Update on Newly Diagnosed

Hello,

Back on 8/13 I was diagnosed with a 2 cm mass suspicious of RCC:  Incidental find.  Chest and abdomen CT were both clean other than the proverbial isolated 3mm pulmonary nodule that was labeled to be inflammation worthy of observation but not associated with the kidney cancer.  After consults with multiple surgeons and urologist consults, the prognosis was good and treatment ranged from 6 month observation to cryoblasty to partial nephrectomy.  

Last Tuesday I had robotic partial nephrectomy at University of Chicago.  The surgeon, who was outstanding, said my instincts to get it out were correct as it looked different from what the scans suggested.  It seemed to have traits of being aggressive due to visual inflammation. He took out more than he expected, but thought he got it all.  We would have to wait for the path report to be sure.  If there are any questionable results from path, we go back in and take the kidney.

i was told the results would be available in 7-10 days.  They came back Friday.  He got it all. Clean Margins!  stage pT1aNX 2.1x 2.0 x 1.0 cm RCC conventional clear cell type. It was indeed a tumor that planned on doing damage: Fuhrman grade 3.

I run and exercise regularly.  The surgeon complimented me on my insides saying they were indicative of someone in their 20's.  I'm 58.  Whether this cancer somehow snuck its way into my system despite the clean margins, or any other cancer decides to pick a fight with me, I have sent a message that I will not be an active observant. I will fight whatever comes my way.

I have been home since Wednesday night, and mostly feel good.  I feel blessed.

Other than post op maintenance and the future scans, (which will include the lung), no further treatment at this time.  If anyone knows of any questions I should be asking when I go for my follow up, please share them.

Bless you all.