Emotional-Normal?

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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 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

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

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.