Kidney Cancer Newbie

I was diagnosed with a 5 cm Chromophobe RCC T1N0M0 back in 2011. At that time they found subcentimeter perifissural lung nodule... I have had one that was not there after 3 years, one stayed the same for last 3/4 years. All of them were favored for benignity so far.

Right now I am following a 2 yearly scan. However, right now, I am dealing with a one from 2015. In 2015 the scan was done in Texas, when they favored benignity for a 6mm nodule. 2 years later in 2017 in a different state I had my next scan, and they found a 8x3mm one, again favored for benignity. My pulmonologist wanted to have both the scan compared. I had it done, and the radiologist confirmed that the size is same, may be some difference in technique, and no followup is needed. However my pulmonologist still wanted a 3 month scan and indicated further scan if needed.

I wanted to have a second opinion, since there is a clear difference in suggestion. The second pulmonologist compared the images and agreed with the radiologist. Now I am in a position of super confusion.

I am telling the story to highlight few things, 1. Lung nodules are not always bad but confusing, at times even the doctors are confused, 2. You will feel frustrated in the process, because something new might come up, which may be nothing but still you can’t take it lightly even after 7 years. 3. At the end of the day, this is our reality and we have to deal with it. I am 35, have a wonderful wife and a 6 year old son, just not ready to think there is no hope.

Anyways, I hope, your nodule will be fine, you have a smooth path ahead.

Jobie123 said:

Agh thankyou for your lovely

Agh thankyou for your lovely reply x means s lot !  Just wondered how u got on after tour op , pathology report etc ?? Hope you are doing well xxx

The pathology report was like a slap in the face. It is diff when they actually look you in the face and say 100% it was cancer. Then I felt guilty bc dr said I probably had it for about 6 or 7 yrs. I felt horrible because my dad had cancer and died 4 yrs ago. That means we had it at the same time and didn't know. I lived and he didn't. Quite an awful feeling. I went to work lastnight for my 1st real shift. By the time I got home I was in pain and could not walk upright. Mentally it was bad. I came home and cried. Hey you have cancer. Let's remove your organ. Ok you are all good. Go back to normal life now. Ummmm no. Life will never be the same. It has been 7.5 wks and it is all just hitting me now. A lot of amazing lessons learned, but let me be real. This is very difficult. I hope you are ok.