Back home from a partial nephrectomy

fightr,

You descibe well the feelings of many of us here including myself. Not only did we not expect to be Cancer survivors, who ever even heard of kidney cancer. We are not as well known as our mainstream cancers effecting our brothers and sisters. Now that we donated that little tumor lets enjoy the gift of life.

Icemantoo

Allochka said:

Yoy are really a very lucky

Yoy are really a very lucky guy! You are healthy now, and if cancer was diagnosed early, chances of recurrance are very small. As for direction in life - you have a little daughter, this definitely brings a meaning in life. You should be there for her for many years to come. So celebrate being cancer free, stay diligent with check-ups but enjoy life and don't live in fear.

Iceman is very right. It's not a common cancer so it was the last thing I expected out of my urologist's mouth. In fact, my immediate words were "Who the %$#@ gets kidney cancer?" Well, it turns out we all did. Yes, it changes you in some good ways and some bad. The good is the appreciation of life and the gratefulness of still being part of it. The bad is the fear that it'll return and at least for me, interpreting every little ache and pain as mets. Wishing you the best and hopefully all your followups will be clear.

fightr said:

Hello Footstomper, thank you

Hello Footstomper, thank you for writing. The tumer was 2.4 cm, half inside and half outside the kidney. 

Glad to hear you are on your road to recovery. Sorry you had this scare and life changing event. But did you ever think of how it affects you now in a more positive way? gulp, what? LOL

Perhaps, post RCC surgery, we all examine more closely our lifestyle, gain more appreciation of what matters and what we can let go of.. things like that.

Our priorities may be changing in a good way.

Again, the "c" word=continues to teach. and reinforce us with such appreciation for LIFE and LIVING!!

Now go hug that precious child, your wife and other loved ones. AND be good to yourself!

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Let us know how you are doing ok?

Warmly, Jan

fightr said:

Thank you for your reply,

Thank you for your reply, Icemantoo, Allochka, and Apny. I actually decided to leave a horrible job environment to make life better. It's time for some changes.

Since I got the news I've been so paranoid about everything around me trying to figure out if anything caused it or if anything is feeding it, like sugar. The first thing I did after they took it out was eat the 2 cookies on the tray at the hospital. That was a nice feeling to know it won't go into my body and feed the cancer.

 

I'm also worried about recurrrence, but am putting a spreadsheet together to lay out all the dates for future scans, and try to forget about it all in between. We have to embrace life, appreciate what we have, and don't let this thing interfere with us mentally. I'm still in shock, but working on it. 

Your thought process sounds like mine.  After my diagnosis and surgery last summer, I took stock of everything in my life.  I celebrate 25 wonderful years of marriage in 2 weeks.  I have two fantastic sons, 14 and 11 years old.  I own my own business, and I was working like a maniac prior to surgery.  I have pushed back on work, but I am still working harder than I want to or need to.   Some changes at a couple of major clients may change that for me.  Years ago, I would have been freaked out at the loss of business.  Now--I don't give a flying you know what.  I'm putting the most time possible into living life--with the family, coaching my sons' teams, fishing, and doing nothing as much as possible.  Cleaned up my diet and cutting my weight to a reasonable level.  Life is good and getting better.

Been a year and a half now after my partial and I have just been able to say, "I am a survior". 

It does change you, there is no doubt about that.  But as the scar fades over time...so does the "fear" - but slower.  It will always be there, but not so prominent.

You have that beautiful little daughter to live for. Now that the surgery is over... you will be there for her!

Your words bring me hope. I am scheduled for my partial nephrectomy on Monday June 8. i have so many fears that I didnt get it in time. (Actually I may not have since no one told me I had this 8 years ago during an emergency gallbladder removal).

I can not wait to get it out.  Thank you for sharing. I have 3 grandsons and one on the way. The waiting is so difficult. 

Lots and lots of love to you and your sweet family. Enjoy!! 

HH431 said:

Good news.
My partial Neph is

Good news.

My partial Neph is scheduled for June 14th.  4.2 CM mass.

Isn't it amazing how you examine your life after getting RCC. I feel you and I are very similar in that regard. We no longer take anything for granted. I look at my family in a whole new light. Small things my 3 yr old son does that at one time annoyed me, I now fully embrace. I learned to step and really focus on my son and my baby girl. Taking in every moment. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

fightr said:

Thank you so much for hearing

Thank you so much for hearing my story and for your kind words. You're right about it taking this moment to refocus and reprioritize what's important, such as our children. The hardest part of this recovery is not being able to pick up my daughter and run around with her up on my shoulders. She loves that so much. I'll give that up for a few weeks in order to be with her for many more years. I'll make it up to her as soon as possible. 

My daughter was only 2mths at the time of my total nep and I made the mistake of picking her up wayyyyy too early. Paying the price for that daily. I couldn't help myself. I had my surgery on my right side and carried on my right. Yikes! Your daughter will be thrilled to have her Daddy back to full swing in a couple of weeks. Continued healing for you my friend. Good luck!