Freaking out

Hoss79

Ok. So I had my surgery was Monday to remove my right kidney. Pretty much back to normal with just a bit of pain. Off the meds. Now my anxiety is kicking in since I only have my left kidney now. The original ct Scan said I had a 2cm cyst which I didn’t see as a problem and it also noted a 4-5mm lesion. It mentioned it was probably benign, but technically intermediate and can be followed. I’m trying to think positive but it’s hard. The Dr told me before surgery my left kidney was fine. I’m not second guessing the surgery as the mass in my right kidney had to come out, but I’m freaking out.

icemantoo

Could you tell us

Hoss,

 

   the size of the tumor that was removed so thatwe can weigh in appropriately. My left one was yanked out 15 years ago.

 

 

Icemantoo

icemantoo

I note

Hoss,

 

 

 from your other post that your tumor was 6.5 cm. That is medium size. Many with a tumor that size do not have mets. It will require  a regular regular scans for an extemded period of time. I had CT's for at least 5 years an annual ultrasounds since. You want to make sure that if anything shows up that it is nipped in the bud.

Hoss79

Yeah the other mass was 6.5
Yeah the other mass was 6.5 cm. I’m just freaking because the found a lesion in my one and only remaining kidney. The Dr doesn’t seem to concerned, but it’s got me worried. I guess when I go back Monday for my follow up and pathology I’ll get a better picture. They’ve told me 3 months post surgery I’ll have a c/t Scan then if that’s ok I’ll get moved to 6 months.

Jan4you

I can appreciate your anxiety

I can appreciate your anxiety learning about a teeny lesion. Cysts are not a concern I have learned. But you can be pro-active and stay on top of this lesion. It may be benign, but I have learned that radiologists are more vigilent with a history of cancer. 

We're here for you, and won't dismiss or disregard your concerns. 

Let us know what you find out ok?

Sending you CALM, HOPE and continued healing.

Hugs, Jan

BeBlessed

Open Partial Nephrectomy 6cm tumor

I am in the process of scheduling my surgery for a partial nephrectomy. My doctor has indicated a radical complete kidney removal may be necessary due to the size of the tumor.. I would like to know if anyone has had a successful partial nephrectomy with a similar size tumor. Also, please share the recovery time experienced.

Also, my dr. indicated kidney tumors larger than 2cm are typically cancer...and has added to my anxiety.  I have not read of anyone having post op chemo or radiation..is this typically not required?  My tumor appears to be encapsulated, so I pray the tumor can be removed completely & preserve my kidney..trying to be optimistic...but need some encouraging words or realistic expectations from anyone with a similar size 6cm tumor who has walked this path...Be Blessed

icemantoo

A couple of things,

BeBlessed,

First welcome to the club which no one in their right mind would volunteer to join. Try starting a new forum post and fill in your bio under CSN myspace. Mine was 15 years ago before they had partials. A complete removal has lesss a chance for problems down the road. So the doctor will discuss it with you and may have to make a decision to go that way in the middle of the game. At 6 cm it is likely Cancer. The recivery depends on your age and health. I was 59 at the time and was back to a slow normal in about 6 weeks. Chemo and radiatio are not needed unless it spreads. At 6 cm you will have regular scans to check on this for at least 5 or 10 years. We were all scared in the beginning. That too shall pass. Hore this helps. Wish I could tell you the surery is painless, but I would be laughed off this boad.

 

Icemantoo

BeBlessed

icemantoo said:

A couple of things,

BeBlessed,

First welcome to the club which no one in their right mind would volunteer to join. Try starting a new forum post and fill in your bio under CSN myspace. Mine was 15 years ago before they had partials. A complete removal has lesss a chance for problems down the road. So the doctor will discuss it with you and may have to make a decision to go that way in the middle of the game. At 6 cm it is likely Cancer. The recivery depends on your age and health. I was 59 at the time and was back to a slow normal in about 6 weeks. Chemo and radiatio are not needed unless it spreads. At 6 cm you will have regular scans to check on this for at least 5 or 10 years. We were all scared in the beginning. That too shall pass. Hore this helps. Wish I could tell you the surery is painless, but I would be laughed off this boad.

 

Icemantoo

Thanks icemantoo for the

Thanks icemantoo for the forum instructions..new to this "exclusive" membership & needed some guidance. Your response was very helpful. I will open a new forum post...as I am just beginning this journey, the support, knowledge & sharing your experience gives me hope & less anxiety & is much appreciated!

AnnissaP

I just had my left kidney

I just had my left kidney removed. Had a tumor and 2 benign cysts (one being 6cm!!!). My other kidney also has a cpl of cysts along with my spleen and pancreas. Cysts are very clear on images so try to rest assured if they say that is what they are....then they are simple cysts. Good luck!

AnnissaP

BeBlessed said:

Open Partial Nephrectomy 6cm tumor

I am in the process of scheduling my surgery for a partial nephrectomy. My doctor has indicated a radical complete kidney removal may be necessary due to the size of the tumor.. I would like to know if anyone has had a successful partial nephrectomy with a similar size tumor. Also, please share the recovery time experienced.

Also, my dr. indicated kidney tumors larger than 2cm are typically cancer...and has added to my anxiety.  I have not read of anyone having post op chemo or radiation..is this typically not required?  My tumor appears to be encapsulated, so I pray the tumor can be removed completely & preserve my kidney..trying to be optimistic...but need some encouraging words or realistic expectations from anyone with a similar size 6cm tumor who has walked this path...Be Blessed

BeBlessed

I just had surgery Nov.7th. My tumor 3 mths ago appeared to be around 3.6cm so a partial was planned. During surgery they noticed tumor had grown and was also deeper than the images had shown. They took the whole kidney. I too was told it can turn into a complete one, but for some reason I thought it was just a reg warning they gave. Guess not lol. I was told it does not respond to chemo or radiation and that removal is best. They do try to save the kidney of course, but in my case could not. Glad to hear yours in encapsulated as mine was!!! I wish you all the best!! Ask as many questions you want to until you feel satisfied and confident. No question is ever silly or ridiculous.

Never give up

anxiety and postoperative pain

Your anxiety is normal, is there anything normal about dealing with cancer? I had a right radical nephrectomy with 5.8 cm tumor, I am stage 4 my scans have shown no new cancers after two years. I have clear cell carcinoma. It has been 2 years since my surgery and I still have moderate to severe break thru pain. When my anxiety increases my pain worsens. Pain medication discussions with my oncologist have been challenging. I had a meltdown after seeing a mental health specialist, called my oncologist crying in pain. He increased my pain meds, told me that he had to "make sure". Lord please help me, let my oncologist know that needless suffering is a professional discrace. You are not crazy if you have pain.