Surgery AGAIN -Number 3 :(

Bonngo
Bonngo Member Posts: 79

Things did not go so well today.  Lesion on liver is a mets, spot in abdomen watched from last MRI is now considered a tumor, and enlarged lymph node found near portal vein.  Lung CT Scan showed 2 small nodules on watch.

Bottom line another surgery with two procedures with two different doctors to remove liver lesion and tumor.  Each surgery adds another big incision. I was told liver surgery more difficult and will have to be in the hospital for a week or more.

I think they are now going to conisder drug therapy after surgery is done.  I hope so because I am so tired of being cut open.  I will be checking posts out to see what seems to be effective treatments that you all have used.

I am grateful to be able to reach out to this group.  You all are an inspiration.

~Bonnie

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Comments

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    Keep fighting

    Bonnie,

     

    Keep up the fight. I admire your determination even when things have not gone the way they are supposed to go. Its about time you got a brake.

     

    Icemantoo

     

     

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    Bonnie, I am keeping you in

    Bonnie, I am keeping you in my prayers! Hugs

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    tkmj914 said:

    Bonnie, I am keeping you in

    Bonnie, I am keeping you in my prayers! Hugs

    You are in my prayers. I'm so

    You are in my prayers. I'm so very sorry you're going through this. Wishing you all the very best!

  • I am alive
    I am alive Member Posts: 315
    Sir spheres?

    Bonnie,

    have you asked about the sirspheres procedure for your liver mets? Rather than cut you up to remove the tumor they inject a radiation bubble (not the right word) that moves toward and settles into your tumor & hopefully kills or freezes it. Google it!

  • Shecka1121
    Shecka1121 Member Posts: 117 Member

    Sir spheres?

    Bonnie,

    have you asked about the sirspheres procedure for your liver mets? Rather than cut you up to remove the tumor they inject a radiation bubble (not the right word) that moves toward and settles into your tumor & hopefully kills or freezes it. Google it!

    Bonnie, I will be praying for

    Bonnie, I will be praying for you.  I am sorry you have to go through this but at least they are on top of it.  Prayers to you and your loved one.


    I second what I am Alive stated.  I have a co-worker who has RCC and he often has mets to his liver.  Seriously, like every three months. One of the recent tumors was about 1.5 cm.  He goes in for a day procedure where they put a tub through the uriniary track and they blast the tumor with radiation.  He has only been cut open when they did his kidney removal.  The mets are in different places so they are new mets.  He told me that he feel tired from being under but other than that the procedure is fairly painless and he is back to work the day after.

     

    Your situation may be different but wanted to let you know.

     

    Also, if you are not on it, you may want to reach out to smartpatients. com.  They have great insight on that group.

     

    All the best

     

  • Richgels1
    Richgels1 Member Posts: 26 Member
    Wow

    Hi Bonnie,

    Wow that sounds pretty rough. I would never make light of your situation but I think it is good they are going to operate again. If your doctors said they were not going to take it out I would be more concerned. Actually your best chance of feeling normal again is with no medication after surgery. Of course if they recommend medication then you must. As I mentioned I have recurrence after 2 surgeries. The med I am on now is called votrient. I had a 1 cm tumor in a lymph node attached to my right bronchial tube and a number of spots on my lungs that they are watching. After 6 months of this medication I am now NED. I couldn't believe it when he said he couldn't see anything on my CT scan. My doc says I may get a break from meds if my next scan is as good. So I would ask about this one if it is not the one they suggest. Sutent was the one I was one before my last surgery and it also worked well. This one I believe is called a first line of defense drug so they probably won't suggest this one. The Votrient has less side affects but they include the usual fatigue and diarhea. The diarhea is managable with imodium pills but not completely controllable. Some people experience more side affects but these are most common. You will be able to live your life though and do the things you want to do. Maybe not quite aswell but you will be able. Good luck with your recovery and I hope to hear some good news from you afterwards. Scott

  • nancybuck
    nancybuck Member Posts: 117
    Stay Strong

    Praying for you Bonnie. So sorry for all that you have to go through.

     

    Nancy

  • Bonngo
    Bonngo Member Posts: 79
    Thank You

    Thank you all so very much for your input!  I will go through each message and research your suggestions and advice.

    I am guessing that since the urology oncologist wants the surgery in order to address the tumor on the back muscle which they think was from the original tumor 3 years ago, then the liver may as well be addressed at the same time.  I do wonder why these other options were not mentioned to me.

    Thank you all again for your prayers and support <3

     

  • Jan4you
    Jan4you Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    Richgels1 said:

    Wow

    Hi Bonnie,

    Wow that sounds pretty rough. I would never make light of your situation but I think it is good they are going to operate again. If your doctors said they were not going to take it out I would be more concerned. Actually your best chance of feeling normal again is with no medication after surgery. Of course if they recommend medication then you must. As I mentioned I have recurrence after 2 surgeries. The med I am on now is called votrient. I had a 1 cm tumor in a lymph node attached to my right bronchial tube and a number of spots on my lungs that they are watching. After 6 months of this medication I am now NED. I couldn't believe it when he said he couldn't see anything on my CT scan. My doc says I may get a break from meds if my next scan is as good. So I would ask about this one if it is not the one they suggest. Sutent was the one I was one before my last surgery and it also worked well. This one I believe is called a first line of defense drug so they probably won't suggest this one. The Votrient has less side affects but they include the usual fatigue and diarhea. The diarhea is managable with imodium pills but not completely controllable. Some people experience more side affects but these are most common. You will be able to live your life though and do the things you want to do. Maybe not quite aswell but you will be able. Good luck with your recovery and I hope to hear some good news from you afterwards. Scott

    Bonnie, I wonder if you are a

    Bonnie, I wonder if you are a candidate for the Y-90 liver treatment. It is not surgery. Rather it is a method that these tiny radiation particles are placed into the blood supply for the liver tumor and it shrinks it without large radiation treatments and surgery. My neice is receiving it as her liver tumor was inoperable. It has been sucessful in just a few months. Not sure if I am explaining it correctly, but it is worth a try, isn't it?

    Just trying to help.

    Keep us informed and remember, we're here for you to walk along side you if you want us to.

    Healing hugs, Jan

  • marosa
    marosa Member Posts: 334 Member
    Bonngo said:

    Thank You

    Thank you all so very much for your input!  I will go through each message and research your suggestions and advice.

    I am guessing that since the urology oncologist wants the surgery in order to address the tumor on the back muscle which they think was from the original tumor 3 years ago, then the liver may as well be addressed at the same time.  I do wonder why these other options were not mentioned to me.

    Thank you all again for your prayers and support <3

     

    Prayers and good wishes

    Bonnie, You are very strong and corageous.  My prayers and good wishes for you!

  • jason.2835
    jason.2835 Member Posts: 337 Member
    Richgels1 said:

    Wow

    Hi Bonnie,

    Wow that sounds pretty rough. I would never make light of your situation but I think it is good they are going to operate again. If your doctors said they were not going to take it out I would be more concerned. Actually your best chance of feeling normal again is with no medication after surgery. Of course if they recommend medication then you must. As I mentioned I have recurrence after 2 surgeries. The med I am on now is called votrient. I had a 1 cm tumor in a lymph node attached to my right bronchial tube and a number of spots on my lungs that they are watching. After 6 months of this medication I am now NED. I couldn't believe it when he said he couldn't see anything on my CT scan. My doc says I may get a break from meds if my next scan is as good. So I would ask about this one if it is not the one they suggest. Sutent was the one I was one before my last surgery and it also worked well. This one I believe is called a first line of defense drug so they probably won't suggest this one. The Votrient has less side affects but they include the usual fatigue and diarhea. The diarhea is managable with imodium pills but not completely controllable. Some people experience more side affects but these are most common. You will be able to live your life though and do the things you want to do. Maybe not quite aswell but you will be able. Good luck with your recovery and I hope to hear some good news from you afterwards. Scott

    :-(

    Hey, Bonnie,

    I have to echo was Richgels1 says here... If the docs are still treating you with surgery, then they believe that they have a chance of getting all the cancer.  With that being said I would definitely get a second and even third opinion if you can.  I'm not sure if your doctor has a lot of experience with RCC; if so, then obviously listen to their plan.  If not, see every option that is out there for you before making a decision.  

    Stay positive,

    - Jay

  • danbren2
    danbren2 Member Posts: 311
    4 Surgeries

    Bonnie,

         I have been fighting Kidney cancer for 4 years, close to being 5 (I am 9 months away from my 5 years), which is hard to do with Stage 4.  I have had 4 surgeries, and had to be given blood on two separate occassions.  I had my right kidney removed, right lower portion of my lung, and two brain tumors and have scans coming up on Nov. 23.  I too, am very tired of being cut open, but if they feel they can cut me open and remove all of the tumor, I'm gonna go with the surgeries!  I will fight this cancer by any means that the Doctors can come up with, as I am sure you feel the same and everyone else on this sight does to!  Be strong and know you are not alone in this fight!

                                    Sending prayers,

                                     Brenda

  • Bonngo
    Bonngo Member Posts: 79
    Thank You.

    Thank you all for your words of encouragment.

     Found out today that the surgeries will take place on November 30th.  I'm happy I get to eat Thanksgiving Dinner! Laughing

    Brenda, I am right behind you as December will be 4 years for me when first tumor was found.  I am so thankful we have this group for support.  I am also thankful after doing some research that surgery is still an option.  I, like you and everyone else, don't like it but we have to keep fighting.

    God Bless you all.

    ~Bonnie 

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,041 Member
    Bonngo said:

    Thank You.

    Thank you all for your words of encouragment.

     Found out today that the surgeries will take place on November 30th.  I'm happy I get to eat Thanksgiving Dinner! Laughing

    Brenda, I am right behind you as December will be 4 years for me when first tumor was found.  I am so thankful we have this group for support.  I am also thankful after doing some research that surgery is still an option.  I, like you and everyone else, don't like it but we have to keep fighting.

    God Bless you all.

    ~Bonnie 

    Bonnie

    I had the right kidney and left lobe of liver (mets) removed in the same surgery, along with a set of nodes (2 of 11 positive for cancer) and my defective gall bladder.  All on the same day and I went home after 5 nights. It leaves you pretty weak, it hurts if someone cracks a joke and you want to laugh hard.  That first incision was 14inches, and subsequent cancerous node removals lengthened the scar line by several inches with each surgery.

    The good news was the most recent surgery was in 2008, the scar tissue has shrunk and faded (but still itches sometimes), my labs hold pretty stable and I enjoy what I'm doing.  Besides having TG dinner, it's always important to have something to look forward to.  That's what gives us HOPE.

     

    Hugs and good luck.

    Donna

  • Bonngo
    Bonngo Member Posts: 79
    donna_lee said:

    Bonnie

    I had the right kidney and left lobe of liver (mets) removed in the same surgery, along with a set of nodes (2 of 11 positive for cancer) and my defective gall bladder.  All on the same day and I went home after 5 nights. It leaves you pretty weak, it hurts if someone cracks a joke and you want to laugh hard.  That first incision was 14inches, and subsequent cancerous node removals lengthened the scar line by several inches with each surgery.

    The good news was the most recent surgery was in 2008, the scar tissue has shrunk and faded (but still itches sometimes), my labs hold pretty stable and I enjoy what I'm doing.  Besides having TG dinner, it's always important to have something to look forward to.  That's what gives us HOPE.

     

    Hugs and good luck.

    Donna

    Been There

    Donna,

    My first surgery the incision was 14 inches as well as they took a slice of my rib too.  The second surgery's incision was half the length just below first.  I assume this one will be a pretty big incision like the first surgery.  It will be a midline down the abdomen.  

    I am curious how they know about node removals.  MRI did show one enlarged lymph node near the liver.  I assume they will take it out with surrounding ones?

    Thanks for your encouragement.

    ~Bonnie

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    Bonngo said:

    Been There

    Donna,

    My first surgery the incision was 14 inches as well as they took a slice of my rib too.  The second surgery's incision was half the length just below first.  I assume this one will be a pretty big incision like the first surgery.  It will be a midline down the abdomen.  

    I am curious how they know about node removals.  MRI did show one enlarged lymph node near the liver.  I assume they will take it out with surrounding ones?

    Thanks for your encouragement.

    ~Bonnie

    I'm in awe of what strong

    I'm in awe of what strong women you all are and deal with such resolution at all the curve balls that are thrown at you. Here I am whining about anemia and you all are undergoing multiple surgeries for mets. Puts my issues in perspective, that's for sure :) Wishing each and every one of you the best. You certainly deserve it. Keep fighting and may you have visits from NED in the future! Blessings and good karma to everyone.

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    Bonngo said:

    Thank You.

    Thank you all for your words of encouragment.

     Found out today that the surgeries will take place on November 30th.  I'm happy I get to eat Thanksgiving Dinner! Laughing

    Brenda, I am right behind you as December will be 4 years for me when first tumor was found.  I am so thankful we have this group for support.  I am also thankful after doing some research that surgery is still an option.  I, like you and everyone else, don't like it but we have to keep fighting.

    God Bless you all.

    ~Bonnie 

    Good luck Bonnie

    Do you get a frequent flyer discount? 

  • Jojo61
    Jojo61 Member Posts: 1,309 Member
    Oh Bonnie, I am so sorry to

    Oh Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear about your news. I admire strength and great attitude that you have. It all does sound very hopeful - the procedures are constantly changing and improving.

    I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. We are here for you!!

    Big hugs

    Jojo

  • foroughsh
    foroughsh Member Posts: 779 Member
    Oh bonnie, I'm sorry you have

    Oh bonnie, I'm sorry you have to go throught it again. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

    Wishing you successful surgery and quick recovery

  • mrou50
    mrou50 Member Posts: 389 Member
    Sorry

    Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

     

    Mark