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wachie61 · February 2016

Hello,

New and just thought to check in. Found out three weeks ago that I have an 11cm mass on my right kidney. They are going to remove it next month, but have to get my left kidney spiffied up and going 100 percent first. Just had Laser Lithotripsy done to remove rather large stone last Thurs. and will get the stent removed weds. The ct scan shows it is still confined to the kidney so hopefully they will get it all in one shot. I was just wondering how you all felt a week or two after the removal? Or basicly how long for recovery? Thank You.

icemantoo · February 2016

Wachie61,

Welcome to the club which no one in their right mind would volunteer to join.As for your recovery there is no way to sugar coat a neph. A lot depends on your age, physical condition and how easily the surgery went. At 11 cm I assume you are going to have an open procedure. After you get thru Hell week (the first week) things get better each day with maybe a bad day in between. At 4 to 6 weeks you should be back to a slow normal. No water skiing or roller coasters this summer, maybe next summer.

Icemantoo

Dutch1 · February 2016

Wachie61;
11 cm is a

Wachie61;

11 cm is a good-sized mass to deal with. Recently, on this board, a member's post generated some confusion as to whether the measurement was "CM" or "MM". It's a big difference. If you truly are at 11cm, you will need patience for your recovery. Mine was somewhat larger and I was 62 at the time of my surgery. My recovery was in slow increments such that by 6 or 7 weeks or so my wife and I actually did some traveling to get away and out of our Wisconsin winter. During those first weeks, it was a lot of slow walks to the corner and a lot of resting. Every afternoon included a long nap. That was me. Others on this board push it harder than I did. For months afterward, you will still have days when things don't feel right ... it takes a while for all of the parts to find their new places after the surgeon has remodeled things. After some months, you will probably feel pretty decent. Maybe not like you felt pre-surgery, but it will still be good.

I hope to see a post from you to say "Oops" and that you really meant mm instead of cm. If that would be the case, you'll have it made.

Knowning your specifics, your surgeon can better advise you as to what recovery will be like. Don't hesitate to ask the surgeon all your questions about this issue and everything else that's rattling around in your head regarding your situation.

Best wishes,

Dutch

Allochka · February 2016

Dutch1 said:
Wachie61;
11 cm is a
Wachie61;

11 cm is a good-sized mass to deal with. Recently, on this board, a member's post generated some confusion as to whether the measurement was "CM" or "MM". It's a big difference. If you truly are at 11cm, you will need patience for your recovery. Mine was somewhat larger and I was 62 at the time of my surgery. My recovery was in slow increments such that by 6 or 7 weeks or so my wife and I actually did some traveling to get away and out of our Wisconsin winter. During those first weeks, it was a lot of slow walks to the corner and a lot of resting. Every afternoon included a long nap. That was me. Others on this board push it harder than I did. For months afterward, you will still have days when things don't feel right ... it takes a while for all of the parts to find their new places after the surgeon has remodeled things. After some months, you will probably feel pretty decent. Maybe not like you felt pre-surgery, but it will still be good.

I hope to see a post from you to say "Oops" and that you really meant mm instead of cm. If that would be the case, you'll have it made.

Knowning your specifics, your surgeon can better advise you as to what recovery will be like. Don't hesitate to ask the surgeon all your questions about this issue and everything else that's rattling around in your head regarding your situation.

Best wishes,

Dutch

Hello and welcome!
as Dutch

Hello and welcome!

as Dutch said, 11 cm is quite a tumor. Are you having chest CT done too to make sure everything is clear there?

perhaps those are indeed mm?

wachie61 · February 2016

Thank You

Hello and thank you. I just got back from town and the rounds to the hospital for more x rays. My chest is clear and lungs look good. I will get the stent out on Weds. I wish I could say mm but he was very clear. It's the "size of a baseball" Is how he put it. He has been very honest but leaning toward the optomistic, I know thats his job and we won't know for sure till it's over. Just getting the stone out hit harder than I expected so I guess the kidney will be a lot harder than I want to think of right now. I am only 54, Been very healthy and strong as an ox.I'm hoping that and help from my wife and the good Lord, everything will work out. Thank you all for responding, it does help to hear your stories and advice. Thank you, Jerry

APny · February 2016

wachie61 said:
Thank You
Hello and thank you. I just got back from town and the rounds to the hospital for more x rays. My chest is clear and lungs look good. I will get the stent out on Weds. I wish I could say mm but he was very clear. It's the "size of a baseball" Is how he put it. He has been very honest but leaning toward the optomistic, I know thats his job and we won't know for sure till it's over. Just getting the stone out hit harder than I expected so I guess the kidney will be a lot harder than I want to think of right now. I am only 54, Been very healthy and strong as an ox.I'm hoping that and help from my wife and the good Lord, everything will work out. Thank you all for responding, it does help to hear your stories and advice. Thank you, Jerry

You have a lot on your side:

You have a lot on your side: physical strength, good health aside from this, a supportive wife, and faith. They will all help in your recovery. I had an open partial and my recovery wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared. The anticipation and anxiety were worse. Wishing you the very best!

donna_lee · February 2016

Agree with Dutch

Wachie61---does that mean you were born in '61 or graduated from HS that year, as I did?

I agree that the open Neph can be draining (pun intended) as you will have tubes going in and out of you at first. Somehow, we always think we'll bounce right back and recover faster and better than anyone else has or does. Your body will tell you just how much your can do, and then it says go rest/sleep/read a book if you are awake, etc. And there is a reason the doc's say 6 weeks, at least. It comes slowly at first, then you realize that you walked all the way from the car and into the grocery store, and didn't even need to use the electric cart once you got there. Mine was Right side 12.5x11.5x8 cm.and had mets to liver and as they found, nodes.

We own a business, and I did work about 30+ hours a week. I started back at about 5-6 weeks, but only for a few hours a day and worked up from there.

And kidney stones are also the pits. My son was hospitalized in 2000 and again last month to have some removed. He takes allopurinol to reduce their formation and avoids the kinds of foods that create them in him.

To see more of my bio, click on my CSN user name.

Good luck and keep us posted.

donna_lee

todd121 · February 2016

Hi and welcome to the club nobody wants to join (and we don't want you here either, if you can help it)!

I suppose with an 11cm mass you're going to lose your entire kidney? That's what they call a "radical" nephrectomy.

I had mine done with the laparascopic surgery. That means I got 6 or 7 holes. They said the good thing about that was I'd get smaller holes. Not so much. One of my scars is about 6" long. It is supposed to be easier on you to have the laparascopic surgery, and I think it is.

I took 6 weeks off work and I was glad I did. I wasn't comfortable sitting for long even at 6 weeks. I was tired for months after the surgery.

Have to admit that 2 weeks after my surgery, I drove to Las Vegas (4 hours each way) for a long weekend and I did most of the driving. It was probably a bad idea!

Last year I had my right adrenal gland removed by laparascopy. It was so much easier to recover from. A kidney is a big deal. It's a large organ, and it has a big effect on your body losing that kidney. I had some health issues for an entire year after my kidney was removed and I think much of it was my body getting used to the new normal.

It's hard, but you can do it. Drink lots of water. Walk as much as you can as soon as you can. Take good care of your remaining kidney.

Hope all turns out well for you.

Todd

foxhd · February 2016

donna_lee said:
Agree with Dutch
Wachie61---does that mean you were born in '61 or graduated from HS that year, as I did?

I agree that the open Neph can be draining (pun intended) as you will have tubes going in and out of you at first. Somehow, we always think we'll bounce right back and recover faster and better than anyone else has or does. Your body will tell you just how much your can do, and then it says go rest/sleep/read a book if you are awake, etc. And there is a reason the doc's say 6 weeks, at least. It comes slowly at first, then you realize that you walked all the way from the car and into the grocery store, and didn't even need to use the electric cart once you got there. Mine was Right side 12.5x11.5x8 cm.and had mets to liver and as they found, nodes.

We own a business, and I did work about 30+ hours a week. I started back at about 5-6 weeks, but only for a few hours a day and worked up from there.

And kidney stones are also the pits. My son was hospitalized in 2000 and again last month to have some removed. He takes allopurinol to reduce their formation and avoids the kinds of foods that create them in him.

To see more of my bio, click on my CSN user name.

Good luck and keep us posted.

donna_lee

The real trick

to recovery is certainly not by overdoing it. Your reflexes become very protective. With time and repitition of activities, (like transfers, stairs, driving, etc.) your body recovers by doing activities that it is familiar with. If you overdo things, the body resists and may break down more. I give one free tip. After surgery you will have to start moving at some point. It is going to hurt and may seem impossible to get out of bed. But you will do it because everybody does. From that point forward, be concious of moving very gracefully and pretty. It is all about letting your reflexes know that you will advance what you do only as the protective reflexes allow. It's a therapist kind of thing. Rehab was a lot of fun coaching patients who understood this.

Laurir · February 2016

todd121 said:
Hi and welcome to the club nobody wants to join (and we don't want you here either, if you can help it)!

I suppose with an 11cm mass you're going to lose your entire kidney? That's what they call a "radical" nephrectomy.

I had mine done with the laparascopic surgery. That means I got 6 or 7 holes. They said the good thing about that was I'd get smaller holes. Not so much. One of my scars is about 6" long. It is supposed to be easier on you to have the laparascopic surgery, and I think it is.

I took 6 weeks off work and I was glad I did. I wasn't comfortable sitting for long even at 6 weeks. I was tired for months after the surgery.

Have to admit that 2 weeks after my surgery, I drove to Las Vegas (4 hours each way) for a long weekend and I did most of the driving. It was probably a bad idea!

Last year I had my right adrenal gland removed by laparascopy. It was so much easier to recover from. A kidney is a big deal. It's a large organ, and it has a big effect on your body losing that kidney. I had some health issues for an entire year after my kidney was removed and I think much of it was my body getting used to the new normal.

It's hard, but you can do it. Drink lots of water. Walk as much as you can as soon as you can. Take good care of your remaining kidney.

Hope all turns out well for you.

Todd

I find all the information

I find all the information here so helpful. And, I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

wachie61 · February 2016

Thank You everyone

Thank You so much for the kind words and encouragement. It is very helpful to know you are all so full of hope and faith at this stage. It has all been pretty overwelming and I don't know what to say but thank you and I wiill definately let you know what happens.

Jan4you · February 2016

wachie61 said:
Thank You everyone
Thank You so much for the kind words and encouragement. It is very helpful to know you are all so full of hope and faith at this stage. It has all been pretty overwelming and I don't know what to say but thank you and I wiill definately let you know what happens.

Well, first let me offer you

Well, first let me offer you a hug!

Yes it is a shock at first, but with information, listening to your surgeon and following post surgical protocol, you will probably have that nasty cancer out with your kidney. Hopefully they can do robatic, laproscopic incisions. One incision is a bit larger, about 4 inches to pull the kidney through. I saw the operation online. They actually "bag" your kidney and pull it through the larger incision. The rest of the insicions are small to get instruments/camera through.

BUT you will have your abdominal cavity filled with a gas that is pumped in so the surgeon can see around your organs. My worst pain (but bearable) was that trapped gas in my shoulder. It has to work its way out.

I also highly recommend a lumbar velcro wrap that drug stores sell. Its for bad backs, but it supports your healing abdomen. I even put blocks of dry ice inside this wrap, but not directly on skin and it helped with the swelling. THAT helped me use less narcotics/opiates for pain.

You MUST not do any exercise for at least 1 month or whatever your surgeon recommends. Even if you start to feel better DO NOT push it! Your energy is zapped due to General anesthesia, pain meds and HEALING. Be kind and good to yourself. Take help if its offered. DO NOT try to be macho-brave. SAVE your energy for your body to heal.

I think you'll be fine once this surgery is past you. Your pathology report will be conducted after kidney is removed and you'll meet with your surgeon again.

We're here to help you through all this. I was so well prepared and informed due to THIS site that I was not that worried at all. I just wanted the surgery overwith.

Ask away.. glad you are here,

Warmly, Jan

myvan · February 2016

Wachie,
I just had an open

Wachie,

I just had an open partial nephrectomy for a 4 cm mass in late January. I'm in week 5 of my recovery, and I will agree with what other's have said. Recovery is slow, and listening to your body is a must. There are days that I overdo it, and I really regret it! The surgeon had to take a rib during the procedure, and I have pain in that area when I drive. I bought a car heating pad & that has helped. Listen to your doctor & follow their recommendations. Good luck

hardo718 · February 2016

myvan said:
Wachie,
I just had an open
Wachie,

I just had an open partial nephrectomy for a 4 cm mass in late January. I'm in week 5 of my recovery, and I will agree with what other's have said. Recovery is slow, and listening to your body is a must. There are days that I overdo it, and I really regret it! The surgeon had to take a rib during the procedure, and I have pain in that area when I drive. I bought a car heating pad & that has helped. Listen to your doctor & follow their recommendations. Good luck

Welcome Wachie

That's a pretty big one you've been growing there. What do you plan on naming it? I refer to mine as "Bob the Blob"......gotta keep that sense of humor you know.

As Jan says, get that lumbar support, can't tell you how much it helps. I was only in the hospital 2 days and on meds while there. Only took them once after I got home Cause I didn't have much pain. I truly wasn't playing hero or anything but I don't like the way the meds cloud my mind, so it was easier for me to feel a bit of discomfort.

Personally, I was 59 when I had a left partial nephrectomy via robotic lap. I now have 4 extra "belly-buttons", it's a beautiful thing & other than my friends here, it makes me quite unique. I was in pretty good shape before surgery and after, I was weak as a kitten for the first few weeks. Definitely need to take things really slow & allow your body to heal properly. Whether you have a lap or open procedure lots of things gets moved around in there and need time to find their way back in place. Those innards are not fond of being handled like that.

You've come to the right place for answers to any questions you might have, wish I'd known of this sight before my surgery. Just found it in January after more than years post-op.

Donna~

Dave418 · February 2016

Hi Wachie, sorry you are

Hi Wachie, sorry you are here. Recovery is one of the most discussed topic by new members on this forum. The answer is, not everyone is the same, but don't rush anything. I would tell you, wait until you feel very good, and then wait another week before resuming your normal activities. As a wise/sage(foxhd) man told me in 2014 when I was at your place : "Absolutely no good can come from doing too much too soon after surgery. Including work."

Take care, I wish you the best!!

Dave

Jojo61 · February 2016

hardo718 said:
Welcome Wachie
That's a pretty big one you've been growing there. What do you plan on naming it? I refer to mine as "Bob the Blob"......gotta keep that sense of humor you know.

As Jan says, get that lumbar support, can't tell you how much it helps. I was only in the hospital 2 days and on meds while there. Only took them once after I got home Cause I didn't have much pain. I truly wasn't playing hero or anything but I don't like the way the meds cloud my mind, so it was easier for me to feel a bit of discomfort.

Personally, I was 59 when I had a left partial nephrectomy via robotic lap. I now have 4 extra "belly-buttons", it's a beautiful thing & other than my friends here, it makes me quite unique. I was in pretty good shape before surgery and after, I was weak as a kitten for the first few weeks. Definitely need to take things really slow & allow your body to heal properly. Whether you have a lap or open procedure lots of things gets moved around in there and need time to find their way back in place. Those innards are not fond of being handled like that.

You've come to the right place for answers to any questions you might have, wish I'd known of this sight before my surgery. Just found it in January after more than years post-op.

Donna~

Welcome fellow 61-er!

Mine was the year of 13s....13cm tumour removed in 2013. I named him Arnold (after Schwarzenneger - for the line he used in Kindergarden Cop - "It's not a tumor!" that line still makes me giggle). If it makes you feel any better, I think the kidney stone might hurt more than a nephrectomy. Hard to say as I never had a kidney stone, but I have a good imagination! Anyway, it is no picnic, but I think you will find it isn't as bad as you think. However, you do need to take care of yourself as you recover. Good advice on here already - especially Jan's advice on using the ice in the lumbar wrap. Genius!!! I was on tylenol 3's for a few days and then stopped altogether. Was doing laundry within the first week (that was kind of a dumb idea when I look back - but I was so excited to have it all behind me and feeling pretty good, considering).

I have been feeling great since....so there you go!! Don't be afraid to ask question, for advice, etc. We are all here to help each other out!

Hugs

Jojo

BellaBinksMom · February 2016

Welcome

Watchie -

I have a lap nephrectomy in December of 2014. What showed as a 5.5 cm mass on CT scans turned out to be a 12.5 cm mass on the right kidney. I had a great Urologist who was able to continue the lap nephrectomy despite the mass size. I was 55 at that time and I did very well recovering. Just remember to rest as much as possible and take care of yourself. Good luck!

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