Upcoming surgery

gypsy22 · August 2014

I wanted to say that I have been reading the boards for a few weeks now in order to prepare me for my mothers surgery. Well the week is now upon me. I want to Thank everyone.

Mom had been treated for NHL 4 years ago and the spot on her kidney had grown so here we go. She will be having an open partial, well if all goes well.

I know in my head I will be prepared however not in my heart.

aamdsi · August 2014

Prayers

For your Mother. And for you.

HYopefully by this time next week, your Mom will be home and well into recovering.

Laurie

icemantoo · August 2014

aamdsi said:
Prayers
For your Mother. And for you.

HYopefully by this time next week, your Mom will be home and well into recovering.

Laurie

Surgery

Gypsy,

I assume that by the fact your mother is scheduled for a partial, that the tumor is small (5 cm or under) and that her full recovery from the surgery alone is very, very high.

As you can see from the stories of others the surgery is not fun, but usually does not have complications. May the force be with your mother and you.

Icemantoo

gypsy22 · August 2014

icemantoo said:
Surgery
Gypsy,

I assume that by the fact your mother is scheduled for a partial, that the tumor is small (5 cm or under) and that her full recovery from the surgery alone is very, very high.

As you can see from the stories of others the surgery is not fun, but usually does not have complications. May the force be with your mother and you.

Icemantoo

Yes it is 3.4 cm, she had

Yes it is 3.4 cm, she had been under medical care in ohio and now lives in pa so once the CT scan showed growth he suggested seeing a urologist. I found one who is an oncologist as well.

Her age is a liability 72. Her mental outlook is strong and I feel that is a plus. I told her she could be 20 years younger but have other medical issues so it sort of is an equalizer.

Thank you

Elaine

icemantoo · August 2014

gypsy22 said:
Yes it is 3.4 cm, she had
Yes it is 3.4 cm, she had been under medical care in ohio and now lives in pa so once the CT scan showed growth he suggested seeing a urologist. I found one who is an oncologist as well.

Her age is a liability 72. Her mental outlook is strong and I feel that is a plus. I told her she could be 20 years younger but have other medical issues so it sort of is an equalizer.

Thank you

Elaine

I am almost that old

Elaine,

I am 71 and had ny Neph 12 years ago when I was a young 59. This is not going to be easy at age 72. Do not rush the recovery. Take baby steps for those first few weeks and months. Faye across the street is 82 or so and she had her Neph at a young 64.

Icemantoo

Laura76 · August 2014

I was diagnosed with a large

I was diagnosed with a large mass measuring 7 And 8 centimeters a month ago.

converted to inches that would be two and a half to 3 inches large

Ct scans show surrounding areas are healthy and clear. Thank God!!

I never realize how big that was until reading some of your measurements!

I am scheduled for surgery on August 13th. 11 more days

The doctor says that he wasn't going to do a biopsy Until it's out because the whole kidney needs to be removed. I am a little nervous about the surgery as well.

I'm the youngest person he has seen for this.

I'm glad I found this site and there are people that have gone through this like me. Prayers for you all.

Four-hour

icemantoo · August 2014

Laura76 said:
I was diagnosed with a large
I was diagnosed with a large mass measuring 7 And 8 centimeters a month ago.

converted to inches that would be two and a half to 3 inches large

Ct scans show surrounding areas are healthy and clear. Thank God!!

I never realize how big that was until reading some of your measurements!

I am scheduled for surgery on August 13th. 11 more days

The doctor says that he wasn't going to do a biopsy Until it's out because the whole kidney needs to be removed. I am a little nervous about the surgery as well.

I'm the youngest person he has seen for this.

I'm glad I found this site and there are people that have gone through this like me. Prayers for you all.

Four-hour

Nervous

Laura,

Being nervous is an understatement. This is major surgery and in your case it must be done. The surgery will not fun, but it beats the alternative. Unfortunately we have had younger persons and those with larger tumors join our club as well.

The important thing with an 8 cm tumor is that the area be continually monitered for years to come. At your age you should be back to normal activities within a month albeit at a slower pace at first.

All of us on this board have gone thru the emotions you are going thru as well as the surgery or as we affectionately call it "the Neph".

Icemantoo

Laura76 · August 2014

icemantoo said:
Nervous
Laura,

Being nervous is an understatement. This is major surgery and in your case it must be done. The surgery will not fun, but it beats the alternative. Unfortunately we have had younger persons and those with larger tumors join our club as well.

The important thing with an 8 cm tumor is that the area be continually monitered for years to come. At your age you should be back to normal activities within a month albeit at a slower pace at first.

All of us on this board have gone thru the emotions you are going thru as well as the surgery or as we affectionately call it "the Neph".

Icemantoo

Thank today is my pre opp

Thank you, today is my pre opp appointment.

I know GOD is with me and is taking care of it.

Its just weird going from healthy to all the sudden not so healthy I guess it could happen to anyone so we shouldn't take life or health for granted. one of the biggest obstacles was getting on good health insurance which God took care of, so I know his hand is upon This.

I'll try not to read too many of the post out there regarding this issue because it makes me doubt and worry and I have to put my trust in the Lord to know that he'll take care of it.

GSRon · August 2014

Laura76 said:
Thank today is my pre opp
Thank you, today is my pre opp appointment.

I know GOD is with me and is taking care of it.

Its just weird going from healthy to all the sudden not so healthy I guess it could happen to anyone so we shouldn't take life or health for granted. one of the biggest obstacles was getting on good health insurance which God took care of, so I know his hand is upon This.

I'll try not to read too many of the post out there regarding this issue because it makes me doubt and worry and I have to put my trust in the Lord to know that he'll take care of it.

Hi Laura.. welcome to our

Hi Laura.. welcome to our exclusive club. FYI, Rarely would a biopsy be done for RCC. There would have to be some unusual circumstances. They can slice and dice all they want, once it is removed. No need to have two procedures. Oh yes they won't really know exact size, etc until they get inside.. Yes your body will be invaded..

The fear is worse than the reality. Hang in there.. The healing can take a while.. do not rush it..

Ron

Laura76 · August 2014

kidney is out

Had my surgery four days ago

Is it common for the doctor to only give you two days worth of pain meds?

Hopefully I won't need them tomorrow.as I've been trying to do without as long as I can

Just thought it strange only two days worth...

The doctor said he was pleased at how well the surgery went and I have a ton of questions to ask as I was pretty out of it when he would pop in.

He removed a large limp node by the main artery, not sure which artery so that along with the kidney will be tested. GOD please don't let it be cancer!!

Oh I haven't had a bowel movement at all since the surgery. Wednesday

But I managed too finally pass gas yesterday.

Is that normal??

Jojo61 · August 2014

Laura76 said:
kidney is out
Had my surgery four days ago

Is it common for the doctor to only give you two days worth of pain meds?

Hopefully I won't need them tomorrow.as I've been trying to do without as long as I can

Just thought it strange only two days worth...

The doctor said he was pleased at how well the surgery went and I have a ton of questions to ask as I was pretty out of it when he would pop in.

He removed a large limp node by the main artery, not sure which artery so that along with the kidney will be tested. GOD please don't let it be cancer!!

Oh I haven't had a bowel movement at all since the surgery. Wednesday

But I managed too finally pass gas yesterday.

Is that normal??

Hi,
I am kind of late coming

Hi,

I am kind of late coming on here, but I have been away a lot.

Wishing you all the best with your mom's surgery!!

And Laura, glad you came through the surgery so easily! I took meds, but they really didn't do much for me. However if you can, use an ice pack. That is probably one of the best things.

Take care of yourself!

Hugs,

Jojo

JoanneNH · August 2014

Laura76 said:
kidney is out
Had my surgery four days ago

Is it common for the doctor to only give you two days worth of pain meds?

Hopefully I won't need them tomorrow.as I've been trying to do without as long as I can

Just thought it strange only two days worth...

The doctor said he was pleased at how well the surgery went and I have a ton of questions to ask as I was pretty out of it when he would pop in.

He removed a large limp node by the main artery, not sure which artery so that along with the kidney will be tested. GOD please don't let it be cancer!!

Oh I haven't had a bowel movement at all since the surgery. Wednesday

But I managed too finally pass gas yesterday.

Is that normal??

Laura: I think only 2 days'

Laura: I think only 2 days' worth of pain medication is very conservative by your doctor. In my opinion, he should have given you more. I was given 7 days' worth of dilaudid, though I cut it down day by day and ended up with 2 days' worth left. Fighting pain is no way to heal.

When I got home, I took a little bit of Metamucil several times a day. As I recall, it took about 5 days for success.

APny · August 2014

JoanneNH said:
Laura: I think only 2 days'
Laura: I think only 2 days' worth of pain medication is very conservative by your doctor. In my opinion, he should have given you more. I was given 7 days' worth of dilaudid, though I cut it down day by day and ended up with 2 days' worth left. Fighting pain is no way to heal.

When I got home, I took a little bit of Metamucil several times a day. As I recall, it took about 5 days for success.

Laura

I agree; two days is ridiculously short. I was taking one every four hours for a week, then tapered off to one every 6 hours for one more week. This controlled my pain and I was comfortable enough to do lots of walking which is important. Everyone is different of course and if you don't need them and can manage with Tylenol, that's great. But if you're in pain you need to get it under control. Best of luck to you!

Gypsy, hope for the best for your mom's surgery!

Laura76 · August 2014

APny said:
Laura
I agree; two days is ridiculously short. I was taking one every four hours for a week, then tapered off to one every 6 hours for one more week. This controlled my pain and I was comfortable enough to do lots of walking which is important. Everyone is different of course and if you don't need them and can manage with Tylenol, that's great. But if you're in pain you need to get it under control. Best of luck to you!

Gypsy, hope for the best for your mom's surgery!

Last night was the worst

Last night was the worst night since the operation

Woke up with anxiety attacks, uncomfortable in every position.feeling a little depression today,

I'm suppose to call the office today to make a follow up appointment, I'll ask him why only two days worth of pain meds

I do think pain control helps in the healing process, since I've been in pain I hadn't wanted to get up and move around much at all, eat or do any thing.

JoanneNH · August 2014

Laura76 said:
Last night was the worst
Last night was the worst night since the operation

Woke up with anxiety attacks, uncomfortable in every position.feeling a little depression today,

I'm suppose to call the office today to make a follow up appointment, I'll ask him why only two days worth of pain meds

I do think pain control helps in the healing process, since I've been in pain I hadn't wanted to get up and move around much at all, eat or do any thing.

Laura: Can you start a new

Laura: Can you start a new thread? Not being critical in any way---it's just so we can keep track of your progress and help out. Just put in what you typed here.

Please do ask your doctor for more pain medications. I can't understand why in the world he would give you just two days' worth. Getting rid of the pain will help you sleep and move better.

Are you going through this alone?

todd121 · August 2014

Laura76 said:
kidney is out
Had my surgery four days ago

Is it common for the doctor to only give you two days worth of pain meds?

Hopefully I won't need them tomorrow.as I've been trying to do without as long as I can

Just thought it strange only two days worth...

The doctor said he was pleased at how well the surgery went and I have a ton of questions to ask as I was pretty out of it when he would pop in.

He removed a large limp node by the main artery, not sure which artery so that along with the kidney will be tested. GOD please don't let it be cancer!!

Oh I haven't had a bowel movement at all since the surgery. Wednesday

But I managed too finally pass gas yesterday.

Is that normal??

Post Surgery

Pain meds: I don't like them. I was given tramadol because narcotics make me nauseous. I only took them for the first couple of days as prescribed, because I was told to take them that way at first. I switched to just nights after 3-4 days, then stopped by the 4th or 5th day, but I've always never seemed to need pain meds much because I'm sensitive to the side effects and prefer pain to sleepiness/dizziness or nausea. It was difficult to sleep without them the first few days, because turning/moving in bed is what hurt. If they don't want to give you the really strong stuff (what did they give you?) you can ask for Tramadol. I think it's not a narcotic. It's easy on the kidneys.

My surgery was Monday. I didn't have any bowel movement until Saturday. I was getting worried because I was eating but no BM. The nurse told me not to worry unless I hadn't had one by a week and/or I was getting nauseous with food (what doesn't go down, has to come up). I took Senna Plus and drank lots of water, and was drinking prune juice also. Was told to stay away from harsh laxatives like milk of magnesia, because it could cause things to go the other way.

Didn't you get a refill on the pain meds? I can't imagine getting only 2 days worth, unless they are heavy duty narcotics.

Watch your temperature. A low grade fever is normal, but if it goes over 101, call your doctor.

Drink lots of water. Do the breathing exercises. Walk as much as you can. I just walked around my room while I watched TV.

Best wishes,

Todd

gypsy22 · August 2014

todd121 said:
Post Surgery
Pain meds: I don't like them. I was given tramadol because narcotics make me nauseous. I only took them for the first couple of days as prescribed, because I was told to take them that way at first. I switched to just nights after 3-4 days, then stopped by the 4th or 5th day, but I've always never seemed to need pain meds much because I'm sensitive to the side effects and prefer pain to sleepiness/dizziness or nausea. It was difficult to sleep without them the first few days, because turning/moving in bed is what hurt. If they don't want to give you the really strong stuff (what did they give you?) you can ask for Tramadol. I think it's not a narcotic. It's easy on the kidneys.

My surgery was Monday. I didn't have any bowel movement until Saturday. I was getting worried because I was eating but no BM. The nurse told me not to worry unless I hadn't had one by a week and/or I was getting nauseous with food (what doesn't go down, has to come up). I took Senna Plus and drank lots of water, and was drinking prune juice also. Was told to stay away from harsh laxatives like milk of magnesia, because it could cause things to go the other way.

Didn't you get a refill on the pain meds? I can't imagine getting only 2 days worth, unless they are heavy duty narcotics.

Watch your temperature. A low grade fever is normal, but if it goes over 101, call your doctor.

Drink lots of water. Do the breathing exercises. Walk as much as you can. I just walked around my room while I watched TV.

Best wishes,

Todd

Thanks for the kind words for

Thanks for the kind words for my mom.

Each day has been a different challenge. She is up and around which is good. She definately needed about a week and a half of pain meds. After the pathology she will get another scan in 1 year. We asked for a recomendation for another oncologist to monitor her Lymphoma and was given a referral.

She di have a reaction to the tape over the incision so she is a bit sore from that as well

Laura76 · August 2014

JoanneNH said:
Laura: Can you start a new
Laura: Can you start a new thread? Not being critical in any way---it's just so we can keep track of your progress and help out. Just put in what you typed here.

Please do ask your doctor for more pain medications. I can't understand why in the world he would give you just two days' worth. Getting rid of the pain will help you sleep and move better.

Are you going through this alone?

Sorry, New at this

Sorry, New at this

Didn't know how this all worked when I first post.

P.s Glad to hear your mom is doing well gypsy22....

Upcoming surgery

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