"Most Concerning for RCC"

RichW
RichW Member Posts: 15
in Kidney Cancer #1

Hi.  Rich, 43, went doctor for stomach pains and after ultrasound and CT w/wo contrast, my GP calls and says I havecancer On March 28 around 7pm.  Not what I expected to hear.  I have an appt. on April 19, with Urologist and don't know what to expect.  The mass is  2cm and I was hoping I may find some answers as to what I may be up against, and is 2cm too small for surgery, worried about the whole situation in general but staying calm.  I've got 4 children, and 2 of which are only 7 and 9 and a very supportive wife.  I really appreciate any information I can receive.  

Thank you and GOD Bless!

Rich

 

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Comments

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #2
    hi rich,i know my doc told me

    hi rich,i know my doc told me that they wouldn't do anything if the mass was smaller than 4cm but even with that information you are in a good position as they will monitor you so closely if anything changes they will be straight in there!!  discuss all the options with your doctor and decide what is the best one for you.....

    eims x

     

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #3
    Eims said:

    hi rich,i know my doc told me

    hi rich,i know my doc told me that they wouldn't do anything if the mass was smaller than 4cm but even with that information you are in a good position as they will monitor you so closely if anything changes they will be straight in there!!  discuss all the options with your doctor and decide what is the best one for you.....

    eims x

     

    Feelings..

    Hi Rich....  You may not feel great about the news now.. but you MAY of just won the Cancer Lottery..!  By this I mean it sounds like it got caught very early, which means you win...  While some of us did not get diagnosed until the Cancer has already spread...  Others here can give you better doctor advice.. but to me it sounds like you will only remember this bump in the road of life...

    Good Luck..!

    Ron

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #4
    Hi Rich

    I am sorry to hear your news, but this is already a positive outcome. How fortunate for you and your family that it has been caught so early. Here in France if a tumor is between 1 & 2 cm they will remove it with Radiofrequency Ablation, so that may be an option. Right now you are still processing the information, you are in shock which is pretty normal considering the circumstances.

    Best wishes to you.

     

  • RichW
    RichW Member Posts: 15
    #5
    GSRon said:

    Feelings..

    Hi Rich....  You may not feel great about the news now.. but you MAY of just won the Cancer Lottery..!  By this I mean it sounds like it got caught very early, which means you win...  While some of us did not get diagnosed until the Cancer has already spread...  Others here can give you better doctor advice.. but to me it sounds like you will only remember this bump in the road of life...

    Good Luck..!

    Ron

    Most concerned for RCC

    Thanks Eims and Ron.  I am happy to have come across this site. I have been reading so much online my head is swirling with questions.  I am grateful that its very small and early compared to what most of you have dealt with.  Some stories I've read were less than 2cm and they've had surgery.  With the new drugs out, do you think they'll put me on Meds to shrink it and watch rather than going to surgery.  My fear is it possibly spreading from being cut open.  Forgive my ignorance if I'm completely wrong.  I'm still somewhat in disbelief.  

     

    Thanks

    RichW

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #6
    Djinnie said:

    Hi Rich

    I am sorry to hear your news, but this is already a positive outcome. How fortunate for you and your family that it has been caught so early. Here in France if a tumor is between 1 & 2 cm they will remove it with Radiofrequency Ablation, so that may be an option. Right now you are still processing the information, you are in shock which is pretty normal considering the circumstances.

    Best wishes to you.

     

    As good as it gets

    Rich,

     

    Nobody wants to be diagnosed with RCC, but having a tumor at 2 cm is as good as it gets. When you meet with the Urologist you will explore anty options available other than surgery.

    Unfortunately surgery is probably in your future sooner or later. All of us on this board have been thru the surgery. Not fun, but it beats the alternative. A full and complete recovery from the surgery alone is in your cards. Mine was almost 11 years ago. Faye across the street is at 18 years and is already 82 years old so she  may be limied  to another 15 or 20 years.

     

    I wish I could sugar coat the surgery, but than I would lose my credability.

     

    You should wait a year or so after surgery for strenuous things like roller coasters, water skiing and bungie jumping.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #7
    icemantoo said:

    As good as it gets

    Rich,

     

    Nobody wants to be diagnosed with RCC, but having a tumor at 2 cm is as good as it gets. When you meet with the Urologist you will explore anty options available other than surgery.

    Unfortunately surgery is probably in your future sooner or later. All of us on this board have been thru the surgery. Not fun, but it beats the alternative. A full and complete recovery from the surgery alone is in your cards. Mine was almost 11 years ago. Faye across the street is at 18 years and is already 82 years old so she  may be limied  to another 15 or 20 years.

     

    I wish I could sugar coat the surgery, but than I would lose my credability.

     

    You should wait a year or so after surgery for strenuous things like roller coasters, water skiing and bungie jumping.

     

    Icemantoo

    you mean i have to wait a

    you mean i have to wait a year icemantoo!!??  how about a skydive?  ;-)

    eims x

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #8
    Eims said:

    you mean i have to wait a

    you mean i have to wait a year icemantoo!!??  how about a skydive?  ;-)

    eims x

    9 months

    Being so young why not do the sky diving ater 9 months or so.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #9
    icemantoo said:

    9 months

    Being so young why not do the sky diving ater 9 months or so.

     

    Icemantoo

    trust me icemantoo im not

    trust me icemantoo im not that young!!  ill leave the skydiving to someone else!!

    eims x

  • RichW
    RichW Member Posts: 15
    #10
    Thanks for the Encouragement

    Thanks Djinnie and Icemantoo.  I really appreciate the encouragement and all the input.  I am eager to find out what the Urologist has to say on the 19th.  I want to do as much research as I can so i am aware of all options available.  I feel as if I've been in a fog for the last week and have lived on my laptop and phone trying to research as much as I can.  I think hearing the term cancer is a shock when anyone hears it.  I've had many positive and many negative thoughts and feelings on the subject  this past week all the while trying to act like its not bothering me.  I don't want my wife and children to worry.  I believe GOD is in control.  

     

    Thanks

    RichW

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #11
    Eims said:

    trust me icemantoo im not

    trust me icemantoo im not that young!!  ill leave the skydiving to someone else!!

    eims x

    Youth

    Eims,

     

    Your Bio says 40 to 49. That sure sounds young to this old guyzer who will be 70 this summer. For my 60th birthday (11 months after surgery) the family met at Club Met  in Fl and I went on a 15 minute water ski run with no falling. You being so much younger I expect something a bit more than that.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #12
    RichW said:

    Thanks for the Encouragement

    Thanks Djinnie and Icemantoo.  I really appreciate the encouragement and all the input.  I am eager to find out what the Urologist has to say on the 19th.  I want to do as much research as I can so i am aware of all options available.  I feel as if I've been in a fog for the last week and have lived on my laptop and phone trying to research as much as I can.  I think hearing the term cancer is a shock when anyone hears it.  I've had many positive and many negative thoughts and feelings on the subject  this past week all the while trying to act like its not bothering me.  I don't want my wife and children to worry.  I believe GOD is in control.  

     

    Thanks

    RichW

    hi rich, i know exactly how
    hi rich, i know exactly how you are feeling and it is a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. sometimes though too much information can make it worse.....you will come through the fog and to be honest everyone has that feeling. if you didn't now that would be something to worry about. it is not long til you see your urologist and they will have a game plan for you. write down your questions because trust me you forget everything when you sit down for your consultation. no-one ever wants to hear THAT word but i promise you that you will surprise yourself.

    eims x
  • RichW
    RichW Member Posts: 15
    #13
    Thanks Eims x

    Thanks Eims.  I am so glad I came across this site.  I have read so much just from this site alone.  I will be making a list of questions.   reading all the success stories and the trials you've all been through is truly encouraging!!  

    Thank you

    RichW

  • cran1
    cran1 Member Posts: 139
    #14
    Hey Richp. I'm 35 and have

    Hey RichI'm 35 and have the same scenario as you. 2 kids and wife. My mass is 1.6cm found by accident. I have a robotic partial scheduled on May 1st. The oncologist and urologist both act like its not a big deal at all! I was scared as hell but this site help me putt things in perspective. You and I are the lucky ones and I only hope I can be as brave as the other folks on this site later on in life. Believe me though I know how you feel. I feel for ya........Hang in there Rich.

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #15
    cran1 said:

    Hey Richp. I'm 35 and have

    Hey RichI'm 35 and have the same scenario as you. 2 kids and wife. My mass is 1.6cm found by accident. I have a robotic partial scheduled on May 1st. The oncologist and urologist both act like its not a big deal at all! I was scared as hell but this site help me putt things in perspective. You and I are the lucky ones and I only hope I can be as brave as the other folks on this site later on in life. Believe me though I know how you feel. I feel for ya........Hang in there Rich.

    You'll be OK

    It's understandable being worried and scared. But you guys will do alright. We wish everyone who joined this forum had a prognosis like you guys have. Think about us as the years go by. And love your family. You are dodging a bullet. Good luck.

  • Patrick72
    Patrick72 Member Posts: 14 Member
    #16
    Depends on the situation

    Good afternoon Rich.  Sorry that you have to join us on the boards here. As the others here have said, you caught it early and with the size that it is without knowing any more, there is every possibility that after recovering from surgery you should be pretty much good to go and be on your way to a long and happy life.

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #17
    icemantoo said:

    Youth

    Eims,

     

    Your Bio says 40 to 49. That sure sounds young to this old guyzer who will be 70 this summer. For my 60th birthday (11 months after surgery) the family met at Club Met  in Fl and I went on a 15 minute water ski run with no falling. You being so much younger I expect something a bit more than that.

     

    Icemantoo

    ah go on ya big ol charmer

    ah go on ya big ol charmer you!!!  found out i had the tumour the day after my 41st birthday!!!  ooooooo is that a challenge icemantoo??  wouldnt it be nice to organise a challenge for us all to do together somewhere?  its just a little something we could think about!!!  and you certainly look great for what did you call yourself, an old guyzer!!!!

    eims x

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #18
    Eims said:

    ah go on ya big ol charmer

    ah go on ya big ol charmer you!!!  found out i had the tumour the day after my 41st birthday!!!  ooooooo is that a challenge icemantoo??  wouldnt it be nice to organise a challenge for us all to do together somewhere?  its just a little something we could think about!!!  and you certainly look great for what did you call yourself, an old guyzer!!!!

    eims x

    Old picture

    Elms,

     

    That is an old picture from last May. I will try and update it after I turn 70 in July and Icewoman turns 69 in September. Sorry no babys to hold, but we do have kids 46 and the little one will be 44 in 11 days and 5 grandchildren ranging from 11 and one half to 17 later this month..

     

     

    Icemantoo

  • fleurdelis
    fleurdelis Member Posts: 3
    #19
    RichW said:

    Most concerned for RCC

    Thanks Eims and Ron.  I am happy to have come across this site. I have been reading so much online my head is swirling with questions.  I am grateful that its very small and early compared to what most of you have dealt with.  Some stories I've read were less than 2cm and they've had surgery.  With the new drugs out, do you think they'll put me on Meds to shrink it and watch rather than going to surgery.  My fear is it possibly spreading from being cut open.  Forgive my ignorance if I'm completely wrong.  I'm still somewhat in disbelief.  

     

    Thanks

    RichW

    Most concerned for RCC

    Hello RichW,

     

    Please review my profile so that you will know my history.  Tests showed lung nodules prior to the nephrectomy but the mass in the kidney was pushing the kidney wall out. After radical nephrectomy in September 2011 (stage 3B), I had a cat scan in March 2012.  That did not show any evidence of cancer.  But, it did show a hernia from insufficient sutures after the nephrectomy.  The laproscopic hernia surgery in April was unsuccessful do to issues with the mesh.  In August 2012, I had abdominal surgery to remove that mesh and replace it with another.  While in the hospital, I ran a fever and chest x-ray and cat scan were ordered.  That test showed nodules in both lungs and the doctors were concerned.  In September 2012, I had a PET scan.  Renal cell is difficult to pick up.  In December 2012, I had a lung biopsy on one of the largest nodules.  It was inconclusive.  Around that time, I was having back pain but I have degenerative disc, bulging discs, etc.  So, I atrributed the pain to that.  But, it became almost unbearable to walk, sit, stand, etc.  Tests showed a mass on L2 and L3.  The neurosurgoen removed what he could and killed the rests in surgery February 2013. The pathology report showed renal cell carcinoma.    I made a trip to MD Anderson in March and numerous tests were run.  The brain MRI showed some issues on the skull but not on the brain.  No doctors in Louisiana suggested that a brain MRI should be done.  The Houston doctors are now more concerned about the skull than the lungs.  I am currently on Votrient 800 mg per day which I began March 15, 2013.  

    In summary, stay on top of your health.  Insist on full-body tests.    You are very fortunate that yours was caught early.  Unfortunately, renal cell isn't usually detected until the symptoms appear and then the outcome is not as good.  I wish you the very best.  

     

     

     

  • RichW
    RichW Member Posts: 15
    #20
    cran1 said:

    Hey Richp. I'm 35 and have

    Hey RichI'm 35 and have the same scenario as you. 2 kids and wife. My mass is 1.6cm found by accident. I have a robotic partial scheduled on May 1st. The oncologist and urologist both act like its not a big deal at all! I was scared as hell but this site help me putt things in perspective. You and I are the lucky ones and I only hope I can be as brave as the other folks on this site later on in life. Believe me though I know how you feel. I feel for ya........Hang in there Rich.

    When did ou find out?

    Thanks cran 1.  I am curious as to when you found out.  Seems like they arent going to watch and wait with yours.  I guess we are pretty blessed, if i can say it that way, that they found ours very early.  I really like the site and it is a blessing to have people who have gone through this and understand. Thanks for the encouragement!  I'll pray for you that your surgery goes well!

     

    RichW

  • Eims
    Eims Member Posts: 423
    #21
    icemantoo said:

    Old picture

    Elms,

     

    That is an old picture from last May. I will try and update it after I turn 70 in July and Icewoman turns 69 in September. Sorry no babys to hold, but we do have kids 46 and the little one will be 44 in 11 days and 5 grandchildren ranging from 11 and one half to 17 later this month..

     

     

    Icemantoo

    icewoman looks amazing too

    icewoman looks amazing too and as i always say children keep you young and you both look really well on it....

    eims x

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