Ablation vs removal

Sheila Mc
Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
in Kidney Cancer #1

i am back again after three years, I had a small tumor in my kidney and had an ablation which appeared successful. My yearly MRI showed the tumor had returned; as before it is less than an inch in size. Another ablation a month ago was unsuccessful. The radiology department, after reviewing the MRI, has stated the tumor is next to my drainage and the Warmth likely prevented the complete freezing of the tumor.

A partial nephrectomy is not an option because of the location so I can have another, more aggressive, ablation or removal of the kidney. 

Will you share your experiences regarding removal or has anyone had an aggressive ablation? 
thanks in advance 

Comments

  • Biner
    Biner Member Posts: 137 Member
    #2
    I'm no doctor but I bet for

    I'm no doctor but I bet for removal!

  • Deanie0916
    Deanie0916 Member Posts: 628 Member
    #3
    Hi Sheila

    I don't know anything about ablations. Just wanted you to know I'm sending good thoughts, vibes and prayers your way.

  • Bay Area Guy
    Bay Area Guy Member Posts: 620 Member
    edited September 2020 #4
    Tough question.  I've not

    Tough question.  I've not heard of aggressive ablation before.  However, instead of cryoablation, perhaps radio frequency ablation, which uses high energy waves that heat the tumor, might be an option.

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #5

    Mine was 18 years ago and I'm still kicking.

     

     

     

     

    icemantoo

  • AliceB1950
    AliceB1950 Member Posts: 244 Member
    edited September 2020 #6
    I had a total nephrectomy two

    I had a total nephrectomy two years ago.  They're actually less complicated than a partial.

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2020 #7
    AliceB1950 said:

    I had a total nephrectomy two

    I had a total nephrectomy two years ago.  They're actually less complicated than a partial.

    Total nephrectomy

    Alice B, will you answer a question or two? 
    how long was your hospital stay?

    what was your recovery time?

    thanks in advance

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2020 #8
    Bay Area Guy said:

    Tough question.  I've not

    Tough question.  I've not heard of aggressive ablation before.  However, instead of cryoablation, perhaps radio frequency ablation, which uses high energy waves that heat the tumor, might be an option.

    Cryoablation

    I haven't heard of it either. I had a cryoablation three years ago which appeared to be successful until my latest MRI. Unfortunately my HMO changed hospitals and I was sent to a different group for my latest procedure, which was unsuccessful. They were aware of my history and seem surprised that this didn't work, but are stating they have a more aggressive treatment plan. 
    I don't know if I want to go that route again or just have the kidney removed since the tumor is in an awkward place to reach. Trust is important. 

  • AliceB1950
    AliceB1950 Member Posts: 244 Member
    edited September 2020 #9
    Sheila Mc said:

    Total nephrectomy

    Alice B, will you answer a question or two? 
    how long was your hospital stay?

    what was your recovery time?

    thanks in advance

    I was in the hospital one

    I was in the hospital one night after surgery, went home the next day.  I walked a lot around the house, slept on a fairly firm futon in sofa mode so I wouldn't turn over (and used a lot of pillows).  I was hiking (slowly) in a park the next week.  I was 65, flabby, and a couch potato, so it's not like I was in great shape.

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2020 #10
    AliceB1950 said:

    I was in the hospital one

    I was in the hospital one night after surgery, went home the next day.  I walked a lot around the house, slept on a fairly firm futon in sofa mode so I wouldn't turn over (and used a lot of pillows).  I was hiking (slowly) in a park the next week.  I was 65, flabby, and a couch potato, so it's not like I was in great shape.

    One night in hospital

    Thank you so much for sharing that. 

  • misterace
    misterace Member Posts: 37 Member
    #11
    Second opinion?

    Hi Shiela, 

     

    Maybe it's worth getting a few opinions especially from urologists that specialize in RCC? Might help give you an idea of the best approach.

    As laypersons, we only know so much, but I am wishing you the best possibel scenario :)

     

    My Partial was done by an RCC specialist and it was a very difficult one that most Urologists wouldn'e have even bothered with. Having said that, my recovery was tough and I prior to my diagnosies I was a relatively healthy and active 33 year old. 

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,045 Member
    #12
    My opinion at Dx...

    Let's get that sucker our of there.  It had already mets to liver, and as they found a set of nodes.  When it reoccured in other nodes over the next 2 years, I had the same quick decision, get them out ASAP.  I was 63 the first time...and am now 77.  Yeah, open surgery takes a longer recoverly (none of mine were able to lap surgeries because of the locations).  Recovery wasn't fast, but I did get better and live to encourage others on this board.

    Where you live may limit your source of treatment and insurance may limit your referrals.  But I encourage you to bite the bullet and have the whole kidney out before it starts shedding more cells.

    Hugs and Best Wishes,

    donna_lee

  • Allochka
    Allochka Member Posts: 1,074 Member
    #13
    Hello,

    Hello,

    Donna is right - get it out! 

    I've read somewhere that ablation has a bit higher recurrence rate than surgery (both partial or total). Also, after surgery you'll be able to biopsy it and know exactly what are your dealing with. Subtype, agressiveness. This is a very important info.

    Lots of people with full nephrectomies here, and all is well.

    Good luck to you!

     

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    #14
    Nephrectomy

    I had a consultation with the Radiology group last week to discuss possible next steps. I decided to bite the bullet and have it removed. My urologist is planning a laparoscopic procedure to minimize recovery time. 
    thank you so much for your honesty. 

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    #15

    I appreciate all of your input. I have decided to go with a laparoscopic removal of the kidney.

    I had Breast Cancer 21 years ago and as treatment we decided on a mastectomy and reconstruction. The reconstruction was a disaster and I ended up having a second procedure. So, in hindsight, I think I have been trying to avoid more trauma and go with less invasive procedure. But of course the tumor is in a unique spot..... so, take that sucker out and move on. 
    thanks again to everyone

  • Bay Area Guy
    Bay Area Guy Member Posts: 620 Member
    #16
    Sheila Mc said:

    I appreciate all of your input. I have decided to go with a laparoscopic removal of the kidney.

    I had Breast Cancer 21 years ago and as treatment we decided on a mastectomy and reconstruction. The reconstruction was a disaster and I ended up having a second procedure. So, in hindsight, I think I have been trying to avoid more trauma and go with less invasive procedure. But of course the tumor is in a unique spot..... so, take that sucker out and move on. 
    thanks again to everyone

    Best wishes for a totally

    Best wishes for a totally boring and uneventful surgery.

  • eug91
    eug91 Member Posts: 471 Member
    edited September 2020 #17
    You're gonna do great, Sheila-

    Sorry you had to join us, but we know what you're going through. We got through it, so we know you will, too! 

    I had my laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in 2018. If you haven't already, you can read my overly-long description of everything here- https://csn.cancer.org/node/318416

    Let us know if you have any questions/concerns. You've got this!

     

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