New to CSN, recovering from partial nephrectomy

icemantoo said:

Andrew,

My neph was almost 13 years ago before they were doing partials. I am not sure there is that much difference between  the two as far as recovery. We here so much on this board where people have difficult recoveries even from Stage 1 tumors. It is refreshing to hear cases like yours where things go as planned. As far as your incision being lumpy, that goes with the territory. It usually takes a year to reach its new normal.

 

 

Icemantoo

Thank you Icemantoo.  Yes, I am lucky that they now do partials.  I feel that I am still ahead of the game with 1 3/4 kidneys left.  

a

APny said:

Hi Andrew

My experience was almost identical to yours. Partial, open, 3.5 cm, and mercifully contained to kidney (or so let's hope). My incision is a bit smaller at around 4 - 5 inches max. Recovery not very hard and only on oxys for a short time. However, do NOT use Ibuprofen as that's processed by your kidney. Use Tylenol which is processed by the liver. I also had what I call a "sausge" around the incision site and it was quite pronounced at first. Now a year later it's almost back to normal. So your "misshape" may go away also. Glad you found us and hope you continue to good health.

Thank you Apny.

I did not realize that regarding Ibuprofen.  I will definitely back off that.  I'm mostly off pain meds anyway, but will try Tylenol or low dose of oxy if necessary.

Thank you.

Andrew

donna_lee said:

I've had staples, invisible sutures, and steri-strips

All for open incisions.  I don't know that any one healed better than the other.  Some people tend to form keloid tissue (estra scarring).  incisions  did tend to stay pink and raised for at least a year.  Now they are all just a faint line.

Bio Oil helps keep the skin soft(er). Talcum powder works to dry your skin if there are no open wounds. Wear clothing that is wicking to keep moisture off the skin; and/or non irritating fabric.  Warm showers followed by a cool off shower help-as the hot water causes a histamine reaction in the skin  Itching may occur, as it still does with me 9 years later.  But I'd rather have the itch than the cancer.

Happy recovery.

Donna

They used glue for my incision.  (It looked more like tape to me, but... .)

The Dr. used the term rope to describe the material they sewed my kidney up with.  (Sounds as bad as glue to me!)

I will try some of the products you mention.

Thank you.

Andrew

Jan4you said:

Hello and welcome here

Hello and welcome here Andrew!

Sorry about your RCC and all, but you are now on your way to recovery!

I would ask about whether you can take Ibruprofin or not. Those of us who has radical or the whole kidney removed can not for the rest of our lives. It is too difficult for only one kideny to metabolize.

So since you still have two kidneys, why not ask? Sometimes NSAID or ibruprofin type meds are not recommended for healing purposes, but you can take it later. Again, check with your surgeon.

I also used a lumbar/velcro wrap and put dry ice paks inside where the incision was to help with swelling and healing. Didn't need the stronger meds after first few days. Everyone is different.

Continue your healing in good recovery, I hope!

Let us know how you are doing okay?

My tumor was a little over 4cm too.

I and my remaining kidney are doing just fine!

 

Warmly, Jan

Thank you Jan.

I am backing off the ibuprofen for now (until Dr. advises otherwise).  At this point, the pain is minimal anyway.

Things seem to be going great so far.

Thank you!

Andrew

aamdsi said:

Glad allseems to be going well

Had the same, open partial, little over a year ago.  Incision was funky for awhile (I was worried about it too). It "gets better" as time goes on.  Massage it as others have suggested.  Mine now is just a thin red line, 8" long.  Still numb all around it though.

Thin line like mine... yes go with the pirate broadsword explaination above.

a