Emotional-Normal?

2

Comments

  • Vagusto
    Vagusto Member Posts: 86
    #22
    Feelings
    Hello Shan!
    As most, my cancer was diagnosed when having an ultrasound for gallbladder issues. I was 46. The tumor was large
    and so I had an open radical. Recovery went well, all things considered. I struggled for a longggggg time. Letting go and learning
    to live was/is difficult. I don't believe that I will ever totally stop analyzing ever ache and pain. But, I can tell you that
    I managed to tell myself to start living again & save the crazy worry for when I need it. I stopped living and that was no fun. As time
    approaches my check-ups (every 6 months) , I get REALLY crabby! But ......I'm allowed to do that. :)
    Take care of YOU.
    Valerie
  • sunlover_56
    sunlover_56 Member Posts: 110
    #23
    icemantoo said:

    Same Boat
    Shan-39,

    I was in the same boat as you. Had my 4.2 cm bugger removed at age 59 almost 10 years ago and I was cured. We that have RCC are a 3% minority of Cancer patients. Over 1/2 of us are cured by the surgery. With what you have given us there is no reason that you being fully cured by the surgery is as close to 100% as possible. What society has pounded into our skulls for all these years is that Cancer is a disease that keeps coming back and people have horrific lifes as a result. Not so with RCC involving small tumors. Much needs to be done to help RCC where larger tumors and mets show there ugly face. But those of us with small tumors get a free pass from those problems. Think of it as you had cancer, not that you have it. RCC is not like other Cancers out there and don't get caught up in what miseries other Cancers cause. We bit the bullet, now is the time to go out and live. My Neighbor Faye across the street had her surgery 17 years ago and at 81 today is doing fine and her husband can not keep up with her. Best wishes for at least 50 more heathy years now that you have stopped smoking. I also have a 10 and 14 year old, as well as a 13 15 and 16 year old. They are called grandchildren.

    Icemantoo
  • sunlover_56
    sunlover_56 Member Posts: 110
    #24
    icemantoo said:

    Same Boat
    Shan-39,

    I was in the same boat as you. Had my 4.2 cm bugger removed at age 59 almost 10 years ago and I was cured. We that have RCC are a 3% minority of Cancer patients. Over 1/2 of us are cured by the surgery. With what you have given us there is no reason that you being fully cured by the surgery is as close to 100% as possible. What society has pounded into our skulls for all these years is that Cancer is a disease that keeps coming back and people have horrific lifes as a result. Not so with RCC involving small tumors. Much needs to be done to help RCC where larger tumors and mets show there ugly face. But those of us with small tumors get a free pass from those problems. Think of it as you had cancer, not that you have it. RCC is not like other Cancers out there and don't get caught up in what miseries other Cancers cause. We bit the bullet, now is the time to go out and live. My Neighbor Faye across the street had her surgery 17 years ago and at 81 today is doing fine and her husband can not keep up with her. Best wishes for at least 50 more heathy years now that you have stopped smoking. I also have a 10 and 14 year old, as well as a 13 15 and 16 year old. They are called grandchildren.

    Icemantoo

    Icemantoo
    You're post made me feel good in some ways. my tumor was almost twice the size of yours..but the Doc said it wsa all contained in the kidney (which they took out) I hope my furture is positive but I am still so scared of it "coming back".. My daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild and I want to see him grow up.
  • Fishknees
    Fishknees Member Posts: 73
    #25
    Vagusto said:

    Feelings
    Hello Shan!
    As most, my cancer was diagnosed when having an ultrasound for gallbladder issues. I was 46. The tumor was large
    and so I had an open radical. Recovery went well, all things considered. I struggled for a longggggg time. Letting go and learning
    to live was/is difficult. I don't believe that I will ever totally stop analyzing ever ache and pain. But, I can tell you that
    I managed to tell myself to start living again & save the crazy worry for when I need it. I stopped living and that was no fun. As time
    approaches my check-ups (every 6 months) , I get REALLY crabby! But ......I'm allowed to do that. :)
    Take care of YOU.
    Valerie

    Just a short note!
    I wrote I found out I don't have RCC. So exciting. Got the pathology report in my hands. I found out what I do have did not exactly correspond to the pathology report. It is related in a way to melanoma. Guess who has had melanoma?

    Well I am not even going there. I don't know if the doctors tell the pathologists of previous cancers so I don't know if they knew.

    Just anothe bump in the road. I think I am going to ignore it for now. I can't take this up and down.
  • Shan_39
    Shan_39 Member Posts: 17
    #26
    Vagusto said:

    Feelings
    Hello Shan!
    As most, my cancer was diagnosed when having an ultrasound for gallbladder issues. I was 46. The tumor was large
    and so I had an open radical. Recovery went well, all things considered. I struggled for a longggggg time. Letting go and learning
    to live was/is difficult. I don't believe that I will ever totally stop analyzing ever ache and pain. But, I can tell you that
    I managed to tell myself to start living again & save the crazy worry for when I need it. I stopped living and that was no fun. As time
    approaches my check-ups (every 6 months) , I get REALLY crabby! But ......I'm allowed to do that. :)
    Take care of YOU.
    Valerie

    Thank you
    I sure appreciate everyone offering their advice and sharing their stories with me. It's nice to feel connected to others who have shared the same experience. I wish I would have looked at this site sooner, but glad that I found it now. I've been reading a lot of old posts on here, and found a ton of useful information regarding eating habits after nephrectomy and etc. Some talk about giving up meat, and in particular "red meat". Why is that? I'm just curious because lately I've been having issues after I eat read meat. Any insight would be wonderful.

    Again, thank you everyone for your kind words and inspiration, it's nice to not feel alone.

    Shannon
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    #27
    Texas_wedge said:

    Wedgie
    Unfortunately to a UK citizen of my generation this pseudonym can only refer to the engaging loony left politician, Tony Wedgwood Benn, a patrician (former 2nd Viscount Stansgate who renounced his title to further his ultimately unsuccessful political ambitions to achieve the highest office). He occasionally talks very good sense but he talks a great deal else besides.

    Wedgie...
    Wedgie in the UK is probably still a better association than having your undies turned into a thong as it is on this side of the pond.
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #28
    garym said:

    Wedgie...
    Wedgie in the UK is probably still a better association than having your undies turned into a thong as it is on this side of the pond.

    Moniker
    Agreed! I'd rather be 'Tex' than 'Wedgie'.

    How's the golf in Michigan? The temperature screamed up to 41 F here today and I was looking forward to my first game for about 5 weeks at Carnoustie but the wind chill factor + heavy rain took the gilt off the gingerbread.
  • Maryooo
    Maryooo Member Posts: 3
    #29
    icemantoo said:

    Same Boat
    Shan-39,

    I was in the same boat as you. Had my 4.2 cm bugger removed at age 59 almost 10 years ago and I was cured. We that have RCC are a 3% minority of Cancer patients. Over 1/2 of us are cured by the surgery. With what you have given us there is no reason that you being fully cured by the surgery is as close to 100% as possible. What society has pounded into our skulls for all these years is that Cancer is a disease that keeps coming back and people have horrific lifes as a result. Not so with RCC involving small tumors. Much needs to be done to help RCC where larger tumors and mets show there ugly face. But those of us with small tumors get a free pass from those problems. Think of it as you had cancer, not that you have it. RCC is not like other Cancers out there and don't get caught up in what miseries other Cancers cause. We bit the bullet, now is the time to go out and live. My Neighbor Faye across the street had her surgery 17 years ago and at 81 today is doing fine and her husband can not keep up with her. Best wishes for at least 50 more heathy years now that you have stopped smoking. I also have a 10 and 14 year old, as well as a 13 15 and 16 year old. They are called grandchildren.

    Icemantoo

    Your post make me feel good
    Your post make me feel good about my cancer. It was small and found accidentally after my sister was diagnosed with RCC a year ago. Alot of the reports say 5 years of life.
  • Maryooo
    Maryooo Member Posts: 3
    #30
    icemantoo said:

    Same Boat
    Shan-39,

    I was in the same boat as you. Had my 4.2 cm bugger removed at age 59 almost 10 years ago and I was cured. We that have RCC are a 3% minority of Cancer patients. Over 1/2 of us are cured by the surgery. With what you have given us there is no reason that you being fully cured by the surgery is as close to 100% as possible. What society has pounded into our skulls for all these years is that Cancer is a disease that keeps coming back and people have horrific lifes as a result. Not so with RCC involving small tumors. Much needs to be done to help RCC where larger tumors and mets show there ugly face. But those of us with small tumors get a free pass from those problems. Think of it as you had cancer, not that you have it. RCC is not like other Cancers out there and don't get caught up in what miseries other Cancers cause. We bit the bullet, now is the time to go out and live. My Neighbor Faye across the street had her surgery 17 years ago and at 81 today is doing fine and her husband can not keep up with her. Best wishes for at least 50 more heathy years now that you have stopped smoking. I also have a 10 and 14 year old, as well as a 13 15 and 16 year old. They are called grandchildren.

    Icemantoo

    Your post make me feel good
    Your post make me feel good about my cancer. It was small and found accidentally after my sister was diagnosed with RCC a year ago. I hope finding this early and small is a life time cure
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #31
    Maryooo said:

    Your post make me feel good
    Your post make me feel good about my cancer. It was small and found accidentally after my sister was diagnosed with RCC a year ago. Alot of the reports say 5 years of life.

    Prognosis
    Despite your family history (mother and sister) the outlook is very good for you. You've not read the statistics that apply to a situation like yours. You are almost certainly now cured and your life expectancy will be much the same as it would have been without RCC. The fact that you very sensibly took early action because of your family history is a big plus and will have improves your prospects enormously so cheer up and enjoy a happy, healthy long life.
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647
    #32
    Texas_wedge said:

    Moniker
    Agreed! I'd rather be 'Tex' than 'Wedgie'.

    How's the golf in Michigan? The temperature screamed up to 41 F here today and I was looking forward to my first game for about 5 weeks at Carnoustie but the wind chill factor + heavy rain took the gilt off the gingerbread.

    4 W's...
    Its been Windy, Wet, and Wear your Woolies, but it is supposed to warm up starting today.
  • Vagusto
    Vagusto Member Posts: 86
    #33
    Shan_39 said:

    Thank you
    I sure appreciate everyone offering their advice and sharing their stories with me. It's nice to feel connected to others who have shared the same experience. I wish I would have looked at this site sooner, but glad that I found it now. I've been reading a lot of old posts on here, and found a ton of useful information regarding eating habits after nephrectomy and etc. Some talk about giving up meat, and in particular "red meat". Why is that? I'm just curious because lately I've been having issues after I eat read meat. Any insight would be wonderful.

    Again, thank you everyone for your kind words and inspiration, it's nice to not feel alone.

    Shannon

    Meat
    Shan

    I've always been a "meatatarian"! However, since my surgery I've found it difficult if I eat too much red meat at one time ( mostly steak or hamburgers).
    I'm not sure if it's harder to break down with one kidney or what. Also, I can tell you that to this day if I over eat in one setting, I'm
    miserable.
    Valerie
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #34
    Vagusto said:

    Meat
    Shan

    I've always been a "meatatarian"! However, since my surgery I've found it difficult if I eat too much red meat at one time ( mostly steak or hamburgers).
    I'm not sure if it's harder to break down with one kidney or what. Also, I can tell you that to this day if I over eat in one setting, I'm
    miserable.
    Valerie

    meat
    You know Val, I have been the same way. I could have driven down the road just to find a cow to bite. Now, I think I've had one small steak since Christmas. Also had been an over user of salt. No longer add it to anything. Something in our chemistry has changed.
  • Minnesota Girl
    Minnesota Girl Member Posts: 119
    #35
    We understand
    You are NOT CRAZY!! I think you can already see that everyone on this board can relate. My story is almost exactly like yours, kicking off just about a year ago. You will find that these emotions ebb and flow - kicking you in the teeth at the most unexpected times. I realized last week that it was one year ago that I had a bad gastro attack, that led to a CT, that led to a cancer diagnosis. And remembering that put me on the emotional edge for a few days. I expect the other little anniversaries I will face, up to my one year surgery anniversary on July 9, will have the same effect.

    Just remember that this rollercoaster is normal. Glad to hear you are going to start walking! You have a big incentive to take care of yourself - you have a long life ahead of you!!
  • Shan_39
    Shan_39 Member Posts: 17
    #36
    Vagusto said:

    Meat
    Shan

    I've always been a "meatatarian"! However, since my surgery I've found it difficult if I eat too much red meat at one time ( mostly steak or hamburgers).
    I'm not sure if it's harder to break down with one kidney or what. Also, I can tell you that to this day if I over eat in one setting, I'm
    miserable.
    Valerie

    Meat

    Val,

    Yes, I was very much a "meatatarian" also! I love my hamburgers and steak. I was going to mention it to my doctor because my stomach so bad after I eat the meat. I find that also after I eat too much I don't feel good. I'm only 2 months post-op, and if I eat too much I keep saying "my guts" hurt. I'm still wearing yoga pants, because jeans still don't feel right.have you completely changed your diet since your surgery?

    shannon
  • Vagusto
    Vagusto Member Posts: 86
    #37
    Shan_39 said:

    Meat

    Val,

    Yes, I was very much a "meatatarian" also! I love my hamburgers and steak. I was going to mention it to my doctor because my stomach so bad after I eat the meat. I find that also after I eat too much I don't feel good. I'm only 2 months post-op, and if I eat too much I keep saying "my guts" hurt. I'm still wearing yoga pants, because jeans still don't feel right.have you completely changed your diet since your surgery?

    shannon

    Diet
    Hi Shan
    I lost lots of pounds after my surgery. I felt so uncomfortable when I ate, and needed to shed the
    pounds..,..so all was good. I would say that I'm eating healthier than before surgery. That being said, if
    I want to eat something fattening, I will. I do limit my beef intake because I just feel sick when I eat too much of it.
    I also take a multivitamin because for one I don't eat enough fruit. I have gallbladder issues ( reason my kidney cancer
    was found) and so citrus really gives me problems. I feel that I will forever have problems if I over eat at one time. I'm
    about 2.5 years post op and it still bothers me. Certain pants bother me when it hits my scar just right. I have a fair amount
    of numbness underneath the scar.
    Take care
    Valerie
  • sunlover_56
    sunlover_56 Member Posts: 110
    #38
    Boomersdad said:

    Hi Shan and every body else,
    Hi Shan and every body else, Ive not been on for a couple of months,Everything you say Shan is the same for most of us, I had a full removel of a cancer size 7.5 cm and left kidney in Jan this year,the first few weeks were sore ,but I found I improved every day until about 6 weeks after the opp then things slowed down but I knew I was getting fitter each day, I went back to work 7 weeks after the opp, I also felt weepy and frustrated at how long it was taking but its just a matter of hanging in there,its now 13 weeks since the opp and I just get the odd sharp twinges mid belly, but the doc says its just scare tissue heeling ,My wife as been my best doctor in all that time and I cant thank her enough, keep smilling Errol

    Boomersdad and Tex
    My tumor was also 7.5 cm which put me just barely into stage 2.. my grade is 1 which is very good. I wish my doctor had just said "your cured" go home and ejoy life. (maybe he didnt cause my tumor was a little bigger I dunno)But I myself am telling myself I AM CURED!!! On another note, Tex and Boomer.. I am a big fan of the UK. I have always been facinated with the UK and all its history. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to England a few years ago and cant wait to go back!!! I spent my visit in the northwest of England.. Chester, Lancaster, Blackpool.. etc I absolutely loved every day of my two weeks there :-)
  • littledarlin
    littledarlin Member Posts: 102
    #39
    JackieP125 said:

    Tears and Fear
    You sound just like me 3 1/2 months ago. After my surgery I was just plain mad, angry and emotional. Everything and everyone made me cry. In time I got past most of that. I still cry and find that I have a a huge amount of compassion and empathy for every living creature. I appreciate more and love deeper than ever before. It all comes with the territory. You will be fine. Just take it one day at a time. You are a survivor now. Embrace everyday with joy. I know I do.

    emotional roller coaster
    I sure am understanding this emotional roller coaster now that my surgery is over..
    Will try take it one day at a time for now. Looking forward to a new normal. I am sick and tired of this one..

    LD
  • flatlander
    flatlander Member Posts: 46
    #40
    Minnesota Girl said:

    We understand
    You are NOT CRAZY!! I think you can already see that everyone on this board can relate. My story is almost exactly like yours, kicking off just about a year ago. You will find that these emotions ebb and flow - kicking you in the teeth at the most unexpected times. I realized last week that it was one year ago that I had a bad gastro attack, that led to a CT, that led to a cancer diagnosis. And remembering that put me on the emotional edge for a few days. I expect the other little anniversaries I will face, up to my one year surgery anniversary on July 9, will have the same effect.

    Just remember that this rollercoaster is normal. Glad to hear you are going to start walking! You have a big incentive to take care of yourself - you have a long life ahead of you!!

    thank u peeps
    I have been having highs and lows since I got diagnosed. My surgery didnt go well and I couldnt work as a firefighter for the last six months. So I am finaly feeling better and two days ago I taped up my wound and water skied for the first time in over two decades. I wanted to yell 'f u cancer!'. Secretly I was afraid I would jinx myself and the cancer would come back. This thing has made me crazier than I already was. Next week I go back to work. It ought to be interesting when.I treat my first cancer.patient in the ambulance.
  • Luckylady443
    Luckylady443 Member Posts: 1
    #41
    Emotional-Normal?
    Hi,
    I feel like I wrote the message you sent! I had my right kidney removed on Feb. 1st, 2012. My tumor was 4 cm and had not gone to the wall so it was contained within the kidney. I did not need any treatment. How lucky was that? It was a miracle they happened to check it out since I had a little pain but the doctor said that was not a symptom.
    I did see a psychologist a few times because of my emotions, however, I decided that all I needed was the doctor saying I was okay. I cry so much and my friends think I should see someone including my daughter.
    My three month ctscans were normal as well as a bladder test. I do that again in three months. I thought I would be just fine but after reading all the messages I have started to worry again.
    I had been looking for a diet to keep my other kidney healthy. My surgeon said I could eat anything, however, I know that salt and protein should be limited.
    I take a cholesteral pill which is a statin and now I see that I shouldn't take it as it could cause kidney problems. I will be talking to my doctor.
    You are young and having three children and a husband who is out of state is certainly reasons for your emotions. I have gotten better but definitely not as strong emotionally as I was before.
    Like you I have quit smoking. When I think about it I decided I would be crazy to have one.
    I don't klnow if you will read this but I am sure that you are completely normal and I wish you the best and continued good health.

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