Surgery 8-25-14

strawberri · August 2014

I'm scheduled for surgery Monday to remove my left kidney. I have two lesions and one "mass" that us growing into the kidney tissue. I'm still shell shocked I suppose. Didn't know anything was wrong - was in ICU in February for ischemic cholitis. The CT scans on my bowels showed a "mass" on my kidney so they ordered an ultra sound. The radiologist called it a simple cyst. Followed up with a urologist in March - he agreed with the radiologist but had only read the report I found out later - he didn't look at the scans or ultra sound. I told him my aunt had lost a kidney five years ago due to cancer, he didn't seem concerned due to no blood found in the urine at the time.

I continued to feel soooo tired, I'm full time caretaker for my hubby who is suffering from the effects of Agent Orange and lost a leg to diabetes in 2012. He also has chronic heart disease - and I was trying to work full time. I had to cut back on my hours in May due to the increased fatigue and back pain and made an appt with the doc who had done my colonoscopy in 2012 thinking perhaps my bowels were not healing properly. The CT scan he ordered showed the lesions and mass and stated "Renal carcinoma cannot be ruled out".

An MRI and other tests were ordered by the Renal Group I was referred to. And here I am - scheduled for a kidney removal and so very worried not only for me, but for my hubby.

For those of you who pray, we would appreciate your prayers. Thanks for your posts - I feel I'm better prepared now.

icemantoo · August 2014

Worrried

straw,

All of us on thi board have had a full or partial nepherectomy. Mine was 12 tears ago. I know of several people who are approaching 20 years.

The surgery is not fun, but is fairly routine and most of the time goes very smoothly. You are going to be out of cmmission fora while so find some help for hubby and you.

I am a little reluctant to weigh in on your prognosis as you did not give the size of your suspected tumor or any other details about it.

Just think in a week you will be on a whole new journey and be welcomed by all of us who have already paved the way for you.

Icemantoo

strawberri · August 2014

icemantoo said:
Worrried
straw,

All of us on thi board have had a full or partial nepherectomy. Mine was 12 tears ago. I know of several people who are approaching 20 years.

The surgery is not fun, but is fairly routine and most of the time goes very smoothly. You are going to be out of cmmission fora while so find some help for hubby and you.

I am a little reluctant to weigh in on your prognosis as you did not give the size of your suspected tumor or any other details about it.

Just think in a week you will be on a whole new journey and be welcomed by all of us who have already paved the way for you.

Icemantoo

One on top growing into the

One on top growing into the kidney tissue is 7.3, middle one is 6.5, bottom is 4.3.

Thanks for the advice and kind words.

icemantoo · August 2014

strawberri said:
One on top growing into the
One on top growing into the kidney tissue is 7.3, middle one is 6.5, bottom is 4.3.

Thanks for the advice and kind words.

Size

atraw,

A 7.3 cm tumor is not small nor is it huge. At 4 or 5 cm the chance of a recurrance or mets is close to nil. At 7 cm there is a little concern and continued follow up after the surgery is necessary. The pathology at the time of your surgery is important. Because it is over 7 cm it is considered Stage 2 Kidney Cancer (just a little bit beyond Stage 1).

Take your time recovering after the surgery and get a little rest from your hectic schedule. You should be fine.

Icemantoo

JoanneNH · August 2014

PLEASE consider joining the

PLEASE consider joining the smart patients forum also. Another wonderful group of people who know what you are going through. Smartpatients.com and search for kidney cancer. Just post what you posted here. It's a great resource.

PinkNgreen · August 2014

Prayer

Lifting you and your hubby up in prayer Stawberri.

Phredswife · August 2014

Praying

Not surprised you are tired with everything you are going through! I will be praying for you

Hugs Melissa xox

Laura76 · August 2014

A little over a month ago I

A little over a month ago I also was diagnosed with a large mass on right kidney

Things happened so fast, I'm now one week post operation for a radical nephrectomy right side.

Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Drinking the magnesium drink was probably the worst part for me.

Advice,,, start early. I waited a little late and was still flushing minutes before surgery.

never did turn clear. I think by not totally cleansing out might contributed to week of not having a bowel movement. Any way, if you have questions or concerns feel free to share. This site has helped me and I love it. ... the people are so real and reading peoples experiences, etc had helped me and is STILL helping me.

Prayers.... keep your mind positive, yes it's hard I know!!

I still need help..Lol

You'll get through this!!

Laura76 · August 2014