Just found you guys

mrs_blkjak said:

I'm sorry you have to deal

I'm sorry you have to deal with this, but you are in good hands with the people here! I am so glad that you found someone to be proactive. While a tumor that small is not likely to spread, why give it a chance?! I can't give you any advice for the surgery, as my husband did not have surgery since his very small 2 cm tumor has metasticized and the oncologist wanted to go straight to treatment. But others here can give you advice for that. I wish you the best of luck and a full recovery!

Thank you.  Best wishes to you and your husband as well.

icemantoo said:

Club rules

RRinTx.

 

To join our club you have to go thru the initiation (the surgery) or be a caregiver to somone who has. Dealing with Kidney Cancer is not easy, but everone is given a chance to knock out this little sucker with major abdominal surgery. OK its not fun and it hurts, but I can guarantee one thing and that is that it is better than the alternative.

 

Icemantoo

 

 

Initiation in 2 1/2 days, definitely better than the alternative.  Does that cover the dues too???

garym said:

Dues...

RR,

Scars and staples are all you need for a lifetime membership and all indications at this point are that it will be a long, long membership.  Before and after surgery remember the two W's, walking and water.  Both of these will aid in a quicker return to "normal", water is a natural elixir essential to all bodily functions and healing, exercise (even light) helps you feel better physically and perhaps more importantly, mentally.  As things progress keep us posted, we're here when you need us.

Good luck and Godspeed,

Gary

Thanks Gary,

I'll definitely take the two W's to heart, two things I am not usually good at, but have been trying.  

I'll be back on in a week or so to compare scars!!

Rachel

Galrim said:

Welcome and some answers and questions

First of all, Im sorry that you have fulfilled the membership requirements to this club. The ****, or rahter the kidney, has hit the fan, but at least in here you are among people in the same situation who can and will both comfort and advise you if needed or requested :-)

As for your post and the questions. It shows in a very clear way the importance of having a second opinion. The first oncologist is really way off the standard approach to a case like this. Unless you have a very high age or medical condition making surgery risky, the wait and watch approach is normally not taken if the scans etc clearly indicates a malign tumor.

As for your recovery after surgery. You dont state anything about age or general medical condition. However, unless any of those two are changing your general condition you should be out of the hospital after 3-4 days, even with an open surgery. If the surgery is done laprascopically then it will normally be even faster, 1-2 days.

However, one thing is how fast youre out of the hospital, another thing is the post-surgery recovery. That phase is extremely individual and can take anything from a couple of weeks to several months before youre 100% back on your feet, physically as well as mentally. You will find out as you go along, so dont spend to much energy worrying about it upfront.

For now, just try to focus on the target of all of this, getting that stowaway passenger inside you out of your body. And underline to yourself the fact that you have been caught very early which in the case of RCC expresses a very positive longterm survival rate, and a very low risk of any recurrence, unless the histology indicates something else for which the risk is quite small.

Good luck and hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

/G

 

Thanks /G,

I feel good about the decision, but am getting a little nervous as the day approaches.  However, I did sign up for a speedy recovery so we'll see how that goes.  

I'll be back,

Rachel

MDCinSC said:

Skipping?

LOL Skipping doing things in favor of naps is more like it, for while anyway! 

It is a pity to have to meet under these circumstances  but we'll be here for each other for a long time I suspect.

I am three weeks post surgery and, while I feel like I can do most anything, it only comes in short bursts followed by lots of rest. I am walking, which has helped.

So, welcome to our hardy little band.  I'll keep positive thoughts going for you!  Report back when you can! We'll be watching. I think I'll quote Gary here:

"Cancer sucks."   Thanks Gary!

Michael

Thanks Michael,

Your three week's head start news is encouraging.  I hope you continue to do more and nap less.

I'll be back to report in a while,

Rachel

saintmont said:

after surgery

Hi, I had my right kidney removed 2011, I was in hospital for 7 days was up walking around after 5 days but took it easy. When I got home I rested I found getting out of bed the hardest I had roll to the edge of the bed to get out and try not to put to much pressure on operated side of my body becase if I didnot do it right it gave me grief., but other than that generally I was fine. I would suggest rest for a couple of weeks and do some short walks around your house the sooner you get moving the quicker you will recover. After 2 weeks I when on longer walks and after 6 weeks I went back to work Full-time. I hope this helps. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Thank you, that sounds encouraging.

ourfriendjohn said:

It's over!

Rachel,

Thought about you today and hope things went well.  I know it will be several days before you see this but wanted you to have some e-mail waiting for you.  Relax and take care of yourself.  There is probably a piece of chocolate in your future.

John

Hi John,

I just replied to your more recent post but thought I'd let you know that I am easing my way back into the chocolate with excellent results!

Rachel