefer Doug),
First off, you are going to one of the absolute best places in the world to be treated for bladder cancer. That is almost half the battle right there. The top docs at the top hospitals (specifically for bladder cancer) make a HUGE difference in outcomes.
Quality of life is really just great after the surgery. I know that on your side of the surgery it is a really, really scary thing. On my side of the surgery (I'm 3 years cancer free) it is no big deal. All the activities I want to do, I can do.
There are a lot of folks here who've been through what you are about to go through. I encourage you to read through this forum (especially the invasive section) for questions and answers that others had and how we have progressed through all of this.
Surgery is tough and full recovery takes a while but it is an investment in the rest of your life and (IMHO) well worth it!
Let us know what specific questions you may have and we are happy to help!
Mike
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results....distant mets
2/2014 ct result...spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph...