New Member Struggling a bit....

Miashelle1
Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
in Kidney Cancer #1

Hello.

I am from Portland Dorset UK. My name is Michelle. I am 52.

I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago with a 6cm tumor on my left kidney, found by accident during a routine test for something else.

I had the kidney removed 2 weeks ago. Not as bad as I thought it would be. I had good care and came home after 5 days.

My pathology results are Grade 1/2 Stage 3a with clear margins. They Adrenal Gland and Lymph were clear but I had a small spread into the venal vien which is why they said 3a. No further treatment at this time with 6 monthly follow ups. I asked my prognosis and the doctor said that they comment more on that as to how well i do with my six monthly checks etc.

I would welcome any thoughts/advice/help to keep healthy/positive etc.

Thank you. Michelle :)

Comments

  • MDCinSC
    MDCinSC Member Posts: 574
    #2
    Hi there! Ouch

    It was a rude welcome to RCC wasn't it?  You are now a member of the club that no one ever asks to join.

    First congratulations of a successful surgery! You no longer have that particular invader in your body!  Be glad it is gone. With that size and grading you should have a very positive prognosis.  The thing to focus on for the moment is your recovery from the surgery.  First, no sky-diving!  None!  Rugby is out and so are roller coasters, at least for a while.  Next, be realistic in what you expect your body to be capable of doing.  You have had a major organ removed. Your insides are a jumble from poking prodding and being pushed around willy nilly. Take your time!

    My own surgery was in May. I too had a radical nephrectomy for a Stage 1b (4.5 cm) Grade 3 tumor. I am just now getting my legs completly under me and getting back to full engagement with work and duties. Some would say even I am pushing too hard.  Take your time.

    Next, come here, often!  There are amazing people here who will be able to respond to all your questions and will be here to cheer you on!  There is no question you can't ask, no situation that can be dealt with.  Stay positive! The hard part is over. 

    Michael

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #3
    Welcome...

    Yes welcome.. although we all know you would not be here if you had a choice..   Recovery time varies from person to person... some fast some slow...  I should let it be known that even after 16 months there are some short periods of discomfort in both the surgery areas and the missing Kidney area... no biggie..

    I am a bit curious as to how the Doctor handled your Renal Vein issue..?  That is, if you know...

    Ron

  • Bellweather
    Bellweather Member Posts: 102
    #4
    Keep Living

    We are so sorry you had to join, but we are here to help.  You will get better, some quicker than others.  I had my r kidney removed when I was 48 and I am now 50 and exercise and play active sports regularly.  be diligent on your screenings in an effort to catch any potential metastasis (athough you may never find any).  In the mean time:

    Live, learn, love and laugh!!

    Sincerely,

    Bellweather

  • Darron
    Darron Member Posts: 310 Member
    #5
    Welcome

    sorry for the welcome, it was a shock to me how quick it comes and is cured with surgery. Many cases are caught by accident vs. symptoms. Consider yourself luck to be in that group. MDC and Ron made great points about taking your time and recovering. I would add that since you don't have a lot if follow up (every 6 months), make sure you take good care of you remaining kidney. Don't forget to drink lots of water (2-3 liters per day). It will increase your remaining kidney's efficiency.

    your mind will no doubt wander about why me and is it coming back, that is really where this site can do wonders. There are fantastic people that have been thru it all. My posts are not as frequent as my reading. It is often a comfort knowing you are not alone in worries or doubts.

    Only two weeks out from surgery, I imagine you are starting to be amazed at how quickly you can heal. I recall every day noticing that I was getting stronger and stronger.take it slow and know that you will be in it for the long haul.

    keep hraling

    Darron

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #6
    Darron said:

    Welcome

    sorry for the welcome, it was a shock to me how quick it comes and is cured with surgery. Many cases are caught by accident vs. symptoms. Consider yourself luck to be in that group. MDC and Ron made great points about taking your time and recovering. I would add that since you don't have a lot if follow up (every 6 months), make sure you take good care of you remaining kidney. Don't forget to drink lots of water (2-3 liters per day). It will increase your remaining kidney's efficiency.

    your mind will no doubt wander about why me and is it coming back, that is really where this site can do wonders. There are fantastic people that have been thru it all. My posts are not as frequent as my reading. It is often a comfort knowing you are not alone in worries or doubts.

    Only two weeks out from surgery, I imagine you are starting to be amazed at how quickly you can heal. I recall every day noticing that I was getting stronger and stronger.take it slow and know that you will be in it for the long haul.

    keep hraling

    Darron

    Thanks...

    for all the advice and welcomes...it is apreciated. I actually went to work today for three hours. just sat there tho'..needed a change of walls. I still keep having mini melt downs etc and just wish non of this had happened! I am positive when I am not having a meltdown. Trying to be up beat here Smile I am bordering on self pity too I think. lol oh dear i am trying to think of something constructive to say.

    I had a holiday booked in India for November and I have cancelled it. Stupid? I know I just dont feel comfortable going that far away from home at the moment. Some advice I had was to go some be careful so I made the decision myself. We were lucky enough to go last year. We opted instead for a week nearer home end of september. but I am not confident and I know I should be. I just wish I could see a way forward...I hope this forum will help me with that. One minite I feel positive .. the next I think whats the point .. I am hoping this will pass.

    I am drinking plenty of water watching what I eat and any other advice on nutrition would be good. Did anyone replace sugar in tea/coffee? If so what for?

    Thanks....Michelle x Laughing

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #7
    Miashelle1 said:

    Thanks...

    for all the advice and welcomes...it is apreciated. I actually went to work today for three hours. just sat there tho'..needed a change of walls. I still keep having mini melt downs etc and just wish non of this had happened! I am positive when I am not having a meltdown. Trying to be up beat here Smile I am bordering on self pity too I think. lol oh dear i am trying to think of something constructive to say.

    I had a holiday booked in India for November and I have cancelled it. Stupid? I know I just dont feel comfortable going that far away from home at the moment. Some advice I had was to go some be careful so I made the decision myself. We were lucky enough to go last year. We opted instead for a week nearer home end of september. but I am not confident and I know I should be. I just wish I could see a way forward...I hope this forum will help me with that. One minite I feel positive .. the next I think whats the point .. I am hoping this will pass.

    I am drinking plenty of water watching what I eat and any other advice on nutrition would be good. Did anyone replace sugar in tea/coffee? If so what for?

    Thanks....Michelle x Laughing

    And yes Darren I guess I do

    And yes Darren I guess I do feel a bit stronger...so frustraring to have to walk so slow! And I cant go fishing at the moment. I love fishing and all the simple things in life. But it will come I am sure. I hope soon!

    Be well. Michelle Smile

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #8
    GSRon said:

    Welcome...

    Yes welcome.. although we all know you would not be here if you had a choice..   Recovery time varies from person to person... some fast some slow...  I should let it be known that even after 16 months there are some short periods of discomfort in both the surgery areas and the missing Kidney area... no biggie..

    I am a bit curious as to how the Doctor handled your Renal Vein issue..?  That is, if you know...

    Ron

    I am not sure Ron..but I have

    I am not sure Ron..but I have and app on the 26th and you can be sure I will be asking. I will let you know. Michelle :)

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    #9
    Miashelle1 said:

    Thanks...

    for all the advice and welcomes...it is apreciated. I actually went to work today for three hours. just sat there tho'..needed a change of walls. I still keep having mini melt downs etc and just wish non of this had happened! I am positive when I am not having a meltdown. Trying to be up beat here Smile I am bordering on self pity too I think. lol oh dear i am trying to think of something constructive to say.

    I had a holiday booked in India for November and I have cancelled it. Stupid? I know I just dont feel comfortable going that far away from home at the moment. Some advice I had was to go some be careful so I made the decision myself. We were lucky enough to go last year. We opted instead for a week nearer home end of september. but I am not confident and I know I should be. I just wish I could see a way forward...I hope this forum will help me with that. One minite I feel positive .. the next I think whats the point .. I am hoping this will pass.

    I am drinking plenty of water watching what I eat and any other advice on nutrition would be good. Did anyone replace sugar in tea/coffee? If so what for?

    Thanks....Michelle x Laughing

    Nutrition

    Hi Michelle,

    Be careful what you ask for...

    I have prepared a 58-page document that explains the science and rationale behind what I dub a "proper" diet for renal (and other) cancer sufferers.  It is based on research into the latest scientific investigations regarding "healthy" nutrition and cell metabolism (for both normal and tumor cells).  It also explains what I have personally done in my clinical trial of n=1 based on these ideas during the past year.

    If you email me at: n.feldman@videopost.com

    I will reply with a copy of my guide attached.  It is a .pdf file.

    You may be surprised to discover what the most important things you should (and should not) eat are.  And also the reasons why.

     

    -NanoSecond (Neil)

     

  • MDCinSC
    MDCinSC Member Posts: 574
    #10
    Miashelle1 said:

    Thanks...

    for all the advice and welcomes...it is apreciated. I actually went to work today for three hours. just sat there tho'..needed a change of walls. I still keep having mini melt downs etc and just wish non of this had happened! I am positive when I am not having a meltdown. Trying to be up beat here Smile I am bordering on self pity too I think. lol oh dear i am trying to think of something constructive to say.

    I had a holiday booked in India for November and I have cancelled it. Stupid? I know I just dont feel comfortable going that far away from home at the moment. Some advice I had was to go some be careful so I made the decision myself. We were lucky enough to go last year. We opted instead for a week nearer home end of september. but I am not confident and I know I should be. I just wish I could see a way forward...I hope this forum will help me with that. One minite I feel positive .. the next I think whats the point .. I am hoping this will pass.

    I am drinking plenty of water watching what I eat and any other advice on nutrition would be good. Did anyone replace sugar in tea/coffee? If so what for?

    Thanks....Michelle x Laughing

    I have replaced ALL my sugar

    I have replaced ALL my sugar with organic stevia.  

    According to my reading, stevia displays anti cancer properties and I don't need the calories.  Besides, cancer THRIVES on sugar I have been told.

    There are lots of stevia brands out there.  Many have some additives. Organic stevia is natural and appears to be quite safe for you.

     

    Michael

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    #11
    MDCinSC said:

    I have replaced ALL my sugar

    I have replaced ALL my sugar with organic stevia.  

    According to my reading, stevia displays anti cancer properties and I don't need the calories.  Besides, cancer THRIVES on sugar I have been told.

    There are lots of stevia brands out there.  Many have some additives. Organic stevia is natural and appears to be quite safe for you.

     

    Michael

    More info on Stevia...

    Here:

    http://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/02/04/the-stevia-project/

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #12
    NanoSecond said:

    More info on Stevia...

    Here:

    http://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/02/04/the-stevia-project/

    Stevia

    I know a lot of people who purchase the white Stevia from the supermarkets, thinking it to be healthy, there is always other additives. I posted on Michelle's duplicated heading earlier about the raw Stevia. She is in the UK so she won't have a problem buying from a herbalist. I have mine sent over from there.

    Djinnie

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #13
    NanoSecond said:

    More info on Stevia...

    Here:

    http://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/02/04/the-stevia-project/

    Diet

    Neil, if you are still on here, I wanted to ask you if I may have a copy of your paper. I did ask you some time back, but I did not get around to sending you the email at that time.

    Thanks:)

    Djinnie

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #14
    NanoSecond said:

    Nutrition

    Hi Michelle,

    Be careful what you ask for...

    I have prepared a 58-page document that explains the science and rationale behind what I dub a "proper" diet for renal (and other) cancer sufferers.  It is based on research into the latest scientific investigations regarding "healthy" nutrition and cell metabolism (for both normal and tumor cells).  It also explains what I have personally done in my clinical trial of n=1 based on these ideas during the past year.

    If you email me at: n.feldman@videopost.com

    I will reply with a copy of my guide attached.  It is a .pdf file.

    You may be surprised to discover what the most important things you should (and should not) eat are.  And also the reasons why.

     

    -NanoSecond (Neil)

     

    Thank you Neil...I will Email

    Thank you Neil...I will Email you in about five minites Smile

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #15
    Djinnie said:

    Stevia

    I know a lot of people who purchase the white Stevia from the supermarkets, thinking it to be healthy, there is always other additives. I posted on Michelle's duplicated heading earlier about the raw Stevia. She is in the UK so she won't have a problem buying from a herbalist. I have mine sent over from there.

    Djinnie

    I bought white stevia

    I bought white stevia yesterday and it is revolting..its in the bin :) May I have a link for the herbalist please? Thank you.

  • Miashelle1
    Miashelle1 Member Posts: 44
    #16
    MDCinSC said:

    I have replaced ALL my sugar

    I have replaced ALL my sugar with organic stevia.  

    According to my reading, stevia displays anti cancer properties and I don't need the calories.  Besides, cancer THRIVES on sugar I have been told.

    There are lots of stevia brands out there.  Many have some additives. Organic stevia is natural and appears to be quite safe for you.

     

    Michael

    Thank you .. I have read that

    Thank you .. I have read that about sugar too ... scary. Michelle

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    #17
    Djinnie said:

    Diet

    Neil, if you are still on here, I wanted to ask you if I may have a copy of your paper. I did ask you some time back, but I did not get around to sending you the email at that time.

    Thanks:)

    Djinnie

    Guide to Nutrition

    Hi Djinnie,

    Yes, of course you may have it.  But you still need to send me a direct email at: n.feldman@videopost.com

    So I can reply via direct email back to you.  My document is a 58-page .pdf file.  So it has to be sent as an attachement to an email.

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #18
    Miashelle1 said:

    I bought white stevia

    I bought white stevia yesterday and it is revolting..its in the bin :) May I have a link for the herbalist please? Thank you.

    Stevia

    Michelle, I have posted the link on your other heading.

    Djinnie

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #19
    NanoSecond said:

    Guide to Nutrition

    Hi Djinnie,

    Yes, of course you may have it.  But you still need to send me a direct email at: n.feldman@videopost.com

    So I can reply via direct email back to you.  My document is a 58-page .pdf file.  So it has to be sent as an attachement to an email.

    Guide to Nutrition

    Thank you Neil, I will send a message off to you tonight. I appreciate it:)

    Djinnie x

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