The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Blood Tests during Active Surveillance

Bobbie51
Bobbie51 CSN Member Posts: 12 Member
edited February 2021 in Kidney Cancer #1

Hi everyone, My mother just had her 2 year ultrasound follow up. Her solid kidney lesion was 1.3 cm compared to 1.1 cm two years ago.

She has significant flank pain every once in a while.  Is this common with such a small lesion? She does have 3-4 other simple cysts across the two kidneys. All under 2 cm.

She also is tired a lot and is taking iron for her low ferritin and hemoglobin levels.

She has an appointment with the Doctor in a couple od days. Also I was wondering if other doctors take blood tests as part of AS?

Like Care

Comments

  • Bay Area Guy
    Bay Area Guy CSN Member Posts: 624 Member
    edited February 2021 #2
    I had active surveillance for

    I had active surveillance for about 2-1/2 years with scans/chest x-ray every six months.  The scans alternated between ultrasound and CT to minimize radiation exposure.  The surveillance did not include blood tests, though I also continued to see my primary care physician for annual physicals during this time and those included blood and urine tests.

    As for flank pain, I did not experience any during my surveillance period.  For reference, my lesion was initially estimated at around 1.6cm.  I had surveillance for 2-1/2 years.  When an ultrasound showed growth to 1.8cm, surgery was arranged to get it out (robotic partial).

    Like Care
  • Deanie0916
    Deanie0916 CSN Member Posts: 643 Member
    edited February 2021 #3
    Hi Bobbie

    I didn't have active surveillance before I found out about kidney cancer but for my follow up survelliance my urologist told me that blood work is not suoer useful to spot kidney cancer. Not sure why.

    Like Care
  • lobbyist0724
    lobbyist0724 CSN Member Posts: 521 Member
    edited February 2021 #4
    My tumor was over 3cm but I

    My tumor was over 3cm but I didn't experience any pain, I recalled my surgeon told me a small tumor (< 4cm) usually will not cause any symptoms. Interestingly, I do experience flank pain that comes and goes when my follow-up scan is coming (every single time). My doctor said it is likely the stress and anxiety.

    Like Care
  • Bobbie51
    Bobbie51 CSN Member Posts: 12 Member
    edited February 2021 #5
    The doctor said everything

    The doctor said everything looks good and that the flank pain was probably unrelated.

    Thanks all for the valuable input.Smile

    Like Care
  • AliceB1950
    AliceB1950 CSN Member Posts: 251 Member
    edited February 2021 #6
    Maybe it also depends on what

    Maybe it also depends on what part of the kidney the tumor is on. Mine was 7 cm and I never had any pain.

    Like Care

Discussion Boards