Hello Paul,
I can relate to your story. My doctor for two years told me I had passed kidney stones until I finally saw a urologist who identified stage 3 bladder cancer and I had a RC in 11/07. So far, my follow-up tests are clean for mets. I didn't have any chemo and the operation was not that bad as long as you have pain drugs. I have a bag, which started out as a bother, but you get use to it and it doesn't hamper any activities. At 67, I decided that a neo-bladder sounded like it could become a nightmare. Yes(I am also pain free)you can really enjoy life even if you have to pee into a bag. I watch my grandkids grow, enjoy my daughter and friends as wellas fight with the wife of 48 years. Unfortunately, the american docs remove the nerve that enables you to have an erection, but there is a solution for it involving a needle into the base of the penis. Gene Beane is going to try it, and I am waiting to see if his dick falls off (HA HA). I understand some surgeons can replace the nerve with a nerve from your ankle. You might want to talk to your doctor about it. Paul, I hope your scans, etc. come up clean and God keeps you safe during and after your RC. Don't pay attention and worry about negative survival rate percentages, as my wife (breast cancer survivor)keeps telling me; "until you find out different you are in the percentage that survives". Let us know how you are doing.
Regards,
Peter Konomos
Tempe, Arizona