Day 2 post-op

And I received so much advice from people on this board. Essnetially it boils down to you cannot change the fact you got it. You have done something about it. But now you CAN control how you move forward and with what frame of mind. I had same feelings...the "why me" blues. None of us has a time frame on this earth. You just never know. So, we can either spend the time worrying and hoping for a long life and when we get to the end realize that we didn't really "live" or we can just appreciate what we have. I sit her typing this with a gin and tonic, my wife by my side on the deack, dogs at feet, and sun shining. It's a good day. That attitude is an amalgamation of advice from about 10 people on this message board. Hope your recovery is going well. PLenty of short walks. Lots of exhale breaths to clear the lungs. Take it slow 

Hi Gildergal, I knew it was cancer before going into surgery, from a biopsy I never want to have to repeat.  At that point I focused on the phrase I've seen so many times here:  "Get it out."  My diagnosis was out of the blue with no symptoms, so it took a long time to wrap my mind around it - still processing two years later.  If you are familiar with stages of grief, I think we also go through each of those when we hear the word (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance).  There's that persistent thought that, "this isn't real, this is a mistake," etc.  It has helped me to write about it and talk about it with those who "get it". 

I know little about papillary RCC but sounds like you are in good and competent hands and on the road to recovery from surgery.  I'm glad they are finding ways to address your pain.  Thinking of you as you heal and as you wait for the full report.  Take care -

From everything I've read and heard any kidney mass has at least an 80-90% chance of being cancerous.  Pre-surgery, I went with the idea that it was cancer and would be very happy if it turned out otherwise.  For me it happened kind of quickly, so today...six weeks after my surgery...i'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I actually DID have cancer and that it's (hopefully) behind me now.  Look at it like that - you had it....you got it out...you're going to have a long, healthy life.  

Best wishes and Happy Easter!

Jim

Best thing you can do is get up and walk as much as you can to speed up your recovery and manage the pain. Walking helps get rid of the gas in your jounts and will get you home faster. But listen to your body and when you need a break or rest listen! Do the same when you get home. Do not become a couch potato or over do it either. Sleep and activity in balance is the way to go. It also helps manage any depression and helps put your cancer worries out of the forefront of your mind. Live each day and enjoy it and keep moving. Focus on recovery and getting better.

Glidergal365 said:

She said mine was stage 2

but I don't know the rest yet. It was at least 4.5x3.2 (from last CT). And it grew 1.5cm in 6 months when it was labled a Bosniak IIF. I think that's what makes it a stage 2. I'm curious if it's papillary type 1 or 2. Did you learn which yours is? I actually feel really good post surgery. Two different docs checked in on me post-op day 1 and 2 and couldn't believe how good I looked. That makes me happy except I'm reminding myself to take it slow and other than walking, not to do much. I did shower today and it was great. I hope you're recovering well! Let's stay in touch through this crazy journey! 

Hi Jenn, Mine was a Papillary type 2, which I guess is the worst one. SO glad you're looking good and doing good! Never does a shower feel so good, right?!! Take care and keep us posted what more you find out. I'm still new to all this and have tons to learn!! 

Hi! Great!you have successful operation. Wish you speedy recovery. 

On how to cope? Is a tough one, i struggled 6 months to puzzled back on my life. Well we all do have good days and bad days

First of all, need to get over "Why Me? Queston!

then the next question " What to eat?" This question need to be answer everyday and 3 times a day. Solution to this question, choose a diet that suit you. And a new lifestyle as things are not going to the same anymore. Need to be strong to adapt to this new environment. 

Keep you mind focus on recovering and planning for this new life. 

Once you have get everyhing in order and organised then this new life is more better to handle. 

Get more rest as possible. 

Glad to hear you are sounding very upbeat and making forward progress on recovery.  Go You.  Now - slow down.  Seriously, just take it easy, I know you have plans to.  Remind yourself. Unless you are in a burning building, it can probably wait.   As will your results and next steps.  Try to compartmentalise the worry about future steps.  Focus on your post operative recovery, pooping, sleeping, wound care, take advantage of the friends and family that will be your supportors and champions, enage with them, let them know what they can do to help and let them know how you feel if you think they would like to share in that with you.   This board can be a great place to write/vent/question without judgement and without upsetting family and friends if you want to avoid that.   Live in the moment for the moment, nothing is going to change the pathology and the next steps that you will find out about in a few weeks so try very very hard not to think about it yet would be my advice.   I was very glad I did that, my result was non cancerous, and I did reflect that either way I would have felt some resentment at time lost to worrying if I had spent much time on it before I got the pathology. 

Now, have a warm drink and keep your feet up - keep with the deep breathing and walking.   

It is so strange when they actually confirm it WAS cancer. Even though we know all along it probably is..we still hold out hope right? It is still shocking to hear. Thank god they got it out. Def take it easy and allow yourself to heal. Time is your best friend.