@debbieanddale There are 3 options to create a new way for urine to leave the body after cystectomy. Neobladder is one and there are folks on this forum who can speak to it better than I.
I had a stoma and wear a pouch. Recovery was non eventful and care has been easy. prepping for life with an ostomy started pre-op in my case when an ostomy nurse marked the optimal place on my belly for the stoma. After the surgery my ostomy nurse trained me on how to take care of changes etc. They also had a clinic available for ongoing support and provided lots of educational materials. The major suppliers also have some good online materials. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy website has a lot of patient oriented educational materials as well.
I’m guessing he has probably had CT scans for the abdomen, chest and pelvis. From what I remember , liver and lungs were areas of concern for metastasis.