Successful removal of a 6cm tumor - Partial Nephrectomy

I have been given some ideas for dietary changes, but none from doctors. They have told me to live my life and do not start smoking lol. Concerning weed.... sorry, but I have no idea. Good luck!!

I had a partial neph 3 years ago in my right kidney, 6cm. It was placed on the upper pole so I was able to keep a good part of my kidney even if the tumor was that size.  I had complications but I was unfortunately on the small percentage of people who have complications with an open partial of this size.  Bt it got fixed and here I am 3 years after, living and loving life with all its ups and downs and yes, going thru those scanxiety times like this week when I had my latest check-up but to be honest, now days go by without me thinking of the dreaded "c" word!

They will try a partial. They can never guarantee until they go in and see how it is in there.  Try putting your trust in your doctors if you think you have found the good ones for you.  You will have your life back sonner than you think!  Yes it is scary, yes it no walk in the park but you can do it!

I didn't do any special diet.  I do eat on the healthy side as far as junk food and fried stuff or red meat (very, very rarely) but Im a frenchman's wife and always had and have my glass of wine and don't personally think any other dietary measures other than being reasonably sensible and having a healthy attitude with what you eat (my take on this).  I DO believe that being in good physical shape helps the body to take the strain of that kind of surgery before and after and I don't mean a gym junkie who spends hours pumping iron or running a marathon either.

I was asked to walk 3km every day as soon as I was out of the hospital and Im sure that helped a lot!  I don't know what more to suggest but feel free to ask and I'll tell you from my personal experience.  Wishing you all the best!

Some people smoke cannabis by mixing it with tobacco.

Not sure what you mean about being unable to find data on causes of kidney cancer.

Here is the Mayo Clinic's factors that can increase the risk of kidney cancer including:

- Older age. Your risk of kidney cancer increases as you age.

- Smoking. Smokers have a greater risk of kidney cancer than nonsmokers do. The risk decreases after you quit.

- Obesity. People who are obese have a higher risk of kidney cancer than people who are considered average weight.

- High blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases your risk of kidney cancer.

- Treatment for kidney failure. People who receive long-term dialysis to treat chronic kidney failure have a greater risk of developing kidney cancer.

- Certain inherited syndromes. People who are born with certain inherited syndromes may have an increased risk of kidney cancer, such as those who have von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma or familial renal cancer.

- Family history of kidney cancer. Even in the absence of an inherited syndrome, people who have a strong family history of renal cell cancer have a greater risk of kidney cancer.

- Exposure to certain substances in the workplace. This might include, for example, exposure to cadmium or specific herbicides.

If you want to get high on cannabis can't you take the oil or mix it with some foods to cook and eat?

People with cancer use cannabis to deal with pain issues but if I ever reach for it I don't intend to smoke it.

You should also be aware that people with kidney cancer have a higher rate of developing other cancers than the general population.

Here is some advice about lifestyle change from cancer.org

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At this time, not enough is known about kidney cancer to say for sure if there are things you can do that will be helpful. Adopting healthy behaviors such as not smoking, eating well, being active, and staying at a healthy weight may help, but no one knows for sure. Still, we do know that these types of changes can have positive effects on your health that can extend beyond your risk of kidney cancer or other cancers.

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For many people, a diagnosis of cancer helps them focus on their health in ways they may not have thought much about in the past. Are there things you could do that might make you healthier? Maybe you could try to eat better or get more exercise. Maybe you could cut down on alcohol, or give up tobacco. Even things like keeping your stress level under control may help. Now is a good time to think about making changes that can have positive effects for the rest of your life. You will feel better and you will also be healthier.

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html

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If you are at the upper end of your age range and you want to puff away for another 10 or 15 years then that would be up to you. But don't forget that this can bring about other conditions such as emphysema.

If you just want to get the high or manage any pain which might emerge then I am fairly sure there are other ways to take it besides smoking it, although I am not an expert in this area (but I certainly intend to learn if the need arises).

If massages were bad I would probably have turned into one big blob! Did you ever see that very old and scary movie? lol   In my part of the woods (country where I live) you can still enjoy a good massage at reasonable prices and so whenever possible I treat myself. Did before and have done after (diagnosis and surgery).

I so wish 12/12 and your surgery are fast behind you because after that the anxiety levels go way down!  You will enjoy your Xmas holidays!  Hoping these days pass by fast for you. I feel you, I was there too.

Hi, don't fear on your massage.  The kidney is placed up under the ribs at the back and under lots of other organs. (Which will all get shuffled and rumbled during the operation) and your massage would not have been 'massaging' your kidney.   They are up there for good reason, lots of blood flows through them a ruptured kidney is a true medcial emergency. 

BeBlessed said:

Pre & post op

In preparation for my surgery are there any dietary changes I should make? And pre & post op...does smoking cannibis have the same negative effect as nicotine? I have been unable find any data on causes of kidney cancer... or preventatve life style recommendations.

You can speak to your aneathatist or your doctor and please do not lie to them about any habits you have that are relevant to surgery.  When you have an operation for a nephrectomy partial or radical via laproscopy they will fill your abdomen up with CO2 gas.  This gas will cause you to have much difficulty in taking a full breath for several days after the operation.  You will be at risk of developing blood clots and pnemonia.  The CO2 causes some necrosis of the vascular system and affects the phrenic nerve which results in pain to the shoulder tip - usually for 24 hours, sometimes more.  I could easily make my spirometer push all 3 balls up pre surgery and post surgery I didn't have a hope of it.   10 days out I am still winded going up a few flights of stairs. 

 You will need to make a very conscious effort to take deep breaths and may even be given a special little device called a spirometer to see if you can measure your progress and ability.  This is important to prevent pnuemonia.   

Your blood pressure will be kept low during the operations, to prevent blood loss, afterwards you will be on many medications, some narcotics, some anti nausea, anti inflammtory etc.   You will most likely have pressure cuffs on your legs for 24 hours that will inflate and deflate to stop blood clots (which can be deadly or you will just suffer a stroke and survive.. not a good idea) and after that compression stockings.  You will go home with pain medication, which might include narcotics.   If you have issues with opiates with addiction talk to your doctor there are other pain medications that can be prescribed.  I only needed two small doses of Tramadol in hospital and afterwards panadol was enough with an anti infammatory. 

I have forgotten the litres per minute, but 25 % of your heart blood volume goes through each kidney, if you have nephron sparing surgery that kidney has been cut in half or a chunk out and is trying to heal. 

It isn't just the nicotine in cigarettes that causes the issue with health for respiratory function, it is the damage the smoke and all the chemicals do to your circulatory and respiratory system. Smoking maurijana also decreases oxygen levels.   Discuss the amount you have smoked, do smoke and intend to smoke with your surgeon.   It is important to be very honest in answering all questions they ask. 

Smokers have significant health risks going into an operation if they have not ceased smoking for a period of time before hand. THC stays in your system for a fair while.  So you would be best to have that clear of your system before being operated on.  You will be asked about ALL medications you take, over the counter and prescription.  Even some herbal remedies or vitamins need to be stopped for a an operation.   Your medical professionals can also help you wth a cessation program if you need or want help. 

 For your information you might like to peruse this article in a medical journal.   Note the number of drugs that are given to you in a 'short' operation.  Now know that yours will be much longre than taking out a wisdom tooth and that your aneathatists studies to be a doctor and then another 3 years as a student to practice. It is in my opinion one of the most difficult parts of medicine.   Also the reference in the article to coughing, necrosis of tissue, damage to wounds and organs that are healing.  Ask anyone that has had a nephrectomy how they feel about coughing! 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.288312.x/full

Good luck with your surgery and your recovery. 

I had surgery Nov.7th. Was scheduled as a partial but ended up losing the whole kidney. From what I read, recovery is diff when radical nephrectomy is involved. Either way, let us be glad the tumor will be gone!!! I was warned it could turn in to a radical but was still shocked when told the news. Concerning food, my doc said a heart healthy diet is a kidney friendly diet. He also said do not start smoking (I don't anyway). For me, life has changed. I want to eat better. I want to take care of my remaining kidney. Ask all the questions you want so you know exactly what to expect. It has been a tough road, but again, better than the alternative. Leading up to surgery I kept busy and lived life!!! I worked, exercised, danced A LOT and laughed a lot. Please do what makes you feel good and at peace. You are number 1 right now!!! Do what is best for you. Take care!!!