New, neurotic and terrified.

Hi, Siobhan 20, 

Sorry you have had to join here. I'm a newbie too.  I'm a 54 yoa female, thought I was having a gall bladder issue, so CT with contrast was ordered and a 3.1 mass was found on my left kidney.  Then a CT guided biopsy was done on January 28 and 2 days later, was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, clear cell.  I'm scheduled for surgery on February 20 but was told I was not at risk and could wait til May, as my son is getting married in April.

I have times when I'm scared and anxious, but am thankful it was found early, and praying surgery will get rid of it! Will be praying for you! Know you are not alone! 

Lynn

The doctors give you their educated guess based on all their experience.   If they are telling you its okay to wait, then you have to decide if that is right for you.

In general, most tumors on average grow 1/2 cm a year.  Some faster, some slower.  Location is very important too.  Family history.  I think you just have to make the best decisions you can, at the time.  This was one of the hardest things for my husband and I to grasp.  We were given many choices, differing opinions, and it was all up to us.  We wanted it to be more straightforward, but it isnt.  It is worth it to find an experienced doctor, and to save as much kidney as possible.  

The mental torture you are feeling will get better in time, especially when you get the surgery done.  For that reason alone, I hope you both have your surgeries soon.

Re the bump on your foot.  Probably nothing.  Ask your doctor.  They can xray your foot for a quick look.  

Sorry you had to join us, but this is a great forum. We've been through what you're going through, so we know that you're going to do great. We're here for you.

The good news is that your tumor is still on the smaller side. If it's under 4cm, there's little/no chance of it having spread. So yes, you are lower risk right now. But that's not the most comforting thing if they're going to make you wait. The mental side of fighting RCC can be just as taxing as the physical side, so don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for them to move you up - or possibly find another doctor for a consult. 

As for the bump on the foot, it can't be related to your RCC, but it's not going to stop your mind from going to worst-case-scenarios. Since my diagnosis, every ache I get makes me think that it's a cancer recurrence - pain in my leg (turned out to be a sore muscle), pain in my jaw (turned out to be a cavity), pain in my back (turned out I'm a decrepit old man). 

Good luck. We're with you - you've got this! 

Hi Siobhan, so sorry you had to join us but hopefully we can answer your questions and give you the support you need. Mine was a little bit smaller (3.5) when found January 1st and did not have surgery until March 17. The chance of it spreading at that small size is extremely slim so I would not worry about your foot. Unfortunately that's what this diagnosis does: turns every single thing into the dreaded M word. I'm six years out and still every time I have aches or pains the first thought is "did it come back; did it spread." Hopefully the surgery will be behind you soon and you can focus on recovering. The anticipation and anxiety was the worst part of my experience. Way worse than the surgery itself. All the best to you! 

eug91 said:

welcome Lynn-

Sorry you had to join us, but this is a great forum. Good luck with your surgery! Many of us have been through it, so we know you're going to get through it and do great. 

And maybe more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS on your son's wedding! 

Good luck! 

Thank you for the welcome and the congrats on wedding! He just turned 30 in January so it's time! Lol! 
Will definitely let you all know how the surgery goes! 

Siobhan20 said:

Thank you Alice. I‘m hoping

Thank you Alice. I‘m hoping you are now fully recovered? xx

Recovery from the surgery wasn't bad - in spite of what my body thought the first two or three days!  Walking is the best thing to help you heal.  Now it's just scans two or three times a year, and bloodwork about every three months to keep an eye on the solo kidney function.  I had my first visit with a nephrologist yesterday, and she said I'm doing everything right so far, and when my blood numbers deviate from normal, so far they're still in the right range for someone with one kidney.  She'll electronically monitor my blood test results done by my oncologist and primary care physician, and let me know if any problems pop up.  So that's how normal is now - you'll get used to it!