Trying not to panic

jan,

There are more than a few on this board with larger tumors. Get yourself an appointment with an Oncologist preferably one who specializes in RCC as soon as possable.

icemantoo

janlaurie said:

Thenks

wgat is RCC?

Renal Cell Carcinoma, ie Kidney Cancer. Pretty soon the lingo comes naturally.

icemantoo

Welcome...and sorry you're here.  I have to ask for my clarification: did your doctor tell you this information over the phone?  If so, I'd suggest he/she get better manners.  I'd also check to see if he/she is up to date on current RCC research.  Also, if he/she did say that to you, it would be a license to find a new doctor that will treat you with a 20 year plan.  

Okay, enough about that.  Please understand and know that the fear you have is totally understandable and normal.  I think it's safe to say all of us felt like we got hit by a truck when we were told about our cancer.  Now is the time to arm yourself with knowledge.  Read as much as you can about your type of cancer and be prepared to challenge your doctor with questions and possible solutions.  You'll need to be an advocate for your care.  To get started join smartpatients.com . Post your story and get their take on your situation.  The more information you get will help you work your way through your care.

Don't get too consumed with fear---we're here to help and offer support and advice.

Good luck!

Stub

You need to run, not walk to an RCC specialist. Any doc who would deliver such news and with such a dire prognosis over the phone needs his own head examined. I realize you wanted them to call. My problem is with the 50% survival rate after chemo. He cannot possibly predict any such thing. It's almost Sept. now and maybe you could do both appointments.

I was hoping maybe some others with more experience than I have could chime in. Have you visited smartpatients.com? They have a wealth of info and very helpful, experienced people in all aspects of kidney cancer.

Sure do wish you well. But don't let anyone tag you with any type of expiration date!!

Jan 

I'm really sorry you landed here - I was just diagnosed February this year.  No doctor can predict your expiration date so just forget that. First things first get a second opinion and maybe a 3rd. I'm also in NC I go to the Levine cancer center in Concord. My oncologist works under a RCC specialist. He is located in Charlotte NC. I will pray for you wish you the best try not to stress yourself out it won't help anything. 

Sending Hugs your way be strong 

This doc sounds like one of those who want $$$ for chemo. Note this: They don't use chemo perse to treat kidney cancer. There are all kinds of meds that work the vascular system.  If he is saying you need chemo straight out, RUN to a hospital/oncologist that specializes in RCC.  Please if you wish, get a copy of ALL reports and post what the results were. Don't do any chemo and don't do anything with doctors until you verify with others here. Also join smartpatients.com. They are very, very knowledgable about drs. treatment and also hospitals.  This doc sounds like he wants money for chemo. All the best to you. They told my mom she will die in six months, she is on year 7 now and doing well for 86. So, don't let them scare you. Anyone who says  you will die after chemo does not know the new meds out there. Don't use this person please. Go to a reputable hospital. Get all of your reports. Keep us posted and don't freak out. Sounds like a wishy washy response from that dr. Hugs!