Dear RysMomKB,
I can't emagine what thoughts you son must be going through.
I am 50 and felt to young to have the RC but Cancer knows no age limit.
My surgery was 12 hrs and robotic assisted with disection. I had a catheter and a folly drain plug after surgery. Was in hospital for 6.5 days. Up and walking day after surgury, short wlks down hallway 7 to 10 min. per walk about 6 times a day. Very improtant to walk as this prevents blood clots post surgery.
Catheter stayed in for 4 weeks at home.
Returned to work after 3.5 months recovery at home.
Pads, diapers, and matress pad are musts.
He will have to go slow with returning to full activity and will most likely have leakage. This will be less and gradually return to normal in 6 months provided he learns how to controll his muscles.
Have him practice the kikle all the time... it will help later.
As pointed out by others, they will not know if the RC will be possible until they are in surgery, so stay positive and keep praying.
And he will have a big scar, so the six pack abs may look like a 12 pack for the first year.
Good luck, my prayes are with your son and your family.
PS... I had stage3 high grade very agressive cancer.