Patti,
I am hoping that someone who's had a RC will jump in here soon. The message board seems a little slow lately, but hopefully, someone who has been in your father-in-law's shoes will jump in before long. Just from the outside looking in (I have not had Radical Cystectomy), I would say that if the docs are willing to do the surgery at his age this fact alone is very promising. He must be in very good health other than BC. This is a strong point, and lots of people have learned to live without bladders very happily. I hope that some of them will pipe in soon.
Your friend,
Rosemary