For my Mother

LBlackman

We found out yesterday that my mother, who is 82 has a tumor in her right kidney. My father is 85 with borderline alzheimers. I live with them and take care of them, or we take care of each other, I should say. I am a cancer survivor (thyroid) myself so I am scared for her. They are going to schedule an MRI to see if it's cancerous or not. My father is very nervous and worried and I know he isn't sure how to process the information. I am lost right now as she is my best friend and I try to be there for them both. Some days are more difficult that others with my health issues as well factoring in. Has anyone else been diagnosed from having an MRI? I thought they would have to biopsy to find out. Thanks,
Lynne

swijak

Diagnosed with CT Scan
I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) during a CT-Scan (looking for kidney stones). I was told by several doctors that a biopsy was not needed. Due to the size of the tumor (8-9 cm) they removed the kidney about four months ago (I’m 49).

I've just had a friend that had a tumors on his kidney (and liver) and an MRI showed that it was not probably not cancer (something about the blood flow, I'm not a doctor...). He has to recheck about every 6 months for the next year or two.

*If* it is RCC (big 'if' right now) , the 'good' news is that most forms of RCC appears to be very treatable with just surgery.

Trust your doctor's but don't be afraid to ask (a lot of) questions or get second opinions.

gramma512

biopsy or not?
My diagnosis was almost identical to swijak. I went to the ER thinking I was having a kidney stone moving. They did a ct scan and saw the tumor. Due to the size (about like a baseball), they could tell it was cancer and a biopsy wasn't necessary. I was referred to a local urologist, then on to a larger hospital. The urologist who actually did my surgery told me that a biopsy wasn't necessary, but she could do it if I wanted her to - only I should be aware that doing a biopsy could cause the cancer to spread. I opted to just schedule surgery. Between time of diagnosis and time of surgery, exactly 2 months passed. The sooner the better. I'm 49. I don't know how different this will be for your mother since she's older, but I would definitely be asking her doctor. I hope all goes well for you. I will keep her in my prayers.

icemantoo

gramma512 said:

biopsy or not?
My diagnosis was almost identical to swijak. I went to the ER thinking I was having a kidney stone moving. They did a ct scan and saw the tumor. Due to the size (about like a baseball), they could tell it was cancer and a biopsy wasn't necessary. I was referred to a local urologist, then on to a larger hospital. The urologist who actually did my surgery told me that a biopsy wasn't necessary, but she could do it if I wanted her to - only I should be aware that doing a biopsy could cause the cancer to spread. I opted to just schedule surgery. Between time of diagnosis and time of surgery, exactly 2 months passed. The sooner the better. I'm 49. I don't know how different this will be for your mother since she's older, but I would definitely be asking her doctor. I hope all goes well for you. I will keep her in my prayers.

Best wishes to Mom.
I am assuming that since your mother was diagnosed with RCC and is now having an MRI that she was originally diagnosed thru an ultrasound. An MRI will gave a clearer picture and CT scan the best. The important thing at her age is that the Tumor be small as these grow very slowly and the doctor may not be willing to do a neprarectomy (kidney removal) on an 82 year old. These are questions to dicuss with her doctor. A biopsy is usually not done as the doctors can determine from an MRI with a high degree of accuracy (80% or above) whether the tumor is Cancerous or is likely to become cancerous.

Best wishes,


Icemantoo

LBlackman

icemantoo said:

Best wishes to Mom.
I am assuming that since your mother was diagnosed with RCC and is now having an MRI that she was originally diagnosed thru an ultrasound. An MRI will gave a clearer picture and CT scan the best. The important thing at her age is that the Tumor be small as these grow very slowly and the doctor may not be willing to do a neprarectomy (kidney removal) on an 82 year old. These are questions to dicuss with her doctor. A biopsy is usually not done as the doctors can determine from an MRI with a high degree of accuracy (80% or above) whether the tumor is Cancerous or is likely to become cancerous.

Best wishes,


Icemantoo

scan
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. Her tumor was 3.7x3.0x3.2. The report said acute renal failure so that has us concerned, her MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. This all started with her bloodwork coming back questionable. It also said something about neoplasm and I am not sure what that means....

LBlackman

LBlackman said:

scan
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. Her tumor was 3.7x3.0x3.2. The report said acute renal failure so that has us concerned, her MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. This all started with her bloodwork coming back questionable. It also said something about neoplasm and I am not sure what that means....

We had to postpone the MRI due to the death of her sister and had to travel out of town. I spoke to the nurse at her Dr.'s office and they have the results, I asked that they call me with the results as mom is a nervous wreck. I'm on pins and needles myself, but fear the worse as I am a cancer survivor and I know certain markers show up in the blood. Just had to vent a little, she is my best friend and I would do anything to take her pain or cancer diagnosis away if it is cancer.

LBlackman

LBlackman said:

We had to postpone the MRI due to the death of her sister and had to travel out of town. I spoke to the nurse at her Dr.'s office and they have the results, I asked that they call me with the results as mom is a nervous wreck. I'm on pins and needles myself, but fear the worse as I am a cancer survivor and I know certain markers show up in the blood. Just had to vent a little, she is my best friend and I would do anything to take her pain or cancer diagnosis away if it is cancer.

scan
The tumors are filled with fluid and not indicative of cancer.....thank goodness. She said she could do more tests, but at her age and with her not having any problems we will leave it at that. Now I am just praying my whole body scan for thyroid cancer reaps the same results....Best of luck to all of you and prayers that you will be cancer free. Thanks for the responses.
Lynne