32 years old newly diagnosed 2014

Hi. My husband was also relatively young for cancer at 46 (now 47). I think this is a great board to be around since I stopped lurking earlier this month.  I would totally base the decision about robotic based on the # of times the surgeon has used the device. My husband had a radical nephrectomy via Davinci robot surgery, but we knew the surgeon had MANY surgeries under his belt. My husband is also 6 4 and your comment about the MRI machine cracked me up since he had the same experince before. Being a tall individual in the hospital after his surgery provided much comic relief during hard times, especially when he stood up for the first time after the surgery in front of our teeny tiny nurse that had only seen him in bed covered up. She literally jumped back away from him. It was hilarious. 

You are a very lucky man to have found your cancer early, best of luck to you as you move forward. 

foxhd said:

Seems I can find a laugh

almost anywhere. Sindy , you say you felt what nsb felt. So, just how is your left nut feeling these days?

NSB, it is not uncommon for pain to be felt in the left testicle. Unfortunately it is not always picked up as related to a kidney tumor. I believe it has something to do with the renal vein and how it affects the blood flow in the scrotum. Hence a vericosity or vericocele that causes pain. (this is off the top of my head from memory so it may not be 100%) It is an easy sign to miss. Most husbands refer to this as their wifes fault due to marital disuse atrophy. Mmondi, your doctor is wrong about this. It is a good heads up warning sign that something is going on in your kidney.

As always, the wait is the hard part.(nothing to do with marital disuse atrophy.) But as Sindy says, now there will be regular scans and you will be followed closely for a long time. That is great news. Look forward to your surgery. This is the best thing that you will ever do for yourself. Keep that in mind.

Everyone has alot of questions and doubt. Take time to read this forum and other peoples experiences. It will help you keep things in perspective. Some have had it really tough. Some pretty easy. But initially it is just as scarey for everyone. You will find strong committments for supporting each other. What goes around, comes around. We have plenty of Karma to share. It is amazing because the more it is shared, the more of it there is. Trust your caregivers and do us proud.

One more thing. You feel like your body is letting you down. I was a couple weeks from being 59. Life long jogger, exerciser. I had decided a few years earlier to get back into the best shape of my life before I died.(there was no premonition). Friday night I told my wife that I was feeling like I was in my 30's again. I felt awesome. Less than a couple hours later I was pissing blood and doubled over in pain. I was admitted to the hospital for IV pain control(oral meds wouldn't touch it.) and had my tumor removed a couple days later. No waiting for me. Thankfully. I had many ups and downs over the next couple years. Next month I will be 62. I am strong, fit and am jogging. Who'd a thunk it? Keep the faith.

Another biker on board huh? Ron is more than an average biker. He breaths racing. He'll fill you in.

Good luck DSfrey. You'll be fine. Look at the post op enthusiasm commuter mom has.

I believe I actually said "emotionally speaking", not physically speaking but, fair enough, fox.  I've been accused of having big balls on more than one occasion but, technically speaking, you're right, I cannot relate.  I guess if it's true that laughter is the best medicine then I don't suppose it matters if you're laughing with me or at me, as long as you're laughing.  

Diana, my trip was wonderful!  Thank you for asking.  More than anything, we just needed away, alone time.  So, we paid high dollars for cruise only to hang out and do much of nothing.  We took long lazy naps each day, with our balcony door wide open.  It was perfect.  Now, I'm back in Ohio, working and hubby's at home, in Oklahoma, also working.  Back to the rat race that is my life...both happy and thankful to be here!

Have a great day!

SIndy

twinthings said:

Cleveland, you say?

I'm just 2 hours south of you, in Marietta.   I work here, but actually live in Oklahoma so, I'm commuting ALOT!!  I often feel like I'm in the air more than on the ground.  I must say, Ohio is a beautiful state, dispite the ugly weather.  And I've met the nicest people! 

 

Enjoy this heat wave!

You work so close to Cleveland clinic, if you don't mind we asking, why didn't you go there for your kidney surgery?  They are number 1 in urology in this area. My son went there and when we go for tests and scans we get the results the same day.

twinthings said:

Hi Gingersnaps!  I live on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  I only come here, to Ohio, for work.  On 8 weeks, off 1 week.  So, natually I wanted to have surgery at home surrounded by hubby and family and friends.  Here in Ohio, for the most part, I just have co-workers.  That's it. 

Besides, despite my personal experience with some of my doctors, Oklahoma has it's share of cutting edge technology, surgeons and facilities.  My surgeon/urologist is THE one to see in terms of experience and skill, so I was in very capable hands.  As a matter of fact, the kidney transplant center at Integris Baptist Medical Center (where I had my surgery), in OKC, was opened under his direction, many years ago and he has served as the surgical director from the very beginning.  He also serves as the primary surgeon and surgical director for the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute.  Unfortunately, all too often, some doctors are so vested in medicine and finding cures that they forget they are dealing with people...who have feelings and fear and anxiety and questions.  So, though my doctor could certainly have better communication skills, I am pleased with the care I have received.

I gave up on ever getting same day results, from ANY of my doctors.  I have learned to appreciate it though, knowing that if something were really amiss with my results, I'd get that call much sooner.  So, I wait more patiently now. 

I have heard wonderful things about the Cleveland Clinic and if I lived in the area, I'm sure that's where I'd want to be.

You must live in the area too, huh?  How is your son doing? 

Sindy

He is doing great. Down to scans yearly. Next is in May, we are in pa. About 4 hours away.For the surgery we went the night before. It will be 2  years in Aug. T1a chromophobe. It was a shock,thought maybe just a cyst put ultrasound  questioned it. I have faith he will be ok.  I did question the dr. about the grade 3 but he assured us that chromophobe is not an agressive subtype but the will watch it closely. 

CommuterMom said:

Good Luck DSFrey!
Don't

Good Luck DSFrey!

Don't worry. Surgery was a piece of cake! I'm getting manicured and pedicured now.

let us know how you make out.

sending u good vibes! XO

I am so jealous! Are you having any pain yet?

Kerrie