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Adrenalectomy
I saw the surgeon on Friday. He heads the urologic oncologic fellowship program at City of Hope and teaches these robotic laparoscopic surgeries there.
He showed me the adrenal gland on the CT this week. It's obviously got something growing in it. It looked like it's getting pregnant. It's a small, triangular shaped thing and it was getting bulgy on all 3 sides. It's so small (less than 1.5 cm) that they think biopsy wouldn't tell them much if it's a negative biopsy. It seems it needs to come out no matter what's causing it to behave this way. And since I have another one, I should be ok without it. (I've heard that before on the kidney. It turned out to be true, sort of.). In any case, I know the best way they still have to treat this disease is to cut the damn things out...Oh. Sorry. I mean resect them. Sounds so much better.
I pushed for soon. They were very cooperative and scheduled me for February 3. So my pre-op will be this Wednesday and the surgery the following Tuesday. He will try to do it laparoscopically, but he said it might be challenging because of all the scar tissue. I've had 3 prior surgeries on my right abdomen (appendectomy, hernia repair, nephrectomy). I asked if I'm going to get 5 more holes. Unfortunately, yes, he said. So after this I'll have 12 scars on the right side of my abdomen. My friend said he's going to start calling me Sebastien.
Nothing like a little tumor and a surgery to put the cancer right back in my mind day and night. Actually, I'm not as stressed as last time I think. I guess I've been kind of thinking this might happen so I'm not as caught off guard. Still, I started making a mental list of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" this week. (I hate the term bucket list. The way people throw it around just pisses me off for some reason.) My list was a little weird. First item was cleaning out my car. Second item was taking all the recycle bottles in the garage to the recycle place. Third item was destroying all my journals...Is it normal to have such a boring list?
The support of my friends and family feels different this time around. I think they start to realize this is a serious thing. I've been really grateful. My uncle who just had his shoulder replaced a few months ago, offered to come care for me. So did my aunt, who is ill herself. They both live in other states. I've had several friends offer to do things. I have my cancer buddy, a local friend that also had RCC checking in on me and it really helps. I know he understands.
So glad to have this board and those people. I'm a little more comfortable with living in the unknown than I was 2 years ago. For example, I'm aware until they take it out and look at it under the microscope, we don't really even know what it is. So I wait. I know what the surgery will be like. I've had a few. Not fun, but I can do it. I've had practice.
Wishing you all well and I hope each and every one of you gets free of this.
Best to you all.
Todd
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Surgery is bookedtodd121 said:Adrenalectomy
I saw the surgeon on Friday. He heads the urologic oncologic fellowship program at City of Hope and teaches these robotic laparoscopic surgeries there.
He showed me the adrenal gland on the CT this week. It's obviously got something growing in it. It looked like it's getting pregnant. It's a small, triangular shaped thing and it was getting bulgy on all 3 sides. It's so small (less than 1.5 cm) that they think biopsy wouldn't tell them much if it's a negative biopsy. It seems it needs to come out no matter what's causing it to behave this way. And since I have another one, I should be ok without it. (I've heard that before on the kidney. It turned out to be true, sort of.). In any case, I know the best way they still have to treat this disease is to cut the damn things out...Oh. Sorry. I mean resect them. Sounds so much better.
I pushed for soon. They were very cooperative and scheduled me for February 3. So my pre-op will be this Wednesday and the surgery the following Tuesday. He will try to do it laparoscopically, but he said it might be challenging because of all the scar tissue. I've had 3 prior surgeries on my right abdomen (appendectomy, hernia repair, nephrectomy). I asked if I'm going to get 5 more holes. Unfortunately, yes, he said. So after this I'll have 12 scars on the right side of my abdomen. My friend said he's going to start calling me Sebastien.
Nothing like a little tumor and a surgery to put the cancer right back in my mind day and night. Actually, I'm not as stressed as last time I think. I guess I've been kind of thinking this might happen so I'm not as caught off guard. Still, I started making a mental list of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" this week. (I hate the term bucket list. The way people throw it around just pisses me off for some reason.) My list was a little weird. First item was cleaning out my car. Second item was taking all the recycle bottles in the garage to the recycle place. Third item was destroying all my journals...Is it normal to have such a boring list?
The support of my friends and family feels different this time around. I think they start to realize this is a serious thing. I've been really grateful. My uncle who just had his shoulder replaced a few months ago, offered to come care for me. So did my aunt, who is ill herself. They both live in other states. I've had several friends offer to do things. I have my cancer buddy, a local friend that also had RCC checking in on me and it really helps. I know he understands.
So glad to have this board and those people. I'm a little more comfortable with living in the unknown than I was 2 years ago. For example, I'm aware until they take it out and look at it under the microscope, we don't really even know what it is. So I wait. I know what the surgery will be like. I've had a few. Not fun, but I can do it. I've had practice.
Wishing you all well and I hope each and every one of you gets free of this.
Best to you all.
Todd
Hi Todd,
It is great news that your surgery is booked. And so glad that so many people have rallied round to offer to help you out. That support will get you through this with ease.
The one good thing about your first cancer surgery,is that it has climatized you a bit for this time around. Worry is horrible - I am guilty of the same thing - and I am sure we all are here in this club of ours.
Your list of things to do....well that just shows me that you have lots of time to add some exciting items AFTER your surgery. Right now, just focus on your well being and prep yourself for the surgery.
We are all thinking about you, and there with you in spirit. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Keep us posted!
Hugs
Jojo
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Little lumpstodd121 said:Adrenalectomy
I saw the surgeon on Friday. He heads the urologic oncologic fellowship program at City of Hope and teaches these robotic laparoscopic surgeries there.
He showed me the adrenal gland on the CT this week. It's obviously got something growing in it. It looked like it's getting pregnant. It's a small, triangular shaped thing and it was getting bulgy on all 3 sides. It's so small (less than 1.5 cm) that they think biopsy wouldn't tell them much if it's a negative biopsy. It seems it needs to come out no matter what's causing it to behave this way. And since I have another one, I should be ok without it. (I've heard that before on the kidney. It turned out to be true, sort of.). In any case, I know the best way they still have to treat this disease is to cut the damn things out...Oh. Sorry. I mean resect them. Sounds so much better.
I pushed for soon. They were very cooperative and scheduled me for February 3. So my pre-op will be this Wednesday and the surgery the following Tuesday. He will try to do it laparoscopically, but he said it might be challenging because of all the scar tissue. I've had 3 prior surgeries on my right abdomen (appendectomy, hernia repair, nephrectomy). I asked if I'm going to get 5 more holes. Unfortunately, yes, he said. So after this I'll have 12 scars on the right side of my abdomen. My friend said he's going to start calling me Sebastien.
Nothing like a little tumor and a surgery to put the cancer right back in my mind day and night. Actually, I'm not as stressed as last time I think. I guess I've been kind of thinking this might happen so I'm not as caught off guard. Still, I started making a mental list of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" this week. (I hate the term bucket list. The way people throw it around just pisses me off for some reason.) My list was a little weird. First item was cleaning out my car. Second item was taking all the recycle bottles in the garage to the recycle place. Third item was destroying all my journals...Is it normal to have such a boring list?
The support of my friends and family feels different this time around. I think they start to realize this is a serious thing. I've been really grateful. My uncle who just had his shoulder replaced a few months ago, offered to come care for me. So did my aunt, who is ill herself. They both live in other states. I've had several friends offer to do things. I have my cancer buddy, a local friend that also had RCC checking in on me and it really helps. I know he understands.
So glad to have this board and those people. I'm a little more comfortable with living in the unknown than I was 2 years ago. For example, I'm aware until they take it out and look at it under the microscope, we don't really even know what it is. So I wait. I know what the surgery will be like. I've had a few. Not fun, but I can do it. I've had practice.
Wishing you all well and I hope each and every one of you gets free of this.
Best to you all.
Todd
Best got rid of. And it still leaves you with the one gland. Good luck going under the knife. We'll all be thinking of you.
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Todd, praying for a quicktodd121 said:Update - Surgery on Monday
They've moved me to Monday. I might even be first, which I would love that. The earlier the better. I'm ready.
Todd
Todd, praying for a quick recovery. Maybe it is best to have it removed anyway. I know many people with one adrenal and they do just fine! Hopefully this is the end of it for you! Don't worry too much, just get it ou and over with. I hope you are first on Monday as well. Sending hugs, prayers and good vibes!
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Praying for youtodd121 said:Adrenalectomy
I saw the surgeon on Friday. He heads the urologic oncologic fellowship program at City of Hope and teaches these robotic laparoscopic surgeries there.
He showed me the adrenal gland on the CT this week. It's obviously got something growing in it. It looked like it's getting pregnant. It's a small, triangular shaped thing and it was getting bulgy on all 3 sides. It's so small (less than 1.5 cm) that they think biopsy wouldn't tell them much if it's a negative biopsy. It seems it needs to come out no matter what's causing it to behave this way. And since I have another one, I should be ok without it. (I've heard that before on the kidney. It turned out to be true, sort of.). In any case, I know the best way they still have to treat this disease is to cut the damn things out...Oh. Sorry. I mean resect them. Sounds so much better.
I pushed for soon. They were very cooperative and scheduled me for February 3. So my pre-op will be this Wednesday and the surgery the following Tuesday. He will try to do it laparoscopically, but he said it might be challenging because of all the scar tissue. I've had 3 prior surgeries on my right abdomen (appendectomy, hernia repair, nephrectomy). I asked if I'm going to get 5 more holes. Unfortunately, yes, he said. So after this I'll have 12 scars on the right side of my abdomen. My friend said he's going to start calling me Sebastien.
Nothing like a little tumor and a surgery to put the cancer right back in my mind day and night. Actually, I'm not as stressed as last time I think. I guess I've been kind of thinking this might happen so I'm not as caught off guard. Still, I started making a mental list of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" this week. (I hate the term bucket list. The way people throw it around just pisses me off for some reason.) My list was a little weird. First item was cleaning out my car. Second item was taking all the recycle bottles in the garage to the recycle place. Third item was destroying all my journals...Is it normal to have such a boring list?
The support of my friends and family feels different this time around. I think they start to realize this is a serious thing. I've been really grateful. My uncle who just had his shoulder replaced a few months ago, offered to come care for me. So did my aunt, who is ill herself. They both live in other states. I've had several friends offer to do things. I have my cancer buddy, a local friend that also had RCC checking in on me and it really helps. I know he understands.
So glad to have this board and those people. I'm a little more comfortable with living in the unknown than I was 2 years ago. For example, I'm aware until they take it out and look at it under the microscope, we don't really even know what it is. So I wait. I know what the surgery will be like. I've had a few. Not fun, but I can do it. I've had practice.
Wishing you all well and I hope each and every one of you gets free of this.
Best to you all.
Todd
Just to let you know I will be praying for you as u undergo another surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Hi Sarah, Hope you don't mindSrashedb said:Adrenal gland
Todd:
obviously, this is not good news but if the adrenal gland was attached to the kidney that was removed, it is still local.
my husband had the adrenal gland removed when he had nephrectomy and has had no ill-effects from that.
i am sorry that you will have surgery; that doesn't sound good.
Sarah
Hi Sarah, Hope you don't mind me asking. If the adrenal gland is attached to the kidney that was removed and cancer was in both the adrenal gland and the kidney, it's still local? I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out what stage my husband's tumor was. It was a big tumor (14cm) so we know it's stage 2 at best. We don't go back to the Dr Russo for the post surgery visit until 2/3/15.
Thank you, Theresa
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Hi Todd, I will be going totodd121 said:Adrenalectomy
I saw the surgeon on Friday. He heads the urologic oncologic fellowship program at City of Hope and teaches these robotic laparoscopic surgeries there.
He showed me the adrenal gland on the CT this week. It's obviously got something growing in it. It looked like it's getting pregnant. It's a small, triangular shaped thing and it was getting bulgy on all 3 sides. It's so small (less than 1.5 cm) that they think biopsy wouldn't tell them much if it's a negative biopsy. It seems it needs to come out no matter what's causing it to behave this way. And since I have another one, I should be ok without it. (I've heard that before on the kidney. It turned out to be true, sort of.). In any case, I know the best way they still have to treat this disease is to cut the damn things out...Oh. Sorry. I mean resect them. Sounds so much better.
I pushed for soon. They were very cooperative and scheduled me for February 3. So my pre-op will be this Wednesday and the surgery the following Tuesday. He will try to do it laparoscopically, but he said it might be challenging because of all the scar tissue. I've had 3 prior surgeries on my right abdomen (appendectomy, hernia repair, nephrectomy). I asked if I'm going to get 5 more holes. Unfortunately, yes, he said. So after this I'll have 12 scars on the right side of my abdomen. My friend said he's going to start calling me Sebastien.
Nothing like a little tumor and a surgery to put the cancer right back in my mind day and night. Actually, I'm not as stressed as last time I think. I guess I've been kind of thinking this might happen so I'm not as caught off guard. Still, I started making a mental list of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" this week. (I hate the term bucket list. The way people throw it around just pisses me off for some reason.) My list was a little weird. First item was cleaning out my car. Second item was taking all the recycle bottles in the garage to the recycle place. Third item was destroying all my journals...Is it normal to have such a boring list?
The support of my friends and family feels different this time around. I think they start to realize this is a serious thing. I've been really grateful. My uncle who just had his shoulder replaced a few months ago, offered to come care for me. So did my aunt, who is ill herself. They both live in other states. I've had several friends offer to do things. I have my cancer buddy, a local friend that also had RCC checking in on me and it really helps. I know he understands.
So glad to have this board and those people. I'm a little more comfortable with living in the unknown than I was 2 years ago. For example, I'm aware until they take it out and look at it under the microscope, we don't really even know what it is. So I wait. I know what the surgery will be like. I've had a few. Not fun, but I can do it. I've had practice.
Wishing you all well and I hope each and every one of you gets free of this.
Best to you all.
Todd
Hi Todd, I will be going to MSKCC on 2/3/15 for my husband's first post op visit. I will be saying a prayer for you.
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Thanks JoeJoe C said:Glad to hear you're getting
Glad to hear you're getting in on Monday Todd. Do what you can to rest your mind between now and then. You have a wonderful chance to be free of the disease and I pray you will see that result.
Joe
How are you doing? What treatment are you doing now?
Todd
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Thanksangec said:Todd, praying for a quick
Todd, praying for a quick recovery. Maybe it is best to have it removed anyway. I know many people with one adrenal and they do just fine! Hopefully this is the end of it for you! Don't worry too much, just get it ou and over with. I hope you are first on Monday as well. Sending hugs, prayers and good vibes!
Really appreciate the words of support.
Todd
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Adrenal glandTerri065 said:Hi Sarah, Hope you don't mind
Hi Sarah, Hope you don't mind me asking. If the adrenal gland is attached to the kidney that was removed and cancer was in both the adrenal gland and the kidney, it's still local? I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out what stage my husband's tumor was. It was a big tumor (14cm) so we know it's stage 2 at best. We don't go back to the Dr Russo for the post surgery visit until 2/3/15.
Thank you, Theresa
Teresa:
my husband had the adrenal removed with the nephrectomy and did not have cancer. The gland was not (no anatomical knowledge) but it was not attached to the kidney. The tumor was in the upper left pole of the right kidney.
Sarah
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Just relax in the light andfoxhd said:Todd
Go get'em.
Just relax in the light and love (and drugs) during the surgery.. so when you awake, you have all this extra energy to help in your healing..why? Because so many of us care THAT MUCH!!
Keep us posted. You are in my thoughts and prayers..
Gentle Hug, Jan
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Good luck !!!!Jan4you said:Just relax in the light and
Just relax in the light and love (and drugs) during the surgery.. so when you awake, you have all this extra energy to help in your healing..why? Because so many of us care THAT MUCH!!
Keep us posted. You are in my thoughts and prayers..
Gentle Hug, Jan
Good luck !!!!
0
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