Recovering from radical nephrectomy
Comments
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Post OpVon55 said:A lot to go through!
Hi! You must be a very special lady to cope with all of this! I can't imagine the stress of a new baby on top of your diagnosis and surgeries. I can relate to the dilemma of whether or not to tell your older kids though- mine were 29,25, 24, 22, 12 & 9 when I had my surgery last Sept (open partial, left kidney). That's a lot of years being a Mum and taking responsibility for the welfare of your kids. For me it was really hard telling them I was ill- however old they are they still see us as invincable & strong & there for them. The possibility that we may NOT be there is an unbelievable shock & like any Mum I hated to put them through it.
It's really important though to not shield your kids from life but to help them find their own inner strength to deal with realities- this was very hard for me, but it proved to be a very positive thing for them. My being vulnerable has allowed them to to be strong & supportive in ways that may not have happened otherwise- plus, it's a trust thing. Showing the kids that you trust them enough to be honest with them demonstrates that you have faith in their characters, and that's an amazing gesture for their self-esteem!
The other thing is that you're going to need support for quite a while, esp around the house, and if the kids understand the reasons for this they may be more cooperative! I've been doing a lot more than I can actually deal with and I'm still exhausted, although my husband is wonderful & very helpful. If people want to help- let them! If you can manage to put yourself & your healing first for a while you'll be so much more able to cope with everyone's agendas later.
All the best to you, and please let us know how you're doing!
Von xx
I just wanted everyone on this site to know how much reading all of the posts has helped me to cope and understand what I am going through. I went to the urolgist in July, 2010, for overactive bladder issues, had microscopic blood in urine - CT showed tumor in right kidney - not related to bladder. As for most of us, the kidney cancer was found when looking for something else. We are the lucky ones!!! Diagnosed on July 20, 2010 and had open radical nephrectomy on Aug 30. I was 53, 20 lbs overweight, but had been walking 30 mins most days. The surgery was rough, but I was kept comfortable. Had a WONDERFUL surgeon and my husband and family (sister!!) took excellent care of me. Spent about 4 weeks at home recovering.
I am a LUCKY one to have had a small (3.5 cm) tumor totally contained in the kidney, stage 1, clear cell, class 2. No further treatment needed. My remaining kidney is doing well!! I try to be careful - watch out for salt, eat much more healthily!!!
I used a back brace (puchased at drug store - wide elastic band with velcro) when having to walk and it helped a lot.
I went back to work as a legal asst the first part of October. I am trying to walk again each morning and I have lost that 20 lbs. I still tire very easily and I am still sore with a "stretching" or "buring" feeling near the incision on my side and my back. It doesn't go away - does anyone else experience this? It is hard to bend, reach, and i still can't sleep on my right side and the rib is sore. Just wondering how long it takes now that I am at 4+ months.....
I am encouraged by everyone who is doing so well after their ordeals. It is so inspiring to see the support offered to those who are newly facing this and the to each other who have come through it.
I am so blessed to have the diagnosis that I did. It really refocuses your life, changes priorities. I pray for each of you - for your surgery, your recovery and for your long term survival!!!
I would love to hear from others as to their experiences and how they are doing!! God Bless!!
Cheryl0 -
small tumor, big surgerylcsmithfam said:Post Op
I just wanted everyone on this site to know how much reading all of the posts has helped me to cope and understand what I am going through. I went to the urolgist in July, 2010, for overactive bladder issues, had microscopic blood in urine - CT showed tumor in right kidney - not related to bladder. As for most of us, the kidney cancer was found when looking for something else. We are the lucky ones!!! Diagnosed on July 20, 2010 and had open radical nephrectomy on Aug 30. I was 53, 20 lbs overweight, but had been walking 30 mins most days. The surgery was rough, but I was kept comfortable. Had a WONDERFUL surgeon and my husband and family (sister!!) took excellent care of me. Spent about 4 weeks at home recovering.
I am a LUCKY one to have had a small (3.5 cm) tumor totally contained in the kidney, stage 1, clear cell, class 2. No further treatment needed. My remaining kidney is doing well!! I try to be careful - watch out for salt, eat much more healthily!!!
I used a back brace (puchased at drug store - wide elastic band with velcro) when having to walk and it helped a lot.
I went back to work as a legal asst the first part of October. I am trying to walk again each morning and I have lost that 20 lbs. I still tire very easily and I am still sore with a "stretching" or "buring" feeling near the incision on my side and my back. It doesn't go away - does anyone else experience this? It is hard to bend, reach, and i still can't sleep on my right side and the rib is sore. Just wondering how long it takes now that I am at 4+ months.....
I am encouraged by everyone who is doing so well after their ordeals. It is so inspiring to see the support offered to those who are newly facing this and the to each other who have come through it.
I am so blessed to have the diagnosis that I did. It really refocuses your life, changes priorities. I pray for each of you - for your surgery, your recovery and for your long term survival!!!
I would love to hear from others as to their experiences and how they are doing!! God Bless!!
Cheryl
I'm new to kidney surgery, but not new to open abdominal surgery. My tumor is small 1.3 cm on my right kidney, but the surgery is going to be the big slice open since the tumor is sitting on the main vein leading into the kidney. Doc thinks that eliminates the laproscopic option, unfortunately. I'm a teacher, and since tumor is small, we can wait until summer to remove it. Projected surgery date: June 13.
I've had an appendectomy, a hysterectomy, a hernia repair -- all open abdominal surgery. The hysterectomy was the easiest because they don't slice through muscle. The others took the traditional 6-12 week recovery time since they do slice through muscle. So, if your open surgery takes months before you are moving around and pain free, don't be surprised. Your mileage may vary, and laproscopic is reportedly easier.
For my partial or whole nephrectomy (won't know until they get there), my urologist plans to go through my back. Has anyone else had that approach?0 -
Update on Jan. 26th nephrectomy surgeryVon55 said:You're very welcome!
All the very best to you, Kjackrascal! I'll be thinking of you on January 26th and praying for your full recovery. The experience may change your life for the good in ways you never expected, and I hope that this is so!
Von xx
Hi All,
You have been so supportive and helped me so much with my pre-surgery anxiety that I had to let you know about what has happened since my total nephrectomy on Jan. 26th. I'll try to make it as brief as I can.:-)
Surgery done by Da Vinci robot and was able to do my nephrectomy laparascopically with the exception of a 4 inch scar where the surgeon had to squeeze out the cysts. Still waiting on pathology - staying hopeful. Even if it was cancer, my doctors say that it was contained.
As for the Bosniak 3 cysts, originally I was told it was 13cm but turned out to be more than TWICE that size with multiple cysts invading the kidney. Hardly any kidney left. Don't know what caused it but it was totally the reason for the abdominal pressure,pain, and high blood pressure I had on a constant basis.
In hospital, I had complications with high white blood cell count, partial lung deflation, as well as extremely low potassium levels. Since I'm asthmatic, a respiratory therapist came in to work with me to help me breath better which helped a lot. Now, 5 days after surgery, I can take deep breaths without too much pain. I was able to get well enough to go home two days after the surgery.
Walking has been the biggest trial but also my biggest help. I'm walking more everyday but still stiffly but getting better everyday. I'm now able to sit up without pillows but still sleeping most of the day to recoup my strength. I just can't stress how much better I feel now that that monster is out.
Pain is tolerable with Vicodin. It has gone reasonably well.
Thanks to all of you who shared your words of wisdom with this "newbie" and your healthful prayers. Take care and I'll keep you posted on that pathology report. And for those recently dealing with this and surgery is to follow - listen to your medical team after surgery and don't panic. You can get through it. Each day will be better than the last.
Thanks again.0 -
To: Jamie 1.3cmJamie1.3cm said:small tumor, big surgery
I'm new to kidney surgery, but not new to open abdominal surgery. My tumor is small 1.3 cm on my right kidney, but the surgery is going to be the big slice open since the tumor is sitting on the main vein leading into the kidney. Doc thinks that eliminates the laproscopic option, unfortunately. I'm a teacher, and since tumor is small, we can wait until summer to remove it. Projected surgery date: June 13.
I've had an appendectomy, a hysterectomy, a hernia repair -- all open abdominal surgery. The hysterectomy was the easiest because they don't slice through muscle. The others took the traditional 6-12 week recovery time since they do slice through muscle. So, if your open surgery takes months before you are moving around and pain free, don't be surprised. Your mileage may vary, and laproscopic is reportedly easier.
For my partial or whole nephrectomy (won't know until they get there), my urologist plans to go through my back. Has anyone else had that approach?
No, I didn't get that approach. They went in thru my abdomen. We have similar histories..I too have had a hysterectomy, and hernia repair. Instead of appendectomy, I had to have a gall bladder removal.
With this nephrectomy, I also had a hernia repaired with mesh..all abdominally with the robot. Mine too was dragging on main artery and the Da Vinci worked just fine. I had 2 baseball-sized cysts and several ping pong balls wrapped on the artery!
Abdominally, the robot is one of the best options out there. I originally was told that I was to have an open surgery but at the last minute my surgeon said the robot would be so much better for my overall recovery that it would be a shame not to try it. I'm glad they did. I'm 5 days post-op and doing remarkably well.
Hopefully, that will be an option for you. Wish you the best.0 -
Good for you!!Kjackrascal said:Update on Jan. 26th nephrectomy surgery
Hi All,
You have been so supportive and helped me so much with my pre-surgery anxiety that I had to let you know about what has happened since my total nephrectomy on Jan. 26th. I'll try to make it as brief as I can.:-)
Surgery done by Da Vinci robot and was able to do my nephrectomy laparascopically with the exception of a 4 inch scar where the surgeon had to squeeze out the cysts. Still waiting on pathology - staying hopeful. Even if it was cancer, my doctors say that it was contained.
As for the Bosniak 3 cysts, originally I was told it was 13cm but turned out to be more than TWICE that size with multiple cysts invading the kidney. Hardly any kidney left. Don't know what caused it but it was totally the reason for the abdominal pressure,pain, and high blood pressure I had on a constant basis.
In hospital, I had complications with high white blood cell count, partial lung deflation, as well as extremely low potassium levels. Since I'm asthmatic, a respiratory therapist came in to work with me to help me breath better which helped a lot. Now, 5 days after surgery, I can take deep breaths without too much pain. I was able to get well enough to go home two days after the surgery.
Walking has been the biggest trial but also my biggest help. I'm walking more everyday but still stiffly but getting better everyday. I'm now able to sit up without pillows but still sleeping most of the day to recoup my strength. I just can't stress how much better I feel now that that monster is out.
Pain is tolerable with Vicodin. It has gone reasonably well.
Thanks to all of you who shared your words of wisdom with this "newbie" and your healthful prayers. Take care and I'll keep you posted on that pathology report. And for those recently dealing with this and surgery is to follow - listen to your medical team after surgery and don't panic. You can get through it. Each day will be better than the last.
Thanks again.
Glad to hear you are doing so well!!! Try using a back support (brace) that you can purchase at the drugstore. I used a 12" with velcro fastener and found it to be a big help, especially with walking!!! I had a radical open nephrectomy August 30 and am now walking on the treadmill each day for 30 mins!! You will get there - take it slow.
The biggest problem that I have had is a constant burning or a feeling of stretching along the incision, more in my back. My family doc thought it might be nerve damage and has just started me on neurotin, which may be helping some. I have heard that there is sometimes nerve damage and when you consider how big the incision is, it sure seems possible!!
I hope your pathology comes back favorable, or like your docs said, it was contained. I was one of the lucky ones in that the removal of the kidney was also the cure.
My best wishes to you and to everyone who is recovering from or waiting for surgery! Hang in there, it does get better!!
Cheryl0 -
Da Vinci robot?lcsmithfam said:Good for you!!
Glad to hear you are doing so well!!! Try using a back support (brace) that you can purchase at the drugstore. I used a 12" with velcro fastener and found it to be a big help, especially with walking!!! I had a radical open nephrectomy August 30 and am now walking on the treadmill each day for 30 mins!! You will get there - take it slow.
The biggest problem that I have had is a constant burning or a feeling of stretching along the incision, more in my back. My family doc thought it might be nerve damage and has just started me on neurotin, which may be helping some. I have heard that there is sometimes nerve damage and when you consider how big the incision is, it sure seems possible!!
I hope your pathology comes back favorable, or like your docs said, it was contained. I was one of the lucky ones in that the removal of the kidney was also the cure.
My best wishes to you and to everyone who is recovering from or waiting for surgery! Hang in there, it does get better!!
Cheryl
I've never heard of the Da Vinci robot! That sounds great for people who are candidates for laproscopic!0 -
it will be okwendyleigh said:Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have read some of your other postings and can tell you have been through a lot. I am so glad you don't have to have another surgery and can enjoy your summer!
I had a radical nephrectomy in 1981 with a tumor the size of a football. They take out the adrenal gland and that has a lot to do with your feelings. You need to take awhile to heal. They went through lots of soft tissue and removed a major organ. You might try visualization and/or meditation plus a good diet and some vitamins. It took me awhile to feel better. Mine was radical and I was surgically cut from my sternum to below my belly button..but 30 years cancer free now!0 -
Dont worry
Many things affect your healing. If you had anesthesia, if it was laparascopic or incisive, transitional cells found, what was your health like prior to the cancer, etc.
Removing a kidney is not like most folks think, "well you've got two its okay". Yes, its okay but your body has suffered a systemic shock. It needs to adjust itself. Your liver will change its functioning, your other kidney will begin to work harder, maybe expand a little, many things could occur. But most of all stay centered on what you know.
Those who haven't had cancer mean well, but don't understand. You have been given a great gift. I know you probably don't think so, but you have. Tell us about it in about 10 years.
My Nephrectomy was August 1997. Huge tumor, encapsulated, but another focus was in the adrenal gland. Never spread, I no longer think about it. My pants fit better but i am still conscious of the scar. You'll get used to it all. Just be rest assured that this is not an unknown type of cancer. Urologists handle it quite frequently in their practice. You can pretty much tell from the biopsied tumor what is going on. If it was encapsulated, just keep on truckin'. If not, get the chemo and let them do what they do. That is a story I haven't had to experience.0 -
6 Months since surgeryharveyd6289 said:Dont worry
Many things affect your healing. If you had anesthesia, if it was laparascopic or incisive, transitional cells found, what was your health like prior to the cancer, etc.
Removing a kidney is not like most folks think, "well you've got two its okay". Yes, its okay but your body has suffered a systemic shock. It needs to adjust itself. Your liver will change its functioning, your other kidney will begin to work harder, maybe expand a little, many things could occur. But most of all stay centered on what you know.
Those who haven't had cancer mean well, but don't understand. You have been given a great gift. I know you probably don't think so, but you have. Tell us about it in about 10 years.
My Nephrectomy was August 1997. Huge tumor, encapsulated, but another focus was in the adrenal gland. Never spread, I no longer think about it. My pants fit better but i am still conscious of the scar. You'll get used to it all. Just be rest assured that this is not an unknown type of cancer. Urologists handle it quite frequently in their practice. You can pretty much tell from the biopsied tumor what is going on. If it was encapsulated, just keep on truckin'. If not, get the chemo and let them do what they do. That is a story I haven't had to experience.
Hello all,
Just wanted to tell all I had my 6 month check up and everything looks great. My Doctor tells me I have heal very well. I am back to work and doing everything I did before. My eating habits have changed tho. eating healthier now. but still sneak in a Pizza every now and then. I go back in September to have a CT Scan. I feel great. It was rough in the beginning but to all of you who have just had a Kdiney remove the most important thing I can say to you is trust God for your healing. My scar well you really can't even see it. Wonderful Doctor did a great job. I thank God for my appendix flaring up other wise who knows what would have happened. Has others have said hang in there. It gets better.0 -
Da Vinci RobotJamie1.3cm said:Da Vinci robot?
I've never heard of the Da Vinci robot! That sounds great for people who are candidates for laproscopic!
That is what my Doctor used to remove my Kidney. Amazing what they can do. I was first told they were going to cut me the old fashion way. But Edwards Hospital got the Robot so they changed the surgery using hand assisted robotic ot something like that. I am feeling great and 99% back to normal. 'for all you new people just getting the bad news hang in there it is rough the first week or so after surgery but it gets better. Trust in God and he will be with you always.0 -
Feeling that the Cancer will return
Wendyleigh,
To be honest most of us worry about the cancer returning. The only advise I can give you is to trust in the Lord for your healing. I lost my Step Father to cancer in April of 1997 that is what scared me the most am I going to die with this RCC Cancer? Well, after praying a lot I mean a lot...as most of us do. I knew it was going to be OK. What ever happens I could deal with it. Just had my 6 month check up and everything so far looks great. I am sure it will be for you also. I had my surgery 08/30/2010 yours was a year ago. So how are you doing now?0 -
function of the other kidneyicemantoo said:What a bummer
LonT_13,
What a bummer,having RCC Surgery right after delivering a baby. I had the same surgery back on 8.1.02 and I am doing fine. It is only natural that you feel a little tired 1 month after surgery considering the galstones and pregnancy. It may take a little longer for you to feel stronger and I have no doubt that a month from now you are going to feel much better than today. As for the recurrance rate that is something that the odds are strongly in your favor and any recurrance can be delt with at a very early stage. As far as telling your boys it is you that has to be the proper state of mind. You had RCC, you had the surgery, it was caught early and you probably will not have any further treatments or limitations for the rest of your life. Welcome to the club.
Best regards, Icemantoo
Dear Icemantoo,
I started following this thread after my 76yr old father was diagnosed and within days had a nephrectomy for stage 1 RCC (clear cell).
He is currently 17 days postop, and doing very well psychologically and physically. However, I have concerns about the function of the other kidney. His blood urea flucuates between 40 and 60mg% and the createnine between 1.4 and 1.9. Today they were 55 and 1.9.
I need reassuarance on
1. how soon the other kidney is up and running. My father is a hypertensive (20 odd years) and a very recently diagnosed diabetic (both conditions very well controlled), and
2. How often does renal function have to be monitored.
thanks, Upreet0 -
encouraging wordsJohnnyb said:6 Months since surgery
Hello all,
Just wanted to tell all I had my 6 month check up and everything looks great. My Doctor tells me I have heal very well. I am back to work and doing everything I did before. My eating habits have changed tho. eating healthier now. but still sneak in a Pizza every now and then. I go back in September to have a CT Scan. I feel great. It was rough in the beginning but to all of you who have just had a Kdiney remove the most important thing I can say to you is trust God for your healing. My scar well you really can't even see it. Wonderful Doctor did a great job. I thank God for my appendix flaring up other wise who knows what would have happened. Has others have said hang in there. It gets better.
thanks for the encouraging words!!
I'm happy to hear you and others are recovering so well.
I have a quick question that I'm wondering if you or someone else might be able to answer for me. I'm 8 weeks post op(left radical nephrectomy)and am still feeling weakness in my legs. I'm 58 yrs young and before surgery I was very active with hiking and jogging and always felt in pretty good shape. I guess my question to everyone is: Is weakness at this stage of recovery normal. Any feedback/support would be greatly appreciated.0 -
very informativeicemantoo said:You guys are braver than I was
It took me years to openly discus my Cancer with others let alone be on a discussion board trying to help the newcomers. This now is my therapy trying to give honest positive answers to those with similar experiences like mine. I like getting on these boards about smoking in restauants and bars and how I never smoked and the leading cause of Kidney Cancer is smoking. While these smoking idiots talk about losing their rights because they can't smoke in bars and that we are losing our freedom because Michigan where I live just banned smoking in restauants and bars. The smokers never seem to want to respond to my story only to talk about their selfish desire to pollute our air with various carcinogins and that those of us that do not want to enjoy their carcinigens have the freedom to not enter these restaurants and bars. If we really want to do something about Kidney Cancer and other Cancers for the next generation let us work to ban smoking across this country (Canada too, but they are ahead of us). OK so I went a little off tangent, but I care about the world I am leaving for my children and grandchildren.
hi icemantoo!! I'm new on this site and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this info you provide here. I'm also fairly new in recovery (8 weeks) and everything you share here is great info and insightful for recovery. One thing in particular I didn't know was that smoking is linked to kidney cancer. Again,thanks for letting me know.0 -
the Healing processKjackrascal said:Update on Jan. 26th nephrectomy surgery
Hi All,
You have been so supportive and helped me so much with my pre-surgery anxiety that I had to let you know about what has happened since my total nephrectomy on Jan. 26th. I'll try to make it as brief as I can.:-)
Surgery done by Da Vinci robot and was able to do my nephrectomy laparascopically with the exception of a 4 inch scar where the surgeon had to squeeze out the cysts. Still waiting on pathology - staying hopeful. Even if it was cancer, my doctors say that it was contained.
As for the Bosniak 3 cysts, originally I was told it was 13cm but turned out to be more than TWICE that size with multiple cysts invading the kidney. Hardly any kidney left. Don't know what caused it but it was totally the reason for the abdominal pressure,pain, and high blood pressure I had on a constant basis.
In hospital, I had complications with high white blood cell count, partial lung deflation, as well as extremely low potassium levels. Since I'm asthmatic, a respiratory therapist came in to work with me to help me breath better which helped a lot. Now, 5 days after surgery, I can take deep breaths without too much pain. I was able to get well enough to go home two days after the surgery.
Walking has been the biggest trial but also my biggest help. I'm walking more everyday but still stiffly but getting better everyday. I'm now able to sit up without pillows but still sleeping most of the day to recoup my strength. I just can't stress how much better I feel now that that monster is out.
Pain is tolerable with Vicodin. It has gone reasonably well.
Thanks to all of you who shared your words of wisdom with this "newbie" and your healthful prayers. Take care and I'll keep you posted on that pathology report. And for those recently dealing with this and surgery is to follow - listen to your medical team after surgery and don't panic. You can get through it. Each day will be better than the last.
Thanks again.
Hello Kjackrascal,
Well, I had my Kidney removed in August of 2010. Recovery in the first few months was hard. It has been almost one year now. I am walking sometimes 2 to 3 miles a day. At Work lifting and mving things again. Just like none of this ever happened. I praise God for all the Support that I have gotten from all of you all there. Just hang in there trust in God. That is my advice to you and any others having any type of Cancer.0 -
First of all the only thing is mine was on the left and found on a fluke.I was having a CT scan done to see if my heart was throwing clots(Angio09)and they found it like that.Then the first attempt woke-up on a ventilator(severe allergy to latex unknown to me)to have it finally done 3/15/10 and I'm just so full of gratitude.I don't wear pants now because it rubs against the scar,we will soon forget what we lost and live in what we have and that's life and that's how I'm doing this thing. I real good friend told me to stay in the moment and make the best of it.Hope this helps you to cause it surly gave me peacewendyleigh said:Thanks guys. I feel much
Thanks guys. I feel much more comfortable about everthing. It is nice to hear from other people that have these experiences.0 -
Da VinciJohnnyb said:Feeling that the Cancer will return
Wendyleigh,
To be honest most of us worry about the cancer returning. The only advise I can give you is to trust in the Lord for your healing. I lost my Step Father to cancer in April of 1997 that is what scared me the most am I going to die with this RCC Cancer? Well, after praying a lot I mean a lot...as most of us do. I knew it was going to be OK. What ever happens I could deal with it. Just had my 6 month check up and everything so far looks great. I am sure it will be for you also. I had my surgery 08/30/2010 yours was a year ago. So how are you doing now?
Hi Johnny,
I too am scheduled for a partial neph. using the DaVinci on June 2nd. It was good to read your post because it seems not many have had the surgery done with Da Vinci..My mass is 3.4 cm., hopefully, I pray to God it is encapsulated and only a partial is needed, but after my pre-op visit this Thur. I was told again that they really don't know what they're up against intil they get in there...I am in such a state of panic these last few weeks, and already I just want it done and over with...Mine was found by "accident"..had some back and pelvic/abdominal pain that my doc just couldn't nail down a cause. Had a CT this Christmas Eve and last June, both showed a CYST on my kidney..After having an ultrasound done in April, they called me back that afternoon for a CT , that's when I got the news that it was a mass. The "cysts" were 3.4 cm, so it's been the same for almost a year. Sorry to go on, but I find it so difficult to talk to my family about all of this. I try to act positive in front of them and it's getting so hard to keep up this front..I am scared to death...all I feel I can do is pray to God for a successful surgery and good outcome...Praying seems to be the only thing keeping me sane right now...I am so happy for you, you seem to be doing quite well. I pray things continue to go well for you...0 -
Kidney removal recovery
My husband had an 11 cm mass removed along with kidney 3 weeks ago, recovery is slow as to be expected, but we never expected he would lose 30 pounds since surgery. Is this typical? Doctor called reported that there was no indication at all it has spread and he needs no further treatment. Any insights would be appreciated!0 -
Yikes123Yikes123 said:Kidney removal recovery
My husband had an 11 cm mass removed along with kidney 3 weeks ago, recovery is slow as to be expected, but we never expected he would lose 30 pounds since surgery. Is this typical? Doctor called reported that there was no indication at all it has spread and he needs no further treatment. Any insights would be appreciated!
Welcome,
I'm 18 months post op (left side, 5.0 cm)I lost a little over 20 pounds but mine was a lap which is easier on you than an open procedure. Your husbands age physical condition and type of procedure would all impact his weight loss but it is to be expected. Typical treatment following a pathology report indicating that it has not spread is follow-up ct scans every six months for up to 5 years and yearly after that.
Hang in there, the worst is behind you.
Gary0
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