Where is everyone?

I dont really have anything to contribute unless it comes to someone asking questions about lung surgeries due to rcc mets. Its been over 6 years now for my kidney removal and I dont even think about that anymore.  Me Im NED now but realize that most likely I will have to deal with this disease again in my life time, I just try to forget about it till when and if the time comes again Good luck to you.

I just joined today!  not sure why I didn't before now.  Too much was happening too fast I guess!  im 1 week post op... 

I have read everyday since I first found something was wrong a month ago..

For newbies all things are so overwhelming and absolutely scarey, I don't know what to say or if I'm saying it "properly". I have used your stories as hope that my life is not over just headed uphill for a time...I truly  appreciate all the post. .Fox, iceman and boondocks saint-Thank you!!

I googled 'problems after nephrectomy' and Hannah's post from 2006 was near the top of the results. That probably accounts for most of the 50,000.

Steve.

I read for quite a while because this site is not the most user-friendly to register. It kept saying the user name was taken so I tried again, then it wanted a different email so I had to open one, blah blah. It really was a royal PITA but I'm glad I persevered. But difficulty with registering still wouldn't account for 50,000 readers of a topic, obviously.

i have been lurking here because I am expecting a kidney cancer dx on Tuesday. Blood in urine brought me to the urologist.  Had CT scan--dr office said I had some abnormalities.  Got the paperwork for an MRI and it said for a kidney mass on left kidney.  Why a CT then a MRI?  I'm thinking they want to stage me. 

I'm a 49 year old woman.  

Everyone has their own story. One day things are humming along nicely next day there's a shock awaiting, there's a thing growing inside you which wants you dead. It happens to people from all different cultures, social classes, and demographic groups with vastly different personalities, all with varying levels of support ranging from a close extended family and a network of close friends to almost no support at all.

All these people have different needs they don't all want to or have the confidence to start chatting with people on an Internet forum, even though they might find a huge amount of comfort and understanding from reading the posts of others.

When I was diagnosed I undertook a crash course in learning about kidney cancer from all the documentation, websites, research papers, forums, and youtube. It wasn't in my mind at the time to join a forum and have a chat with people.

There would also be a multitude of people wanting information about what is happening to their loved one, friend, classmate, acquaintance, neigbour, or colleague. These people generally do not have any real need to join a forum and start chatting.

foxhd I remember seeing your photo in the early days of my investigation I remember thinking here is this big tough guy in a leather jacket he's been through what I am going through and he's still here nearly six years later this guy can be an inspiration to me, I will be like him I will tap into my inner tough guy and I will get through this hell.

At the time I did not have any inclination at all to join the forum and start chatting.

After my nephrectomy I realised this was going to be a very long journey so I joined the forum and tried to contribute when I could. However most times I don't post anything because I worry what I say is not right or my manner of communication is not good or I might seem foolish. A few times I have spent over 30 minutes writing a reply and then just deleted it because of this. Not everyone finds it a smooth process to interact on a forum, even those few who join. 

Anyway brother you are not getting "further and further away from 95% of the topic posts affecting new RCC people". In fact you are getting closer and closer the longer you are here, you were right there with me long before I had my nephrectomy and joined the forum. You can't be there to give someone scared a hug, you can't drop by to go for a walk with someone feeling alone and depressed, but you can keep posting, offering your insights and friendship, and finding some comfort yourself when things aren't going well for you. 

Keep on truckin' buddy.

I've been waiting for a response to the last message I sent you.  Have you looked into some adaptive technology i.e. voice to type?  You'd be amazed at what is out there.

As far as this post goes, I agree with Supersum.  Everybody is looking for different things.  Quite honestly, If I had a post that had 50,000 reads and a few responses, I'd feel good about the possibility that we helped a few of those readers.

I appreciate your post, Fox. Collectively we are stronger in our knowledge and support.  I hope you stick around and continue to contribute because your thoughts and comments mean a lot to many people.

Take care

Stub