New & hopeful

Daisy lo
Daisy lo Member Posts: 11

Hi, I'm new here and on Feb 10, 2013 I found out i have a 20cm tumor on my right kidney. On Feb 12, 2013 I found out it was stage 3 cancer. I'm scheduled to have an open radical nephrectomy on Monday March. 11,2013. The tumor is attached to my Inferior Vena Cava so they will be taking part of my artery, along with everything else. My cut will go from 6 fingers below my last rib up to my breast, diagonal across the middle then down my left side...my Dr. described it as the "chevron" sign under my breasts. I'm 33, the single parent of 12,8 & 2 year olds, and am expected to be in the hospital for at least 1 week. I've been doing lots of research and everything I've read has me horrified of the pain I'll feel after the surgery. Does anyone have any tips for the first few days after surgery? The Drs told me that I'll have a g tube in my nose down to my abdomen to remove gases, that i have to breathe 10 deep breathes n 2 coughs in the recovery room before i can get transferred to my own room and a button for morphine that i can push to medicate myself, and that on day 2 I'll be expected to get up n walk....I'm terrified but can't show it around my kids & family because they're taking it worse than me. I'm glad i found this group, I'm sure someone here understands how i feel. 

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Comments

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    What pain?

    Welcome Daisy. Sorry for your need to find us. But, glad you did. Your upcoming surgery is scary. But it appears that you are ready. The pain is real. And I have heard lots of others who were very afraid of it. But when considering the options (which are few) it is quite tolerable. Don't let it put you into a panic. They  will medicate you. Use it. It's not like you fell off a cliff in the woods and no one could help you. If your Dr. told you that they had to go through your nose and pull out your kidney with a pair of pliers, I bet you would say ,"Do it." "Get it out!!!" Well, they don't do it that way. Your incision will heal. You will get help to move and you will get the "good" stuff. As much as you need. So take it. After a couple days or so you need less. You start moving around and start getting anxious to go home and see your kids. The pain is a small price to pay. Keep us posted when you feel up to it. Good luck.

  • rae_rae
    rae_rae Member Posts: 300 Member
    foxhd said:

    What pain?

    Welcome Daisy. Sorry for your need to find us. But, glad you did. Your upcoming surgery is scary. But it appears that you are ready. The pain is real. And I have heard lots of others who were very afraid of it. But when considering the options (which are few) it is quite tolerable. Don't let it put you into a panic. They  will medicate you. Use it. It's not like you fell off a cliff in the woods and no one could help you. If your Dr. told you that they had to go through your nose and pull out your kidney with a pair of pliers, I bet you would say ,"Do it." "Get it out!!!" Well, they don't do it that way. Your incision will heal. You will get help to move and you will get the "good" stuff. As much as you need. So take it. After a couple days or so you need less. You start moving around and start getting anxious to go home and see your kids. The pain is a small price to pay. Keep us posted when you feel up to it. Good luck.

    Surgery

    Daisy,

    You will do fine. It will be painful but you will get through it. I had the big slice, chevron style much like you have described. I had an epidural instead of morphine in the hospital and it blocked most of my pain, but not all. Getting out of bed was very difficult but I pushed myself to do it the day after surgery. Walking is really good for the healing process. I moved very slowly but mainly because I couldn't breathe as I had complications with my lungs filling with fluid and spiking a fever for four days. As much as it hurts to cough, you have to to keep that from happening. Use a pillow to cover your incision when you cough or sneeze. I used a wedge for my bed at home as it was difficult to be flat. Many others have slept in a recliner. You will be extremely fatigued. This is normal. Take it slow, keep moving and eat very small portions as it will be painful if you don't. You will also be constipated...make sure you have something on hand for that. I started gentle swimming at three weeks and it felt wonderful, mostly on my back as it felt the best. Stay on top of your pain...don't let it get out of control. Best of luck to you tomorrow...you will do great. Oh and get some help at home! No heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks! (nothing over 10 pounds).

    Rae

  • PK_Chicago
    PK_Chicago Member Posts: 58
    Be strong!

    I was diagnosed with a 14.5cm tumor when I went in for a CT scan for an unrelated issue.  It was removed and during my hospital stay - if they said you can sit in the chair - I'd get up and sit in the chair, if they said stand - I stood, if they said walk - I'd walk!  When you are in the hospital you'll walk the halls and see the nurses trying to convince people to get up, sit in a chair, etc.  DON'T BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!  This is the hand you've been dealt - you have to deal with it!  Also - be strong for your kids and family - it helps them a great deal!

    My rule was and is "no pity parties!" - you have to take each step as it comes!

     

    Good luck and visit these discussion boards often when yoiu are home recovering - it helps a great deal!  You'll probably feel very alone - there aren't a whole lot of people who will know what you are going through!

    But there are here...

     

    PK

     

  • Daisy lo
    Daisy lo Member Posts: 11

    Be strong!

    I was diagnosed with a 14.5cm tumor when I went in for a CT scan for an unrelated issue.  It was removed and during my hospital stay - if they said you can sit in the chair - I'd get up and sit in the chair, if they said stand - I stood, if they said walk - I'd walk!  When you are in the hospital you'll walk the halls and see the nurses trying to convince people to get up, sit in a chair, etc.  DON'T BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!  This is the hand you've been dealt - you have to deal with it!  Also - be strong for your kids and family - it helps them a great deal!

    My rule was and is "no pity parties!" - you have to take each step as it comes!

     

    Good luck and visit these discussion boards often when yoiu are home recovering - it helps a great deal!  You'll probably feel very alone - there aren't a whole lot of people who will know what you are going through!

    But there are here...

     

    PK

     

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

  • roaddr23
    roaddr23 Member Posts: 77
    Daisy lo said:

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

    Wow...So Happy For You!!!

    I so incredibly excited about your good news...keep up the good work and remember to rest if you need too also...that was and is the hard one for me right now...!

  • DogRescuer
    DogRescuer Member Posts: 52 Member
    Daisy lo said:

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

    Hurrah!

    Congrats, Daisy!  We're so glad you're recovering well and have found us.  Maybe your 'silver lining' is you weigh 5 lbs less now.  Keep walking and keep us updated.

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member

    Hurrah!

    Congrats, Daisy!  We're so glad you're recovering well and have found us.  Maybe your 'silver lining' is you weigh 5 lbs less now.  Keep walking and keep us updated.

    5 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! You've officially had weight loss surgery! Move slow, get well.

  • alice124
    alice124 Member Posts: 896 Member
    Daisy lo said:

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

    wonderful news

    That's great news. When I first read 20 cm, I thought OMG. Now look at you! I really am happy for you!

  • angec
    angec Member Posts: 924 Member
    Daisy it sounds like all went

    Daisy it sounds like all went great! Glad they said it was encapsulated! What a relief!  5 pounds? Wow.. glad to get that out right? LOL  Be sure to follow up with the oncolgist for good measure!  Be well.. hugs to you and the little ones!  xxoo

  • justsayin
    justsayin Member Posts: 15
    Daisy lo said:

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

    Daisy Contratulations on your

    Daisy Contratulations on your outcome!   Wow, 5 pounds!  What did you name it??  :)

    Hug your kids Daisy and enjoy life!

  • Limelife50
    Limelife50 Member Posts: 476
    Daisy lo said:

    updat

    thank you to the 3 of you.  It is now wed 3rd day since surgery and im doing good.  Surgery was monday at 745am it ended right about 1pm.  My pathology report came back today, my tumor weighed 5 pounds!!!! But thsnk God they ended up not.taking my artery.They took the tumor n my kidney n lymph nodes n the report today said that the cancer was encapsulated in the kidney n tumor only....SOOO IM NOW OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE. Im having a little issue with my right lung sounding crackly n not breathing as good.Ive been up walking since day 1...still surviving off of ice chips since saturday  night. Well time to walk im still at.the hospital 

     

     

    Hi Daisy

    Nice to hear you are doing as well as you are,you seem to be one tough woman.

  • Daisy lo
    Daisy lo Member Posts: 11
    2 weeks! already...

    Hi everyone, hope everyone is good. Two weeks since surgery and tuesday the 38 staples come out...hate that its going to be by an lvn and not my dr. I dont get to see my Urologist until April 17 since before my release from the hospital...is that normal? My dr said I could return to work April 1st, only 3 weeks after surgery, at 2 weeks im still in alot of pain and hardly eating. I am a private nurse for a devolpmentally disanled adult who needs full care, i dont think i can pick up my 2 yr old let alone my 28 yr old patient. 

    Im very grateful to everyone for the support, I now joke that my tumor was my last baby...being born March 11,2013 at 10am with measurments of 21x18x15.5cm and 5lbs, he was named RAIDER and was of a rubbery grayish/yellow color. 

    So I know the numbness in my tummy is normal but what about the pain around my belly button? I wish i could share a pic of my beautiful cut with everyone lol, its my new pride n joy since it practically saved my life. 

  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    Daisy lo said:

    2 weeks! already...

    Hi everyone, hope everyone is good. Two weeks since surgery and tuesday the 38 staples come out...hate that its going to be by an lvn and not my dr. I dont get to see my Urologist until April 17 since before my release from the hospital...is that normal? My dr said I could return to work April 1st, only 3 weeks after surgery, at 2 weeks im still in alot of pain and hardly eating. I am a private nurse for a devolpmentally disanled adult who needs full care, i dont think i can pick up my 2 yr old let alone my 28 yr old patient. 

    Im very grateful to everyone for the support, I now joke that my tumor was my last baby...being born March 11,2013 at 10am with measurments of 21x18x15.5cm and 5lbs, he was named RAIDER and was of a rubbery grayish/yellow color. 

    So I know the numbness in my tummy is normal but what about the pain around my belly button? I wish i could share a pic of my beautiful cut with everyone lol, its my new pride n joy since it practically saved my life. 

    Far too soon!

    There's nothing to stop you replacing your pic with one of your new battle scar - others display them, like our firefighter flatlander - but I'd rather you kept that lovely portrait.  We have so many film stars looks on this forum, and then there's Fox!

    Do you think maybe your doc meant April 1st 2014?! Does he have any idea what you do professionally?  April 1st 2013 is totally ridiculous - it would be even for a tough guy with a small tumor, still more so for a young lady of a normal size who hasn't been eating and is still in pain after removal of one of the most colossal renal tumors any urological surgeon ever gets to see.

    I hate to give you more bad news, but you really mustn't even pick up your 2 year old for quite a while yet - nothing more than ten pounds is a general rule of thumb.  I know that will be very tough but you owe it to yourself and your Family not to compromise your recovery seriously by herniating or re-opening wounds or ....  you're a nurse, you know better than I do.  The thought of putting your back at risk in looking after your patient is, in itself, unthinkable.  I think your doctor is talking like an idiot - please get a further qualified opinion on when you are sufficiently recovered to resume an intensively physical lifestyle. 

    Our illustrious friend Fox would be ideally equipped to give you the advice you need.

     

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member

    Far too soon!

    There's nothing to stop you replacing your pic with one of your new battle scar - others display them, like our firefighter flatlander - but I'd rather you kept that lovely portrait.  We have so many film stars looks on this forum, and then there's Fox!

    Do you think maybe your doc meant April 1st 2014?! Does he have any idea what you do professionally?  April 1st 2013 is totally ridiculous - it would be even for a tough guy with a small tumor, still more so for a young lady of a normal size who hasn't been eating and is still in pain after removal of one of the most colossal renal tumors any urological surgeon ever gets to see.

    I hate to give you more bad news, but you really mustn't even pick up your 2 year old for quite a while yet - nothing more than ten pounds is a general rule of thumb.  I know that will be very tough but you owe it to yourself and your Family not to compromise your recovery seriously by herniating or re-opening wounds or ....  you're a nurse, you know better than I do.  The thought of putting your back at risk in looking after your patient is, in itself, unthinkable.  I think your doctor is talking like an idiot - please get a further qualified opinion on when you are sufficiently recovered to resume an intensively physical lifestyle. 

    Our illustrious friend Fox would be ideally equipped to give you the advice you need.

     

    Incognito

    Damn papparazzi always trailing me. So, I'll continue with my "Wild One's " photo. What you can't see is that by my feet is Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin. Tough guy image must remain. My "pretty boy" portfolio will remain with my swimsuit covers.

    Daisy, A return to work by April 1st wouldn't be a good idea for a telemarketer, let alone a health care professional with direct patient contact requiring lifting, positioning, and transfers. 3 months would be more realistic. For a 200# man. Your job as a young mother is enough to push your limits for a couple months. Your attitude appears excellent. Let your body catch up. Either your Dr doesn't understand what you do or he/she is completely misinformed. Take your time off to love your kids.

  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    foxhd said:

    Incognito

    Damn papparazzi always trailing me. So, I'll continue with my "Wild One's " photo. What you can't see is that by my feet is Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin. Tough guy image must remain. My "pretty boy" portfolio will remain with my swimsuit covers.

    Daisy, A return to work by April 1st wouldn't be a good idea for a telemarketer, let alone a health care professional with direct patient contact requiring lifting, positioning, and transfers. 3 months would be more realistic. For a 200# man. Your job as a young mother is enough to push your limits for a couple months. Your attitude appears excellent. Let your body catch up. Either your Dr doesn't understand what you do or he/she is completely misinformed. Take your time off to love your kids.

    LOL!

    I knew you'd come through with professionally qualified advice for Daisy and also the usual entertainment value for the rest of us! (By the way, please don't think of giving up the day job to concentrate on your swimsuit portfolio, although I'm sure some of the pics are wild ones.)

    Daisy, please do take note of Fox's advice - he knows well whereof he speaks.

     

  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    foxhd said:

    Incognito

    Damn papparazzi always trailing me. So, I'll continue with my "Wild One's " photo. What you can't see is that by my feet is Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin. Tough guy image must remain. My "pretty boy" portfolio will remain with my swimsuit covers.

    Daisy, A return to work by April 1st wouldn't be a good idea for a telemarketer, let alone a health care professional with direct patient contact requiring lifting, positioning, and transfers. 3 months would be more realistic. For a 200# man. Your job as a young mother is enough to push your limits for a couple months. Your attitude appears excellent. Let your body catch up. Either your Dr doesn't understand what you do or he/she is completely misinformed. Take your time off to love your kids.

    Sorry fox...

    But I'd take pics of Daisy in a swimsuit over you any day!!

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    Daisy you will love it here!!

    Daisy you will love it here!!  Congratulations on getting through the surgery......you can get through this and be a stronger person because of it.

    Eims x

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    Back to work

    Daisy,

    You are going to feel a lot better a week from now when you are 3 weeks post surgery. Still too early to back to work unless it is a part tie desk job. I think given your surgery you need at least 6 weeks off and than you may or may not be able to return full time at first.

     

    Icemantoo

  • cran1
    cran1 Member Posts: 139
    Congrtas Daisy! The bravery

    Congrtas Daisy! The bravery you show inspires me! Hang in there for yourself and the kids!

     

  • Daisy lo
    Daisy lo Member Posts: 11
    Thanks everyone. I got the 38

    Thanks everyone. I got the 38 staples removed yesterday, and now I feel alot of pain.  Its really irritating to feel this way today, I feel like the first day of surgery again. And emotionally Im drained, everything is making me cry....I think the time in bed has me feeling kinda useless. Ive been home alone since my first day home from the hospital, this week my 2 older kids are home and I can't even get up to make them food. My 12 yr old is making breakfast, lunch and dinner(thank God I have a great kid), hmmm I feel bad. 

    I keep reading that the cancer comes back in alot of people, and even though we're pretty sure i had mine since 2004 (after reviewing my medical records) it seems like my battle was too easy, and im worried it will come back stronger. How common is the return of our cancer?