I'm new to this and have some ?

Lots of questions and worries running thru that brain right now.  Your tumor is small, so I'm inferring that the diagnosis probably indicates a partial nephrectomy.  Do your research on the surgeon.  How long has he been doing robotic, how many has he done?  and questions like that. 

Always remember, that the surgeon will ask and have you sign papers that he may need to do a more invasive surgery before he begins.

Recovery time?  It's still surgery with anesthesia.  Sore muscles in the abdomen, pain meds which cause constipation- for a while, reduced appetite-for a while, no driving-for a while.  Without any complications, you'll probably be dischared within a day or two.  Allow yourself time to heal, so no strenuous lifting, running or jumping on the kids trampoline for about 6 weeks. 

Within of week or so of surgery, most people have the, "I'm feeling wonderful" syndrome.  Then a couple of days later the fatigue catches up with you.  Just relax and go with the flow....your body is in charge, now.  And it doesn't make any difference what your brain thinks it needs to do or wants to do.

The wonderful result is they found it early and while the tumor is small.  Research, ask questions, take another set of ears with you to appointments.  Don't be afraid to ask for someone to help in the home-bring in meals, watch the kids while you rest, drive you to the appointments, pick up your groceries.  Learn to be dependent on others-it's tough.  And say, "Thank you."

Hang in there.  Hugs to you.

Donna

I looked a to a nearby university medical school hospital and found that the head of urology was a urologic oncologist with excellent training and experience in robotic laparoscopic nephrectomy. I called and made an appointment. They worked me in right away (I had a 7 cm mass in my right kidney). Within a month I was scheduled to have my kidney removed. I had to have a radical (full kidney removed) because the tumor was in the middle of my kidney near the blood supply. There was no way to do a partial.

For small tumors, many have a partial nowadays, which can save you some kidney function. It depends.

I'd look for a nearby cancer center. You said Sloan Kettering is nearby? If it's an option, I'd go there and find the head of urology or an experienced urologic oncologist and get an appointment for an opinion. Go to someone that does a lot of these. I'd stay away from general surgeons, or even regular urologists if you have a choice.

If you can go somewhere you can stay if you need followup care, all the better. Those cancer hospitals do a lot of cancer and the radiologists know what they are looking at when it comes to cancer.

Best wishes,

Todd

APny said:

I went to Sloan Kettering and

I went to Sloan Kettering and had Dr. Russo who specializes in partial nephrectomies. He's a urologic oncologist.  Mine was also stage 1 just a little bit smaller than yours (3.5 cm). He explained why he prefers open procedures to lap and convinced me 100 percent. You can Google him and listen to him talk. He's written 100s or articles and is not only a top notch surgeon but an incredible human being with the greatest bedside manner. I would definitely try to make an appointment with him. His number is 646-422-4391. I also had blood in my urine; in fact, it was more like a little urine in all that blood.

The surgery went well; I was done in 1 1/2 or so. Up walking that very night, and home 2 days later. Recovery totally uneventful. No staples, no stiches, just surgical tape. I highly recommend him. I was a nervous wreck but after talking with him I felt so much better about everything. The fear of surgery and the pain was so much worse than reality. Wishing you the best where ever you go for your procedure.

Like APny, I went to Dr. Russo at Sloan-Kettering.  How did I find him?  My first local urologist indicated I would need a radical neprhectomy (full removal of kidney).  I Googled renal masses and kidney cancer and found the guidelines of the American Urological Association.  Dr. Russo was one of the authors.  I looked him up at the MSKCC website.  Watched his videos. I could tell before meeting him that he would do my surgery.  After meeting him and discussing the benefits of an open surgery vs. a laparascopic/robotic.  Because my small tumor was in a difficult location, he reasonably assured me an open procedure would give the highest chances of success of preserving my affected kidney.  He lived up to his word, preserving 95% of my affected kidney.  A lot of folks and doctors will say a laparascopic is "better" because of a  smaller incision and quicker recovery time.  I could not imagine a faster recovery time than the one I had-like APny, I was walking the same night.  Four days after the surgery, I was waking 6 miles per day. 

Dr. Russo is experienced and passionate about his way of doing things.  Equally important, he is a caring, decent and compassionate man--he had me laughing during my visits to him.  I talked to a former patient of his, and I have sent a friend to him.  It seems everyone who is under his care has the same positive feeling. 

Don't let your local doctor sway you.  Get a second opinion and see Dr. Russo.  You will be glad you did.  I travelled quite a distance from NJ to go to Dr. Russo. The travel was worth it.  I enjoy going into NYC for my followups.  I usually take the day off and spend some time doing things in the city. 

And look at your situation this way, althought it may be hard to at this time--you are very lucky your tumor was discovered early when it can be dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem.  Keep asking questions.  It is a confusing time, and you will have a lot of information to process.  We are here for you.  The folks here are lovely.

jason.2835 said:

Surgeon

K,

Most of your questions have probably been answered by the other folks on this board, but I'll echo what I've said in the past: picking the right surgeon is probably the most important decision you will make.  Experience is EVERYTHING.  I also had a small (less than 3 cm) tumor, but my surgeon, Dr. Lallas at Jefferson in Philly, was the chair of robotic surgery there.  He'd done hundreds of prostatectomies and nephrectomies with the Da Vinci robot, so I was confident going in.  The pain threshold was very very low.  I had a lot of fatigue for a few weeks, but generally the pain was very manageable.

However, you will find that many doctors have tons of experience with open procedures.  And while the procedure does come with some more pain because of the larger incision, it is considered the "standard" and marginally safer because the surgeon can see what he/she is doing directly.  And there are a LOT more surgeons proficient in it.  Remember the robotic surgery is still relatively new.

Long story short, I think it makes sense to feel comfortable with your doctor's skills and experience FIRST, and deal with the fallout after.  If you love the doctor and he's been a surgeon 20 years, but he doesn't do lap-type surgeries then oh, well.  Go with your gut and research.

- Jay 

First of all, I am sorry for all you are going through, BUT, you came to a good place!

We'll walk you through this journey if you want us to.

I was soo well prepared first time I met my Urologist surgeon from this site answering all my questions. So I was not scared.

Folks have already given you good advice, but I just wanted to add this: see a urologist who actually treats renal cancer to make sure you are not getting uncessary tests. I think I know the bladder test you are being sent for, and again, I would trust the urologist/surgeon who knows the best methods and treatment plan.

Good thing is your tumor is small and stage1. So most likely once its removed so is your cancer. Yes, you'll be monitored for a few years, but that's just protocol.

Robatic surgery is the best if it can be done, so make sure the surgeon you choose uses this method. It is less invasive.

So again, ask away and seek out a Urologist/surgeon who can lead you to the best results.

Sending you warm hugs and reassurance my dear~

Jan