New here,had Open radical nephrectomy on 10-1, 10cmX11cm

Hi, Craig -- My name is Terri.   I'm a 46-year-old wife & mom who was completely healthy before being hit over the head with the news that I had cancer.   My 4cmx4cm mass was removed in an open radical on 10/2.   I have surgery follow-up next week (11/6) -- just to check my 10" incision, I suppose.   Then I have appts with my urologist and oncologist in January.

I am also suprised that you are back at work already.   While I feel pretty good, my doctor wants me out until after my follow-up (probably 11/11).    How are you feeling??  

craig59 said:

I am a little sore when I

I am a little sore when I bend all the way to the floor but otherwise I feel good.

 

It was my idea to return to work so soon,got to pay the bills.My wife and daughters say that I have a "George Jetson " job,I am in a control room using a mouse to help operate a paper machine.The Urologist first balked but relented when he found out what I do.I am a 54 year old male with 34 yrs at said papermill,not working didn't seem like the thing to do.

 

I don't have a copy of the path report but my Oncologist said that I have positive margins in the vein.I will try to get a copy in Jan.

I'm not sure what that term means.   If someone can clue me in, I'd appreciate it!

craig59 said:

I am not for sure but I think

I am not for sure but I think it is the tissue left behind after all the cuting is over.

Maybe someone with a little more knowledge can clear it up for us.

means they found cancer cells there and it puts you at a higher risk of recurrence, this does not necessarily mean that it has already spread.  Going forward you will most likely be monitored more closely in case it does pop up and you may be asked to consider drugs and/or trials to reduce the odds that it will.

Skagway Jack said:

Back to work

I had a right radical nephrectomy on 15 Oct and I am planning to work part time starting 4 November.  I dont expect to engage in my full course of normal duties for about another month.  I am 53 and since surgery I have been walking every day.  I dont have full motion flexibility yet but its improving daily.  Strength will take a while, but I plan to start swimming next week and hope to restore full strength within a couple of months.  I went into this procedure in excellent physical health (with exception of the right kidney tumor).  I hope I am not pushing it too hard, but frankly as a former athlete I find it very hard not to push myself. 

I just had my post op this week and I am scheduled for a follow-up with a blood test in 6 weeks.  Follow up test will very based on individual circumstances but I am told that I will have a CT scan in 6 months and then again at one year. 

Not a good idea to get back to work so soon...  Does not matter how good you feel, your insides got severely mollested.. nerves and muscles got cut.. .they all need time to heal.  You risk getting a hernia at the incision site if you do too much too soon... wanna see my hernia..?  Rest up, you need it... but keep up the daily walks...

Ron

foxhd said:

Craig, just read your bio

Are you saying that your Dr. has no plans for treatment because radiation and chemo doesn't work? Then why even bother having the surgery? Sounds as if he thinks you have a death sentence. As you should know by now, we are here because of new drugs which are doing great things. You need to push for an oncologist who knows what to do for you.

Hi Fox.  Great to have you back with us, so to speak.

I read what Craig wrote too.  But I suspect that his doctor was just referring to the fact that Craig did not have any evidence of further spread and, if so, what he told him was completely true.  There is no proven adjuvant (preventive) chemo or radiation prescribed for RCC patients in that situation - unless or until they develop metastases.

Skagway Jack said:

GSRon,  I took your advice

GSRon,  I took your advice and took another week off.  I will be starting back part time next week.  I feel much improved and have started swimming as my low impact way of slowly getting back my strength.  I have noticed a significant improvement just in the last 4 days espeically in my flexibilty.  As a former competitive swimmer it is very relaxing to get back in the water.  I have noticed I am not needing to take afternoon naps which I take as a sign that my healing has progressed as I dont feel as tired as I did only a week ago. On the subject of hernia's, I asked my doctor if I was at increased risk of that due to the surgery and he said not in the long term.  How far from surgery did you experience yours?  Thanks Jack

OK, so I waited 6 weeks to go back to work... then I waited about 5 months to go on my first real motorcycle ride... hit one large bump and rip...  My biggest mistake (other than not waiting long enough) was that I should or worn a kidney belt.  That extra support is helpful.. You can get one at places like Home Depot.  Oh yes, my navel is now off center... funny...

Ron

im 51 year male ,diagnosed sept 3, surgery sept.20. 12cmby 9cm everything removed including 14 lymph nodes.You seem to be back to work too early my doc has me off till next scan in late dec. early jan.good luck