kidney cancer metastasis

Maine

I just had surgery, a radiical nephrectomy. It was stage one and I am told the cancer is completely cured. I still worry about mets to the brain and lungs, from all I've been reading. Has anyone who has been through this able to give me some advice on this topic?

Chicago

Hey Maine,

You're just feeling the paranoia we all probably feel. Once RCC has hit, we're at an increased likelihood of getting it again than other people. But remember, the chances are still pretty small.

RCC is an unusual cancer in that it is the most difficult to cure once it spreads, but practically the easiest to cure if caught early, as it seems to be in your case (and mine). As I understand it, RCC rarely spreads at Stage 1. There usually have to be significant growths and transformations before and metastases elsewhere in the body.

So heal, and be happy. You are one of the lucky ones who caught it early. Most of us will never have to worry about it again. Just never neglect to get your regular CT scans to make sure. My next is in a few days.

Chicago

Hey Maine,

You're just feeling the paranoia we all probably feel. Once RCC has hit, we're at an increased likelihood of getting it again than other people. But remember, the chances are still pretty small.

RCC is an unusual cancer in that it is the most difficult to cure once it spreads, but practically the easiest to cure if caught early, as it seems to be in your case (and mine). As I understand it, RCC rarely spreads at Stage 1. There usually have to be significant growths and transformations before and metastases elsewhere in the body.

So heal, and be happy. You are one of the lucky ones who caught it early. Most of us will never have to worry about it again. Just never neglect to get your regular CT scans to make sure. My next is in a few days.

Maine

Chicago said:

Hey Maine,

You're just feeling the paranoia we all probably feel. Once RCC has hit, we're at an increased likelihood of getting it again than other people. But remember, the chances are still pretty small.

RCC is an unusual cancer in that it is the most difficult to cure once it spreads, but practically the easiest to cure if caught early, as it seems to be in your case (and mine). As I understand it, RCC rarely spreads at Stage 1. There usually have to be significant growths and transformations before and metastases elsewhere in the body.

So heal, and be happy. You are one of the lucky ones who caught it early. Most of us will never have to worry about it again. Just never neglect to get your regular CT scans to make sure. My next is in a few days.

Chicago, thank you very much. This gives me hope. When they scan for a checkup, do they also scan the brain and lungs? There isn't much in the way of oncology in Maine, and the two there are are far from me. Thanks for helping.