Recovering from radical nephrectomy
Comments
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Hi Connie and thanks for theGale_50 said:Welcome Karen and hello Texas!
Karen, glad you are here-wow lots of information to consider. With your knowledge I would imagine there is a good, and maybe not as good side for you as you are very aware of each detail and significance. I thank you for sharing the detail, for all here to consider. My thoughts are pretty much just that, as I am so new to this all (surg 2 wks ago)and have not received my path report. One thing I picked up on was the weakness in your hip on the surgery side..my surgery was on left side and for first 10 days or so, I had to lift that leg with hand assist when moving it in bed. I attributed it to nerve damage and now is nearly resolved. Your procedure was much more extensive so maybe this is a common thing? Hope yours improves with time as mine did. So looking forward to sharing thoughts and progress Now for the name, Gale:) that was my Dad's nickname for me. Story goes, he wanted to name me "Constant Gale". Of course Mom objected, they named me Constance and I go by Connie. So only my Dad called me Gale, and I chose that when signing up here. Glad you are here and will be sharing my pathology findings when I get them. All in all, for the original findings you had it sounds like there is a lot of positive for you, so do wish you quick recovery....you had a challenging time! Blessings, Connie
Hi Connie and thanks for the warm welcome! I like the story about the origins of your nickname!
You're the first other person I've seen mentioning the leg weakness; yes I agree, seems to be nerve or muscle damage and mine is getting better as well now that I am walking daily... up to .75 miles now and I'm so proud haha. I was a bit concerned that it might be permanent since I feel like I've been cut in half.
Lots of expertise here and moral support... I can feel the warmth!
Here's to a good path report when it arrives... blessings to you in return.
Karen
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texas wedgeklamart said:Thanks Texas for the reply..
Thanks Texas for the reply.. my name was popular in the US during my era. I don' t hear it too much in younger generations though. I appreciate your willingness to answer questions; the problem with being a nurse is that frequently other health care providers tend to assume that I know what is going on... but of course I don't always because my specialty is limited to acute illness... recovery and long term management are foreign to me, particularly oncology. Even with my access to physicians ( and not necessarily top experts... all depends on who my HMO wants me to see) I have to advocate for what I want/need to know etc... docs are very busy people and it always pays to look after oneself.
I keep my physicians busy with questions but you're right, they don't have the personal experience that all those here have. My histology was clear cell, yes; sorry for the omission. I'm still waiting to hear what sort of options I have with investigational or other medicines and I'll likely need to read through the posts to get all the insight on those when the time comes.
Now where did a man from UK get the moniker 'Texas wedge' ? Is that a golf shot ...
Karen
Are you also a golfer, or just a good researcher, Karen? Maybe a generation name thing? I had a girl-friend named Karen, nearly fifty years ago, but she came from the Faroe Islands, where the name was probably always popular.
Like you, I was amused by the story - to find that 'Gale' is a bit of a Con. It's almost a shame she wasn't named Constant Gale isn't it? (I also had a girl-friend who was a little shy that her parents named her Gaye Melody but you could hardly turn out to be anything but pleasant with a name like that, could you?)
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Con?Texas_wedge said:texas wedge
Are you also a golfer, or just a good researcher, Karen? Maybe a generation name thing? I had a girl-friend named Karen, nearly fifty years ago, but she came from the Faroe Islands, where the name was probably always popular.
Like you, I was amused by the story - to find that 'Gale' is a bit of a Con. It's almost a shame she wasn't named Constant Gale isn't it? (I also had a girl-friend who was a little shy that her parents named her Gaye Melody but you could hardly turn out to be anything but pleasant with a name like that, could you?)
Hello Texas! Just catching up on posts here. Saw you had mentioned to Karen that "Gale" was a bit of a "Con"
. I actually have never joined a discussion forum before....hung around reading awhile before I registered, and actually saw majority of members had forum name such as yours, and was not sure what normal protocol was, so used my Dad's pet name. Lost him this year to Alzheimer's, do miss him! Anyhow, was not shooting for anonymous, I am Connie, Constance or Gale, they all work:). So tomorrow, Constance will be waiting by the phone for path report from doctor in Spokane. Hope you and others here had a nice weekend...I know I did as today I started to feel like me again!! Whoever that is.....0 -
ConGale_50 said:Con?
Hello Texas! Just catching up on posts here. Saw you had mentioned to Karen that "Gale" was a bit of a "Con"
. I actually have never joined a discussion forum before....hung around reading awhile before I registered, and actually saw majority of members had forum name such as yours, and was not sure what normal protocol was, so used my Dad's pet name. Lost him this year to Alzheimer's, do miss him! Anyhow, was not shooting for anonymous, I am Connie, Constance or Gale, they all work:). So tomorrow, Constance will be waiting by the phone for path report from doctor in Spokane. Hope you and others here had a nice weekend...I know I did as today I started to feel like me again!! Whoever that is.....Good to hear that you're feeling more like yourself again and hoping that you'll be able to share a favourable path report with us.
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Internet names and fatigueklamart said:Hi Connie and thanks for the
Hi Connie and thanks for the warm welcome! I like the story about the origins of your nickname!
You're the first other person I've seen mentioning the leg weakness; yes I agree, seems to be nerve or muscle damage and mine is getting better as well now that I am walking daily... up to .75 miles now and I'm so proud haha. I was a bit concerned that it might be permanent since I feel like I've been cut in half.
Lots of expertise here and moral support... I can feel the warmth!
Here's to a good path report when it arrives... blessings to you in return.
Karen
I've been on the internet for awhile now. Although I don't know how to do much with the computer like posting pictures or documents. Oh well. So anyway when I started, I used my name. Fox. Didn't realize people made stuff up. So sue me. I'm an idiot. The HD part is for Harley Davidson. That was added when just Fox wouldn't work since it and my intials were being used by someone else. The nerve!
As for complaints of leg weakness. Don't be confused. It is not so much weakness as it is loss of energy. Your arms are doing the same thing but my guess is that you don't notice it as much because you don't demand as much from them. I do. And sometimes I'm amazed at the strength loses I find when I am not feeling my beast. (freudian slip. I meant best). When I feel good for a few weeks, I approach pre cancer Fox the jock. The runner and weight trainer. When I have pain, and lose activity, my strength drops in half. When I feel better, I start all over again.
I believe this is due to the body redirecting it's resources toward your recovery. Whether it makes good progress or not. The nervous system is able to shut down what is not a priority. Sort of like turning down the volume of your radio. It's there but not full blast. You can wait it out but remain active so that as the energy returns you have not lost too much ground. This takes a good body awareness and the motivation of a jock mentality. I've been doig this for 2 years now and it drives me crazy. Tex goes through the same thing I am sure. As does Mike and several others. Don't let it get you down. Keep active. and just deal with it.Part of your new life. Much will never be the same. Different. It's just the way it is. Like grey hair, or no hair. Sagging body parts I won't mention. Etc. etc. The trick is to get over it.
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Variable performancefoxhd said:Internet names and fatigue
I've been on the internet for awhile now. Although I don't know how to do much with the computer like posting pictures or documents. Oh well. So anyway when I started, I used my name. Fox. Didn't realize people made stuff up. So sue me. I'm an idiot. The HD part is for Harley Davidson. That was added when just Fox wouldn't work since it and my intials were being used by someone else. The nerve!
As for complaints of leg weakness. Don't be confused. It is not so much weakness as it is loss of energy. Your arms are doing the same thing but my guess is that you don't notice it as much because you don't demand as much from them. I do. And sometimes I'm amazed at the strength loses I find when I am not feeling my beast. (freudian slip. I meant best). When I feel good for a few weeks, I approach pre cancer Fox the jock. The runner and weight trainer. When I have pain, and lose activity, my strength drops in half. When I feel better, I start all over again.
I believe this is due to the body redirecting it's resources toward your recovery. Whether it makes good progress or not. The nervous system is able to shut down what is not a priority. Sort of like turning down the volume of your radio. It's there but not full blast. You can wait it out but remain active so that as the energy returns you have not lost too much ground. This takes a good body awareness and the motivation of a jock mentality. I've been doig this for 2 years now and it drives me crazy. Tex goes through the same thing I am sure. As does Mike and several others. Don't let it get you down. Keep active. and just deal with it.Part of your new life. Much will never be the same. Different. It's just the way it is. Like grey hair, or no hair. Sagging body parts I won't mention. Etc. etc. The trick is to get over it.
"Tex goes through the same thing I am sure."
Sure do! I endorse everything you've said above (except for not being able to comment about your beast when your slip is showing!)
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So much for medical schoolfoxhd said:Internet names and fatigue
I've been on the internet for awhile now. Although I don't know how to do much with the computer like posting pictures or documents. Oh well. So anyway when I started, I used my name. Fox. Didn't realize people made stuff up. So sue me. I'm an idiot. The HD part is for Harley Davidson. That was added when just Fox wouldn't work since it and my intials were being used by someone else. The nerve!
As for complaints of leg weakness. Don't be confused. It is not so much weakness as it is loss of energy. Your arms are doing the same thing but my guess is that you don't notice it as much because you don't demand as much from them. I do. And sometimes I'm amazed at the strength loses I find when I am not feeling my beast. (freudian slip. I meant best). When I feel good for a few weeks, I approach pre cancer Fox the jock. The runner and weight trainer. When I have pain, and lose activity, my strength drops in half. When I feel better, I start all over again.
I believe this is due to the body redirecting it's resources toward your recovery. Whether it makes good progress or not. The nervous system is able to shut down what is not a priority. Sort of like turning down the volume of your radio. It's there but not full blast. You can wait it out but remain active so that as the energy returns you have not lost too much ground. This takes a good body awareness and the motivation of a jock mentality. I've been doig this for 2 years now and it drives me crazy. Tex goes through the same thing I am sure. As does Mike and several others. Don't let it get you down. Keep active. and just deal with it.Part of your new life. Much will never be the same. Different. It's just the way it is. Like grey hair, or no hair. Sagging body parts I won't mention. Etc. etc. The trick is to get over it.
Hi Fox! I am actually going to print this post for continued reminder. What you have learned from living this is the most valuable insight, explanation and motivation (deal with it / get over it / don't let it get you down) I have found. How you describe it made me sit up and take notice! I have gone from the most active, vibrant and busy person to the place I am today and it has been devastating! From your take, and knowledge of body conditioning, I think I ended up so far down, because with each pain flare and step back, I have rested my body to try to regroup, and snowballed down from lack of use. So if this is my new normal, your logic tells me get over it, deal with it and keep moving! Each "good" day is uplifting, but it is true every day is a gift and opportunity! Thanks for a new mindset....does settle down my worry to hear my symptoms are common to us with this illness. Going to reread some of your prior posts, I like your take! I will start my day now with a better attitude! Thank you Fox!! Gale
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Gale_50 said:
So much for medical school
Hi Fox! I am actually going to print this post for continued reminder. What you have learned from living this is the most valuable insight, explanation and motivation (deal with it / get over it / don't let it get you down) I have found. How you describe it made me sit up and take notice! I have gone from the most active, vibrant and busy person to the place I am today and it has been devastating! From your take, and knowledge of body conditioning, I think I ended up so far down, because with each pain flare and step back, I have rested my body to try to regroup, and snowballed down from lack of use. So if this is my new normal, your logic tells me get over it, deal with it and keep moving! Each "good" day is uplifting, but it is true every day is a gift and opportunity! Thanks for a new mindset....does settle down my worry to hear my symptoms are common to us with this illness. Going to reread some of your prior posts, I like your take! I will start my day now with a better attitude! Thank you Fox!! Gale
Gale read back from when I came on board. Tex wants me to blog it. ??blog?? Someday.. The process is this....You are young, healthy and vibrant. Then something happens to your health. Maybe medical, maybe physical. So you lose conditioning. During recovery the emphasis is on a return to "normal." But you were better than "normal." So a return to "normal" is actually accepting a lower standard. Do that a half dozen times as you mature and soon you use a cane. Which becomes a walker, and then a wheelchair. You want to improve your performance. Not accept a lower ability of function. Put that picture in your head. Now think of people you have known who deteriorated due to accepting less. Pretty sad. I talked with a friend today that I golf with. He got fat after he married in 1975. We met in '79. I had him running marathons by '86. He stopped running in '88. He is now 100 pounds overweight and needs a golf cart because his knees hurt. Whats wrong with this picture? Can't get him to want to improve because he says that everyone in his family lives into their 90s. Quality to him is meaningless. He even states that watching TV is his "Hobby!" I could go on and on........
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On and onfoxhd said:Gale read back from when I came on board. Tex wants me to blog it. ??blog?? Someday.. The process is this....You are young, healthy and vibrant. Then something happens to your health. Maybe medical, maybe physical. So you lose conditioning. During recovery the emphasis is on a return to "normal." But you were better than "normal." So a return to "normal" is actually accepting a lower standard. Do that a half dozen times as you mature and soon you use a cane. Which becomes a walker, and then a wheelchair. You want to improve your performance. Not accept a lower ability of function. Put that picture in your head. Now think of people you have known who deteriorated due to accepting less. Pretty sad. I talked with a friend today that I golf with. He got fat after he married in 1975. We met in '79. I had him running marathons by '86. He stopped running in '88. He is now 100 pounds overweight and needs a golf cart because his knees hurt. Whats wrong with this picture? Can't get him to want to improve because he says that everyone in his family lives into their 90s. Quality to him is meaningless. He even states that watching TV is his "Hobby!" I could go on and on........
I hope you do go on and on, and that as you ever so gently but honestly nudge those of us reading this to a healthier attitude, others will also have a wake up call! And so I begin with the first step back.....8 years+ of accepting less and less, so subtle! Oh my gosh I don't like that picture with me in it! I DO like to picture me vibrant again, so with that picture and a new attitude here goes:). There is obviously a perfect time for everything, and your words could not have come at a better time!! Going to look for the post you left that Tex wants you to blog. Maybe you should think about that ?! Thanks Fox, keep the lessons coming....so valuable!
Connie
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New here...and anxiously awaiting surgery
Hi everyone. I've been reading through the posts for the past couple of days and just wanted to say "hi". I am really touched by all the positive and informative posts.
Diagnosed with a 6cmx4cm tumor in my right kidney (and hoping it hasn't gotten any bigger since) on May 15th, 2013, I will now have a radical this Monday, 6/3/13. I am confident in my surgeon and his team (and he's not bad looking either, lol!) My family, friends, and co-workers are all so supportive, and I'm a very positive person. I have to be. My kids are watching. I know I will kick ****!
However, the CT scan initially showed that the tumor has gone through the renal vein and is in the vena cava. A thrombectomy was mentioned. Also, there are two cysts in my left kidney and the adrenal gland on that one has a few cysts as well. All my labs are clean, even the cortisol test to check my adrenal gland function. I'm learning more and more that is common, no flags to ever make you think there's something going on. "Just a back ache", I thought. Turning 40 is proving to be a ****!
So, I just wanted to throw myself out there. I'll appreciate any feedback, suggestions, and insights.
Blessings and positive vibes to you all.
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First of all, while it is aCleopatras_Mirror said:New here...and anxiously awaiting surgery
Hi everyone. I've been reading through the posts for the past couple of days and just wanted to say "hi". I am really touched by all the positive and informative posts.
Diagnosed with a 6cmx4cm tumor in my right kidney (and hoping it hasn't gotten any bigger since) on May 15th, 2013, I will now have a radical this Monday, 6/3/13. I am confident in my surgeon and his team (and he's not bad looking either, lol!) My family, friends, and co-workers are all so supportive, and I'm a very positive person. I have to be. My kids are watching. I know I will kick ****!
However, the CT scan initially showed that the tumor has gone through the renal vein and is in the vena cava. A thrombectomy was mentioned. Also, there are two cysts in my left kidney and the adrenal gland on that one has a few cysts as well. All my labs are clean, even the cortisol test to check my adrenal gland function. I'm learning more and more that is common, no flags to ever make you think there's something going on. "Just a back ache", I thought. Turning 40 is proving to be a ****!
So, I just wanted to throw myself out there. I'll appreciate any feedback, suggestions, and insights.
Blessings and positive vibes to you all.
First of all, while it is a pleasure to meet you, I am sorry you were forced to come here! Now that you're here, jump in and ask away. I had my radical nephrectomy on my right kidney on May 14. The surgery was without incident adn I am looking forward to a mostly positive recovery.
To say that you don't have a hitch or two more than I would be disingenuous. You've got more issues going on than I, but based on what I have heard here in this group, you will not find a more supportive group of people on the planet.
In the coming days, stay in touch, I am sure our reident experts will be along shortly. I'm mostly a cheerleaader. I try to demonstrate that there is life after nephrectomy and that it really isn't as horrifying as it sounds.
Start now hydrating yourself and getting in some exercise. The better tone you have now, the easier the surgery recovery will be.
We are here for you. When you want to ask, ask here. When you want a laugh, there are plenty of people here that can help with that. When you want to gripe, bring it on. We've all done it. When you need comfort, we have that for you as well.
Its a great little club, and if it wasn't for the honor of being in it, most of us would have just as soon passed the opportunity by.
Peace, this is behind you soon. I'm having my post op consult while they are working on you! I'll send up some special thought Monday morning.
Michael
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Good luck!MDCinSC said:First of all, while it is a
First of all, while it is a pleasure to meet you, I am sorry you were forced to come here! Now that you're here, jump in and ask away. I had my radical nephrectomy on my right kidney on May 14. The surgery was without incident adn I am looking forward to a mostly positive recovery.
To say that you don't have a hitch or two more than I would be disingenuous. You've got more issues going on than I, but based on what I have heard here in this group, you will not find a more supportive group of people on the planet.
In the coming days, stay in touch, I am sure our reident experts will be along shortly. I'm mostly a cheerleaader. I try to demonstrate that there is life after nephrectomy and that it really isn't as horrifying as it sounds.
Start now hydrating yourself and getting in some exercise. The better tone you have now, the easier the surgery recovery will be.
We are here for you. When you want to ask, ask here. When you want a laugh, there are plenty of people here that can help with that. When you want to gripe, bring it on. We've all done it. When you need comfort, we have that for you as well.
Its a great little club, and if it wasn't for the honor of being in it, most of us would have just as soon passed the opportunity by.
Peace, this is behind you soon. I'm having my post op consult while they are working on you! I'll send up some special thought Monday morning.
Michael
Get through your surgery first. Plenty of time to ask about issues after. I'll bet things will be different then. Keep the positive attitude.
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I'm a nurse as well....klamart said:Another new club member here... Hi I'm Karen!
Hi Gale and all,
This is my first time posting as well, though I've been browsing around here quite a bit since January of this year.
I had a right radical nephrectomy on 2/4/13 via open 13 inch incision to the flank, just two weeks after the mass was discovered. This was so quick because it was quite large... path report came back Stage 4 RCC with a Furman grade of 2.
No evidence of mets to vena cava or lymph nodes; some nodes from chest wall adipose tissue were disected and a rib was resected and sent to pathology as well...qll negative. Chest xray clear, original and repeat of CT scan to abdomen/pelvis was negative for evidence of mets also. The reason it was Stage 4 is that it crossed the margin of gerota fascia around the kidney microscopically. My surgeon brushed this off and said the mass came out easily and appeared well contained. Renal oncologist said that he recommends investigational studies or some results on current meds that are now rolling data out, as well as CT scan (one head to toe) every 3-4 months.
Sooo... into my tenth week of recovery and just now finally feeling some energy return. I had a couple of glitches in the process.... very low blood pressure after surgery (blamed on intolerance for epidural fentanyl) that sent me to ICU for 2 days on drugs to raise my blood pressure. This was a bit touchy because I'm the nurse manager of that unit... yikes! But I guess the nurses like me because they took good care of me :-). I was in the hospital for 5 days total and then two weeks after getting home had some bleeding issues from the incision that sent me to the ER... a venous ooze that had my hemoglobin down to 8... a few stitches and back home I went after much pleading and promises to come back if needed!
The extreme fatigue as well as varying pain was a constant companion up until the 2nd-3rd week of March or so... then the pain was gone and I'm left with that 'tightness' around my right midsection that I read about from others here... numbness to the right side of my abdomen and a moderate fullness, though no hernia, to the right side. The waistline is a bit lopsided! Sounds like nothing unusual as compared to other tales. I also have noted some peculiar rt hip weakness when walking.. flexing my right leg at the hip has been a little shaky, and that is what I am working on now.. a steady gait. I'm wondering if the numbness/poor muscle tone has also affected this. Getting better though!
I'm keeping a positive attitude and encouraged by my oncologist who told me he's guestimating 70% chance that we have a cure with surgery, based on my patho report and discussion with surgeon.
Sound about right? That Stage 4 had me worried, but the grade 2 not so much.
Wonderful group of people here and since I have to join the club, I'm glad it is this one!
Karen
Hi Karen,
I'm new to this forum, I'm having my surgery on July 5th 13 (Rt radical nephrectomy) I'm scared as hell!! I'm no stranger to surgery, I've had a hyst, lap chole, knee scope, shoulder surgery (all that lifting has taken it's toll ) appendectomy.....
This one has me really worried. I read that you had complications, yes the old adage is true for Docs and nurses, what ever goes wrong, it'll be in the cases of Docs and nurses.
I'm glad to read that you are doing well and I wish you continued good heatlh and recovery.
I'm having difficulty with navigating around this website as I don't find it very intuitive. Where do I go to start a conversation as you did? I'd appreciate any assistance from you.
Thanking you inadvance,
Trisha (Canadian Nurse)
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Hi! Welcome!Trisha001 said:I'm a nurse as well....
Hi Karen,
I'm new to this forum, I'm having my surgery on July 5th 13 (Rt radical nephrectomy) I'm scared as hell!! I'm no stranger to surgery, I've had a hyst, lap chole, knee scope, shoulder surgery (all that lifting has taken it's toll ) appendectomy.....
This one has me really worried. I read that you had complications, yes the old adage is true for Docs and nurses, what ever goes wrong, it'll be in the cases of Docs and nurses.
I'm glad to read that you are doing well and I wish you continued good heatlh and recovery.
I'm having difficulty with navigating around this website as I don't find it very intuitive. Where do I go to start a conversation as you did? I'd appreciate any assistance from you.
Thanking you inadvance,
Trisha (Canadian Nurse)
To start a new post look for the add a new comment under the cancer specific list. Thats where you can ask new questions!
I am 4 weeks past my surgery for a laparascopic radical right Nephrectomy. Life hs not been brighter! I understand the dread and the anticipation, but be assured, those are attitudes you can control with education, talking with survivors here, and adopting an attitude that you have an invader in your body and the best thing you can do is get it out!
Everyone here has felt the same shock, fear and dread you are xperiencing now. We have all survived it and we are embracing the life giving results as a result of our surgery.
Ask anything here, anything! I was welcomed here and lead through the fear and trembling by caring people who understood. They are here for you too!
I'm sorry to welcome you into our club, but glad you found us!
Michael
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How are you Cleo?foxhd said:Good luck!
Get through your surgery first. Plenty of time to ask about issues after. I'll bet things will be different then. Keep the positive attitude.
I was catching up on reading and saw you had surgery last Monday. So, how are you doing other than sore, stiff, and getting over the effects of anesthesia? Just know you will feel better in about a week, much better is about five weeks, and ready to conquer the world in about six months. Best wishes for a full recovery and many NEDs.
John
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Newbie
Hi
i am 8 days into recovery from a open. Right kidney with 9cm tumour which was attached to my liver and back muscles. Small part if liver was removed.
estimated stage T3, N1, M0 and awaiting pathology report
I am a 41 year old female - and my question is has anyone else experienced a tumour attached to other organs or parts of body and what was the outcome?
nany thanks in advance.
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Same situationjudyfain said:I wish only the best for you as well. My cancer was found by accident very early, it was stage I. Although I was in a lot of pain when it was found, I am happy I was in the ER that day. I had diverticulitis and while doing test and ct scan to diagnose it, they found that tumor. Thank you God for letting them find it them, or else it would still be growing inside of me. Good luck to all of you survivors.........
I have to get surgery because of the diverticulitis .. So they have to do open on the partial nephrectomy.. Hey was yours open and how long did it take to get back to work 4.1 cm here
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Had the surgery, now what?
Another newbie here. I found this forum looking for info because I just didn't get that much information from my doctor.
Like so many on here, it was a fortunate accident that we found my tumor. I am male, age 54, over-weight and out of shape. I've been on hypertension and gout medications for years. Otherwise, in general good health with little family history of cancer - mostly prostate.
I had passed some blood, but just for one morning, then it cleared up. No pain at all at this time. A couple of weeks later I had some pain and thought I might have a kidney stone (I've had them before) and went to the urologist, who ordered a CT scan. It didn't show anything and the doctor concluded I had just wrenched my back and that was the cause of the pain. The blood could have been from a stone that I had already passed.
I had already left his office to go back to work when his nurse called and said he wanted me to get another CT, this time with contrast. Turned out the radiologist thought he saw a bit of a lesion, but be could not be sure without the contrast. The new scan clearly showed an approximately 4 cm solid mass in the left kidney.
Diagnosed on September 13, 2013. Surgery was robotic assisted laparoscopic radical left nephrectomy on October 28. Tumor was totally encapsulated I the kidney with no sign of spread to the lymph nodes or any surrounding tissue. The initial plan was to do a partial nephrectomy, but in a game time decision, the surgeon thought the location of the tumor would make it too difficult to successfully close and preserve the remaining kidney tissue. This was not totally unexpected. Released from the hospital after four days.
Saw the urologist a week post-op and got the pathology: clear cell RCC, 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.8 cm, pT1a, Furman Grade 2. All things considered, good news! Scheduled for scans every four months for the first year, then adjusted after that.
Now what? Basically the doctor just said, “Everything looks good, see you in four months.” And I’m going, “Wait, there is too much going on I don’t understand.” Searched for info eventually led me here. It has been most helpful reading about so many experiences. Thanks to all who are keeping this long discussion open for newbies like me!
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Oh my favorite question. Itbonepoke said:Question for GaryM and FoxHD
How long was it before you guys were riding again?
Thanks
Oh my favorite question. I waited six weeks, for a short ride. But I can't recommend it. I now have a hernia. Try to wait about six months and wear a kidney belt. Ron
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