Just Diagnosed
Comments
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Hi Iconnolconno said:Kidney cancer
I too was just diagnosed with kidney cancer, mine was found by accident thank god, I am scheduled for a kidney removal on April 30th, I am overweight also, but my drs seem to think all will be fine. Good Luck to you!!! Any comments are appreciated!!! I had a hysterectomy on Feb 26th, after two weeks I was experiencing some pain that I thought was unusual, called the Dr after hours and was told to go to the ER. Upon going to the ER a ct scan was ordered to check for infection from the hysterectomy, it was there that they found a 2.8 cm mass on my left kidney, I had a biopsy 2 days later, and was told I had renal clear cell carcinoma. I then went to our local Karmanos cancer center, where I was given the utmost caring and kind treatment, blood work was done and my options were given to me, I was told the cancer I have does not respond to chemo or radiation, so the only option was surgical removal, I am a lil bit scared as the Dr informed me that the tumor even though it is small it is laying on top of the main artery to my kidney, so he wont know until he gets in there how much they will have to remove. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you
I was scheduled forHi Iconno
I was scheduled for a partial too but they decided to take the whole kidney. My doc originally said the worst cast scnario is losing the kidney so to be honest if you prepare for a radical nephrectomy anything else is a bonus!! You will be fine and you will get through it...the alternative is not an option!! Remember on this journey you will meet some wonderful people and some of them are here ;-)
Eims x
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Ah Fox you old charmer!!foxhd said:Us OLD survivors
Just so you guys all know, Us experienced survivors have been here awhile. But we speak the truth. Making up stories would be way too hard to remember what we have said. So......having a chance to hear EIMS take on things is "fresh" and encouraging and accurate. It is all NTI. Nothing to it! Absorb all you can from our posts. It is gonna help. Good luck!
By the way, BEAUTIFUL picture Eims. Stay well for your family.
EimsAh Fox you old charmer!!
Eims x
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Surgery...Sable2900 said:Just Diagnosed
Thought of another question I would appreciate your answering -- after surgery do you go to Intensive Care? Oh more questions - do you have something going through your nose? I understand you only get ice chips for a few days - don't care but just heard that. Anything you can tell me about after the surgery will be appreciated.
Hi Sable,
It is not going to be as bad as your imagination makes iy seem, the waiting is worse than the procedure. They'll wheel you into the OR, probably ask you a couple questions like "Date of birth? and Do you know why you're here?" then its lights out. Afterwards (seems like no time has passed and you remember nothing) you'll be in a recovery room and they will already be working on pain management, I barely remember being there. The first clear memory I have following surgery is waking up in my room with my wife at my side telling me everything went very well, I was up and walking the next day. No tubes in the nose, only a cathetor for a day or so. Its important to walk as soon as you can and as much as you can and remember to drink plenty of water, both help speed the recovery process along. You'll be fine.
Good luck and Godspeed,
Gary
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After SurgerySable2900 said:Just Diagnosed
Thought of another question I would appreciate your answering -- after surgery do you go to Intensive Care? Oh more questions - do you have something going through your nose? I understand you only get ice chips for a few days - don't care but just heard that. Anything you can tell me about after the surgery will be appreciated.
My surgery was around noon on a Monday. Mine was a radical right nephrectomy. I woke up Monday night in a regular room around 7-8pm. I don't remember much of that first evening. I had some vomiting that evening, but that was because they didn't really hear me when I told them that morphine makes me sick. No tube in the nose. Only a tube somewhere else! (Catheter). The next morning they encouraged me to walk and my son helped me. I only made it to the door and back, but that was about 8 am Tuesday morning. They removed my catheter that morning. I started eating that morning (liquid diet), but was on a regular diet at lunch time. By afternoon I was walking down the hall a bit and the next day in the morning (Wednesday) I was walking around the ward. I went home on Wednesday afternoon. Because I didn't do well on morphine, they took it me off it right away and gave me tramodol instead. It worked great for me.
The biggest pain (besides in my side) from that first week was that my bowels didn't start working until Friday night. I recommend a mild stool softener/laxative (emphasis on mild) that first week. I used an over-the-counter one called Senna Plus (which I think is a natural one). The pain meds can be constipating and it takes a few days for the bowels to recover.
You will do great!
Todd
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Also just diagnosed
Sable, I was also just diagnosed.(3/10/13.... thirteen thirteen!).i have a 2.5 cm tumor on my right kidney that was an incidental finding on a cat scan and confirmed with an MRI. I too am overweight, 51 yrs old and unfortunately have diabetes and a cardiac history..(2 heart attacks in the last year and 4 stents since 2001) The surgeon says I'm considered high risk for surgery so they would prefer to do the radiofrequency ablation on the tumor instead.the decision they said is mine and they would do the robotic partial nephrectomy if i choose. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and i really want the cancer out of my body but am scared to have a surgery..but i'm afraid that if i have the ablation now and the cancer comes back that i may be in worse health later and surgery would not even be an option...the tumor was a 6mm cyst on an ultrasound in june 2009. Has anyone had the rfa treatment?
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Cralleycatcralleycat said:Also just diagnosed
Sable, I was also just diagnosed.(3/10/13.... thirteen thirteen!).i have a 2.5 cm tumor on my right kidney that was an incidental finding on a cat scan and confirmed with an MRI. I too am overweight, 51 yrs old and unfortunately have diabetes and a cardiac history..(2 heart attacks in the last year and 4 stents since 2001) The surgeon says I'm considered high risk for surgery so they would prefer to do the radiofrequency ablation on the tumor instead.the decision they said is mine and they would do the robotic partial nephrectomy if i choose. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and i really want the cancer out of my body but am scared to have a surgery..but i'm afraid that if i have the ablation now and the cancer comes back that i may be in worse health later and surgery would not even be an option...the tumor was a 6mm cyst on an ultrasound in june 2009. Has anyone had the rfa treatment?
With your health history, if I were you, I would risk the surgery. You already identified the risk for future complications. The goal is to live being well in the future not compromized. If the will do the surgery, you know that they will be prepared for complications. You will be safe. That's my take.
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Just Diagnosedfoxhd said:Cralleycat
With your health history, if I were you, I would risk the surgery. You already identified the risk for future complications. The goal is to live being well in the future not compromized. If the will do the surgery, you know that they will be prepared for complications. You will be safe. That's my take.
Cralleycat, I don't know what to tell you - I'm so new to all of this. I just hope when I go to the doctor April 2nd he just tells me what has to be done and I don't have to make a decision. I am terrified. I just had a new right hip this past November and thought that was a big deal - ha - piece of cake compared to this! I wish you the very best and let us know how things go for you.
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Michiganlconno said:Kidney cancer
I too was just diagnosed with kidney cancer, mine was found by accident thank god, I am scheduled for a kidney removal on April 30th, I am overweight also, but my drs seem to think all will be fine. Good Luck to you!!! Any comments are appreciated!!! I had a hysterectomy on Feb 26th, after two weeks I was experiencing some pain that I thought was unusual, called the Dr after hours and was told to go to the ER. Upon going to the ER a ct scan was ordered to check for infection from the hysterectomy, it was there that they found a 2.8 cm mass on my left kidney, I had a biopsy 2 days later, and was told I had renal clear cell carcinoma. I then went to our local Karmanos cancer center, where I was given the utmost caring and kind treatment, blood work was done and my options were given to me, I was told the cancer I have does not respond to chemo or radiation, so the only option was surgical removal, I am a lil bit scared as the Dr informed me that the tumor even though it is small it is laying on top of the main artery to my kidney, so he wont know until he gets in there how much they will have to remove. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you
Iconno,
Like Garym and myself we are all from Michigan. Good to hear like Gary M and myself that your tumor is xmall and a complete recovery from the surgery alone is in the cards, Sorry you had to go thru that other stuff, but I can't help you there. As for how much they remone, partials were not none in the early years of the Century when mine was done. I understand that it is sometimes a game day decision.
Icemantoo
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Difficult decisioncralleycat said:Also just diagnosed
Sable, I was also just diagnosed.(3/10/13.... thirteen thirteen!).i have a 2.5 cm tumor on my right kidney that was an incidental finding on a cat scan and confirmed with an MRI. I too am overweight, 51 yrs old and unfortunately have diabetes and a cardiac history..(2 heart attacks in the last year and 4 stents since 2001) The surgeon says I'm considered high risk for surgery so they would prefer to do the radiofrequency ablation on the tumor instead.the decision they said is mine and they would do the robotic partial nephrectomy if i choose. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and i really want the cancer out of my body but am scared to have a surgery..but i'm afraid that if i have the ablation now and the cancer comes back that i may be in worse health later and surgery would not even be an option...the tumor was a 6mm cyst on an ultrasound in june 2009. Has anyone had the rfa treatment?
Cralleycay, I might be looking at this differently because of my own illness, but you have multiple medical issues....the goal of the kidney cancer treatment may be to make sure you do not die of kidney cancer. So look at the risks from the different procedures, compare that to your overall health. If you where healthy, you would be looking at a nominal 30 year life span.
I would think RFA will have the lowest risk, and probably ensure you do not die of kidney cancer.
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kidney cancer - just diagnosed
Diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. got a 20cm mass on the left kidney. They started me 50mg of sutent daily for 6 weeks. i was told that surgery has to be done after 6 weeks at this point. Im only 41 and have 2 small children 8 and 10 and a loving wife. I have never been so confused about anything in my life... Cant get over this pain in the chest and back....... almost unbearable. Anyone ever go thru a similar situation?
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Back pain, particularly infinatic1354 said:kidney cancer - just diagnosed
Diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. got a 20cm mass on the left kidney. They started me 50mg of sutent daily for 6 weeks. i was told that surgery has to be done after 6 weeks at this point. Im only 41 and have 2 small children 8 and 10 and a loving wife. I have never been so confused about anything in my life... Cant get over this pain in the chest and back....... almost unbearable. Anyone ever go thru a similar situation?
Finatic,
Back pain, particularly in the flank area of the back, is a common symptom of kidney cancer. With a 20 cm tumor, I'm certainly not surprised there's pain. Did your doctor start you on Sutent to hopefully prevent further growth between now and surgery? Did he tell you anything else such as what type of kidney cancer -- clear cell? chromophobe? papillary? A 20 cm tumor is a large tumor, and I would hope its excision in six weeks will alleviate much of the pain. If you can provide more information regarding your diagnosis, perhaps others can chime in on relevant experience.
I understand it's a frightening time for you, particularly with two young children. But kidney cancer advances have been made in recent years, months, weeks, and the outlook is not nearly as bleak as it was just a few years ago. But work on developing and charging the cancer with a positive and I CAN DO attitude; it's one of the most valuable tools you'll have in your fight. And know that we're here to help.
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Yes im on a 50mg daily dosealice124 said:Back pain, particularly in
Finatic,
Back pain, particularly in the flank area of the back, is a common symptom of kidney cancer. With a 20 cm tumor, I'm certainly not surprised there's pain. Did your doctor start you on Sutent to hopefully prevent further growth between now and surgery? Did he tell you anything else such as what type of kidney cancer -- clear cell? chromophobe? papillary? A 20 cm tumor is a large tumor, and I would hope its excision in six weeks will alleviate much of the pain. If you can provide more information regarding your diagnosis, perhaps others can chime in on relevant experience.
I understand it's a frightening time for you, particularly with two young children. But kidney cancer advances have been made in recent years, months, weeks, and the outlook is not nearly as bleak as it was just a few years ago. But work on developing and charging the cancer with a positive and I CAN DO attitude; it's one of the most valuable tools you'll have in your fight. And know that we're here to help.
Yes im on a 50mg daily dose of Sutent. Started a few days ago. Im sure I was told what type it was and I want to say "clear cell". There is just so much information going back and forth it hard to keep track of everything. This is all just so sudden..... Its a large mass and the complication is that its crushing the pancreas at this time. They want to try to shrink it a bit before going in for surgery.
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my RCC also discovered after hysterectomylconno said:Kidney cancer
I too was just diagnosed with kidney cancer, mine was found by accident thank god, I am scheduled for a kidney removal on April 30th, I am overweight also, but my drs seem to think all will be fine. Good Luck to you!!! Any comments are appreciated!!! I had a hysterectomy on Feb 26th, after two weeks I was experiencing some pain that I thought was unusual, called the Dr after hours and was told to go to the ER. Upon going to the ER a ct scan was ordered to check for infection from the hysterectomy, it was there that they found a 2.8 cm mass on my left kidney, I had a biopsy 2 days later, and was told I had renal clear cell carcinoma. I then went to our local Karmanos cancer center, where I was given the utmost caring and kind treatment, blood work was done and my options were given to me, I was told the cancer I have does not respond to chemo or radiation, so the only option was surgical removal, I am a lil bit scared as the Dr informed me that the tumor even though it is small it is laying on top of the main artery to my kidney, so he wont know until he gets in there how much they will have to remove. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you
I too had some bleeding about 5 weeks after hysterectomy....ultrasound found complex cyst ...which turned out RCC I have had several differnt types of surgeries over the years...i must say this may have been the least painful but most uncomfortable if that can possibly make any sense. althougth the first 2 weeks were def the toughest day 6,7,and 8 I had awful muscle spasms...keep on top of your pain meds, they will help tremendously. my tumor was 4cm Dr has said no need for chemo or radiation...all tissue around tumor was normal. My dr recommened the open surgery...he could actually get in and see how my kidney looked...as he put it anything strange the whole kidney is coming out....just the upper pole was removed. I wish you the best of luck...don't be afraid to ask for help...take it easy and rest...stay up on your pain meds but get up ASAP and walk walk walk it truly will make you feel better...even after I was home i would walk around my kitchen in living room several times a day....my dog thinks i'm nuts....LOL
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Differentfinatic1354 said:Yes im on a 50mg daily dose
Yes im on a 50mg daily dose of Sutent. Started a few days ago. Im sure I was told what type it was and I want to say "clear cell". There is just so much information going back and forth it hard to keep track of everything. This is all just so sudden..... Its a large mass and the complication is that its crushing the pancreas at this time. They want to try to shrink it a bit before going in for surgery.
WE are all different, so to speak. I had a triple whammy (No not a Denny's breakfast either). My tumor was big 14 cm, and I had Renal Vein invasion, plus my other Kidney is less than 100% already. I had lights out around 10 am, and woke up around 2 am the next morning.. I did not ask before how long.. glad I didn't.. I was in the ICU for 10 days..! This was due to the Renal Vein procedure that almost took out my remaining Kidney. I had a tube down my throat and the Catheter. Both tubes were put in AFTER I was out..! Now, forget all the TV shows.. the breathing tube came out easily.. on the first day I think. No sore throat, etc. But again due to the Renal Vein procedure the Catheter was in for most of the ICU time. They wanted to monitor every drop that came out of me.. I won't go in to more detail there... but even that was removed easily, no pain at all..!! I was regular the day after surgery.. and was walking on day two. Yes I still had pain... and a lot of fatigue. Oh on day 12 I went home..!! It was not bad at all... if not for the fear and the initial pain, the experince was actually pleasant, if that makes any sense. I had a smile on my face, even when I hurt.. I made pals of the Doctors and Nurses, remember they are the ones that can bring you goodies..! The Doctors and Nurses were so nice.. OK, so I got ice chips at first... then I asked about orange juice, nice... then one of the Nurses asked me if I wanted a Popsickle.. OH yes..!! Popsickles are heaven..! I was able to get a Popsickle even at 2 am..! Then I got food... I never went overly hungry.. and the menu had lots of healty food on it. After like day 5, I really was ready to go home... but as my Kidney was still in danger or failing, they kept me a long time.. Finally the numbers got in line and I never looked back..!
I hope it goes even easier for you..
Ron
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On the positive size
One of the common side effects from any meds you might be given afterwards is reduced appetite, I think this is common for all of them. I agree this is not the ideal way to drop some weight, and no one would choose cancer as an effective diet tool. But you mention you are "large" so hey at least enjoy and take advantage of the fact that the meds you get ar elikely to turn you into a hot babe! I lost about 25 pounds after starting Sutent, and would not exactly claim to be hot but at least I am now an old geezer with somewhat normal weight. I had to change all my wardrobe cause my old clothes did not fit.
Gotta enjoy the little good things we can in this fight!
You will come out of surgey a little groggy but clearheaded. When my wife was allowed in to the post-Op room I turned to her and said Not Tonight Dear I Have a Headache, she laughed and knew I was back to being me and cogent. You will be in the hospital for observation for about a week after surgery. Of this, the first couple of days could be in intensive care, which just means you have more nurses watching you and whom you can nag. You will be sore but make the most of it. Eat stuff you like! Complain! And get home as fast as you can.
I think the best post-surgery joke was in an old movie with Walter Matthau. As he wakes up, he is asked "Are you comfortabe?" and replies, "I guess I mak a living ok."
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Just DiagnosedEliezer2 said:On the positive size
One of the common side effects from any meds you might be given afterwards is reduced appetite, I think this is common for all of them. I agree this is not the ideal way to drop some weight, and no one would choose cancer as an effective diet tool. But you mention you are "large" so hey at least enjoy and take advantage of the fact that the meds you get ar elikely to turn you into a hot babe! I lost about 25 pounds after starting Sutent, and would not exactly claim to be hot but at least I am now an old geezer with somewhat normal weight. I had to change all my wardrobe cause my old clothes did not fit.
Gotta enjoy the little good things we can in this fight!
You will come out of surgey a little groggy but clearheaded. When my wife was allowed in to the post-Op room I turned to her and said Not Tonight Dear I Have a Headache, she laughed and knew I was back to being me and cogent. You will be in the hospital for observation for about a week after surgery. Of this, the first couple of days could be in intensive care, which just means you have more nurses watching you and whom you can nag. You will be sore but make the most of it. Eat stuff you like! Complain! And get home as fast as you can.
I think the best post-surgery joke was in an old movie with Walter Matthau. As he wakes up, he is asked "Are you comfortabe?" and replies, "I guess I mak a living ok."
Just back from the surgeon's office and got some good news I think. I will have Laprascopic Partial Nephrectomy (Robotic Surgery) on either April 8th or 11th depending on when the anesthesioligist (spelling) okay's me for surgery. I have a 70% chance of this surgery working - if not they will do an open partial radical nephrectomy right then. I only have a 10% chance of the entire kidney being taken out.
I can live with this news. Will be in surgery from 3 to 4 hours. Was told if only the robotic I will come home the next day.
I feel sooooooooo much better!
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Awesome! Good news! God beSable2900 said:Just Diagnosed
Just back from the surgeon's office and got some good news I think. I will have Laprascopic Partial Nephrectomy (Robotic Surgery) on either April 8th or 11th depending on when the anesthesioligist (spelling) okay's me for surgery. I have a 70% chance of this surgery working - if not they will do an open partial radical nephrectomy right then. I only have a 10% chance of the entire kidney being taken out.
I can live with this news. Will be in surgery from 3 to 4 hours. Was told if only the robotic I will come home the next day.
I feel sooooooooo much better!
Awesome! Good news! God be with you!
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cralleycat said:
Also just diagnosed
Sable, I was also just diagnosed.(3/10/13.... thirteen thirteen!).i have a 2.5 cm tumor on my right kidney that was an incidental finding on a cat scan and confirmed with an MRI. I too am overweight, 51 yrs old and unfortunately have diabetes and a cardiac history..(2 heart attacks in the last year and 4 stents since 2001) The surgeon says I'm considered high risk for surgery so they would prefer to do the radiofrequency ablation on the tumor instead.the decision they said is mine and they would do the robotic partial nephrectomy if i choose. I'm still reeling from the diagnosis and i really want the cancer out of my body but am scared to have a surgery..but i'm afraid that if i have the ablation now and the cancer comes back that i may be in worse health later and surgery would not even be an option...the tumor was a 6mm cyst on an ultrasound in june 2009. Has anyone had the rfa treatment?
Hi Cralleycat,
I just wanted to give you the benefit of my experience with kidney cancer. I was first diagnosed in 2003, I lived in Dallas at the time. A tumor a 3.5cm was discovered on my right kidney. South Western Medical Centre offered me Radiofrequency treatment to burn the tumor. I had the treatment and obviously regular check ups, all appeared to be fine.
Fast forward 10yrs and by then living in France. I had a CT scan in 2009, it indicated a scar on my right kidney, which was assumed to be from the previous surgery. I recently had an MRI which in fact showed clearly the regrowth of a tumor, pretty much the same size as the original. I was advised that Radiofrequency was not the treatment of choice, only being used for cyst sized tumors.
I am now 8 days post op from a partial Nephrectomy robotic surgery and all the cancer was successfully removed. My surgeon informed me that had I gone this route the first time I probably would not have faced a second operation. Which was also more difficult because of adhesions from the previous surgery. I do not know if the type of treatment I had on the first occasion had any bearing on the reoccurrence of the cancer! But I am pleased to know that it has all gone now.
I hope this helps you in some way to make an informed decision and wish you all the best.
Djinnie
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