**UPDATED**Had Partial Nephrectomy**- Just Dx'd & weighing tx options
Hi.
I've known about my Left Kidney mass since the end of March...when it was incidentally discovered. It's taken this long to finally get an answer as to if it was benign or cancer. Multiple tests, waiting for insurance approvals, 1st Needle Biopsy missed tumor, more tests, waiting, waiting, waiting. So with the 2nd CT Guided Biopsy...the Radiologist hit the mark & obtained the sample.
Received telephone call from my Urologist yesterday saying that it was indeed Cancer, stage or grade 1. He didn't get into any other classifications. He did say that it was caught early, and since it's still small the outlook is very good. He's pushing for the Cryotherapy to destroy the tumor vs a partial nephrectomy. Given my age (62) & body type, he feels that I'd do better with the Cryo rather than the major surgery. I see another Urologist within their practice who specializes in Cryotherapy. My Doctor is also the area's #1 guy for Robotic Surgery. I've read some of the postings about the side effect people have had with the cryo, it's making me question it.
While I'm going to keep my appointment on Tuesday with this other Dr, I'm seriously considering obtaining a Second Opinion from the Doctors at UW Madison...at their Cancer Center there. I'd like to hear other possible options too. Even though I live in a large urban area (150K), we only have one large Urological Clinic. Therefore, my resources are limited here. Or perhaps someone knows of someone in the Chicago area that specializes in cutting edge treatment for RCC. Both Chicago & Madison are somewhat equal in distance from me. Although Chicago traffic is worse than Madison's. LOL.
Of course I have to take into consideration as to my insurance benefits too.
Left Renal Mass, lower inferior pole 2.0 x 2.1cm.
Comments
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In my day
Kris,
In my day 15 years ago there were no cyros or partials. They just yanked the whole kidney out. The more they take out the more certainty that surgery will be the final treatment. While it is small you have time for a second opinion, but you do want to get it behind you. I too have read some postings where the cyro did not work as planned. There is no right or wrong answer. Get the second opinion and make the decision you are most comfortable with.
Icemantoo
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Just had My Partial Kidney removal
Hi! Kris!
Today is my 10th day from surgical. i had 4.6cm partial kidney removal. From my info, cryotherapy (cryoablation) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) both are short term only. There are high chance or recurrence which later need to remove the kidney. Check the link below, they explained in details of each treatment options, their pros and cons of each treatments. But for laparoscopic surgical you need to get a skillful and experience surgeon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=493RFA_tA1I&t=445sHope can help you.... All the best to you...
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My urologist (Stanford
My urologist (Stanford University Hospital and Clinics) told me that cryo and RF ablation techniques are sometimes used on lesions under 4cm. He said that the success rate for such treatment was around 90%. It's recommended when the patient, for whatever reason, can't tolerate surgery. He said that the partial or total neph was still the gold standard. In lesions your size (similar to mine that turned out to be 1.7cm), the success rate is 99+%. I was (and still am) in goo dphysical condition and he recommended I have the surgery.
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Mine was 3.5 cm and my
Mine was 3.5 cm and my surgeon/oncologist at Sloan Kettering also said the same thing as Bay Area Guy's. That surgery is the gold standard with cryo reserved for those who are high risk for surgery, such as much older than you and/or with compromised health. I was the same age as you when I had my partial neph. No problems at all. Now if you have other health issues which we're unaware of that's a different story. But do get an other opinion for sure.
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Hello and welcome Kris! Glad
Hello and welcome Kris! Glad you found us. I like your thorough approach and how you want to be well informed as to what is the best practice. I highly recommend you seek out a 2nd opinion. It will give you peace of mind. Yes?
My only concern, if this were me, is reoccurance with Cryo and such. Laproscopic/robatic is less invasive as I have had 2 such operations, one for other reasons. And I have had 2 open abdominal surgeries so I can compare them.
We're here for you ALL the way, no matter what you decide. You can also check in at SmartPatients.com for further feedback.
Let us know how you are doing and what they decide.
Sending you calm, serenity and healing hugs,
Jan
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Age and surgery
Hi everyone, I am new here. I've been reading all the posts with great interest. This morning, I wanted to speak to the matter of age and kidney surger. I am 67 and had my left kidney removed laproscopically on July 14th. I am no athlete, and am somewhat overweight. My specialist still felt this was the best clinical solution and that I was a good candidate for this surgery.My tumour was 4.5 cm.
My first few days following surgery were rough, and I have had some tough days since. However, the doctor is quite pleased with my progress. I expect the recovery may take me a bit longer that someone younger. I do tire easily, but it is early days yet.
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Welcome Kris
I can only speak for myself, but I would definitely get a second opinion. If nothing else it'll give you peace of mind down the road that you made the best decision you could based on information given. You definitely have time, since that bugger is quite small and they are typically slow growers. I wouldn't hesitate to go to UW Madison. And relatively speaking, Mayo isn't that far away either. There certainly are areas much more remote than Madison. Personally, not a fan of the biopsy thing or cryo, but that's just my opinion (and I'm not a doctor), so take it for what it worth....my 2 cents. lol
Best wishes and keep us posted.
Donna~
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Thanksicemantoo said:It wiil take time
Ewizd,
I was a youthful 59 when I was nephed 15 years ago. You should be back to a slow normal in a few months. At 4.5 cm surgery was the right choice. Not fun, byt it beats the alternative.
Icemantoo
Thanks for your reply. I am not sure what is reasonable to expect of myself right now. I walk a bit everyday, and take the stairs without strain. Still, I get dizzy off an on, and need naps. Thanks for the encouragement. I tlike the term "slow normal."
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Thank you everyone for your input!
Well I met with the Urologist that specializes in Cryotherapy Ablation in my city. He still recommends going with the Cryo. My first thoughts are...it's Cancer...get it out of me. Period. I did obtain a copy of my biopsy results so that I know exactly what I'm dealing with. Dr did tell me that my Cancer is the non-agressive kind, slow growing, so that I have time to make up my mind as to what treatment I want. He did state that I would NOT need any Chemo or Radiation afterwards (which ever treatment I went with).
"Left lower pole Renal Mass, CT guided core biopsy. Renal cell carcinoma, classic clear cell type. Fuhrman Grade 1."
I heard from my insurance company...ugh! They denied me going to UW Madison for a 2nd opinion as it's not in-network. But they did give me the names of 3 Chicago area hospitals/clinics that are in-network. Loyola University Medical Center or University of Chicago Medical Center or University of Illinois Hospital-Chicago. Anyone have any experience with any of these places?
I still leaning towards a partial nephrectomy rather than the Cryo Ablation. My overall physical condition I'd say is fair...well controlled hypertension, end stage degenerative joint disease (I need both knees replaced), over-weight but hey I'm working on weight loss & have lost 41 lbs since end of March. No heart conditions (I underwent heart testing earlier this year and everything was good). Just overall deconditioned because of my knees. Ortho Doc wanted me to lose 45 lbs before he'd operate and I'm so close to that goal...but then this kidney thing popped up. Priorities suck. Financially...I've met all my insurance deductibles & out of pockets expenses for this year. So, I do not want to wait too long to start my treatment. (Sucks that money becomes a part of a treatment plan)
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I've had issues with Loyola
so my personal opinion is to go to either of the other options. My family has had 3 very bad experiences with Loyola and in my book, 3 strikes, you're out! Not even an option. And I agree, it's cancer, get it out!!.....yesterday. :-)
Way to go on your weight loss....good Lord 41 lbs? That's awesome self-control. What's your secret?
Keep us posted on what you decide to proceed with.
Donna~
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Thanks again for the
Thanks again for the encouraging words.
I have a appointment this coming Monday the 18th at Loyola (I wish I'd seen your post first before choosing them. Live and learn.) My insurance has authorized a consultation only...no treatment. Just picked up copies of my scans & biospy slides today.
I'm still of the opinion that the Tumor needs to come out. Period. Still not sold on Cyro treatment.
Do I want to lose a portion of my Kidney? No, I'm looking forward to having major surgery (whether it's Robotic or open...up to the surgeon at that time) But leaving the Cancer inside me just seems wrong on all levels. No matter if they "freeze" it or not. My confidence in them hitting the mark again for the Cyro is quite low since they missed the mark with my first Biopsy.
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Partial nephrectomy
Hi Kris!
I was thrown into this arena almost 2 months ago. 4.5 CM solid mass on my right kidney. Perched right at the top. Found incidentally while lookng for kidney stones on the left side. My CT guided biopsy was non-diagnostic for malignancy... which just meant they couldnt confirm nor deny. I had a robotic partial nephrectomy Sept 6. I am recovering very well. FOrtunately my tumor was not very deep and I only lost 10% of it but before the got in there he was prepared to take the entire kidney and I was prepared to let it go. I have read about the Cryotherapy, partial and total nephrectomy and I wouldn't have entertained cryo at all. The doc that found the tumor was indicating it could be a possibility but the other two opinions i received it was not an option. I got my path report today ant it was Stage 1 Grade 2. My tumor had clear defined margins. I will need to be monitored for 5 years with scans and ultrasound but I won't need chemo or radiation. I hope that you are able to get your surgery scheduled and get this taken care of soon! I know how unnerving it is to be in limbo not knowing what will be done or happen.
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Angie.......My wife was in a
Angie.......My wife was in a similar situation as you back in March. Her tumor was 3.5cm and our surgeon didn't even entetrtain the thought of cryo. His opinion was, at that size it was too much to get and be successful with it.
I'm glad you are doing well
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Thank you Boondock! I amBoondockSaint said:Angie.......My wife was in a
Angie.......My wife was in a similar situation as you back in March. Her tumor was 3.5cm and our surgeon didn't even entetrtain the thought of cryo. His opinion was, at that size it was too much to get and be successful with it.
I'm glad you are doing well
Thank you Boondock! I am still sore but have been working from home all week! Never did find out what was causing the pain on the left but whatever it was it saved my life! I hope your wife continues to do well!
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Surgeon
Angie where did you have your surgery. My brother was just diagnosied with at 3.5cm on his right kidney. We see surgeon in Sloan Oct 6
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Surgeon?BoondockSaint said:Angie.......My wife was in a
Angie.......My wife was in a similar situation as you back in March. Her tumor was 3.5cm and our surgeon didn't even entetrtain the thought of cryo. His opinion was, at that size it was too much to get and be successful with it.
I'm glad you are doing well
Boondock my borther just diagnosed with 3.5cm on right kidney. We are seeing surgeon at Slaon on Oct 6...anything we should ask?
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Well.....we didn't reallybmickowski said:Surgeon?
Boondock my borther just diagnosed with 3.5cm on right kidney. We are seeing surgeon at Slaon on Oct 6...anything we should ask?
Well.....we didn't really have to ask any questions so to speak because our surgeon went over everything in detail. From the whole process of the surgery itself to the recovery.
Now, with that said. Our surgeon, as well as many others it seems from reading the posts here seem to think that once they go in and get the little Hellion out, that's it. No need for anything else.
I'd at the least ask to be refered to an oncologist and to follow the protocol for follow up. My wife's follow up schedule is chest X-rays and abdominal CT every 6 months for 2 years then yearly thereafte to 5 years. After that I think we will on our own go to ultrasounds.
i would also request for the surgeon to go over and explain every detail of the pathology report.
I sincerely wish your brother well and hope he has a boring and uneventful surgery and recovery. Keep us posted.
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