I'm new here, this is my story

Baby_Jay
Baby_Jay Member Posts: 3 *
in Kidney Cancer #1

Hello everyone! I have had right flank pain for many years, like 15 or so. every scan and diag test has been normal. I also have a painful inflammatory disease in my bladder called interstitial cystitis for 22 years. In the past few years I have had a few UTIs and more severe right flank pain which has led me to have more ultrasounds and scans. In Feb 2021 I had an ultrasound that spotted a simple cyst 1.9 cm inferior pole on the left kidney that was confirmed with a later CT scan. Then in Aug 2023 I went to the ER for severe chest (lung) pain and SOB, CT showed a 3mm nodule right middle lobe. Aug 2023 had an ultrasound that showed a 2.7 cm simple cyst in the lower pole and another one 1.6 cm in the mid kidney (left). Mar 2024 ultrasound 2.5 simple cyst inferior pole, no mention of the previous find of a second cyst. Then Nov 2024 I went to the ER with severe R Flank pain so bad I could hardly move. CT shows 3.0 cm Low-attenuation lesion in left kidney measures 32 Hounsfield units. It also showed severe spinal degeneration L5 to S1 and recommended MRI. I had an MRI on my spine and kidneys (with and w/o contrast) The MRI confirmed that spinal degeneration and other issues was the source of my right flank pain. Here is the final report on my left kidney: there is a 3.2 x 2.7 cm ovoid exophytic lesion at the left inferior pole. this demonstrates intermediate T1 signal, low T1 signal, and no significant enhancement. IMPRESSION: * there is a 3.2 cm left inferior pole relan cortical lesion with signal characteristics suggesting a hemorrhagic or proteinaceous cyst. no suspicious nodular enhancing component.

During my follow up appointment with my GP in Jan., he referred me to a urologist and I have an appointment for Mar 20. During my Dr. Google searches, I wasn't too concerned about cancer because everything I read said that if the lesion is under 4 cm it is not likely to be cancer. But now that I found this site and read a lot of your experiences, I feel like now I very likely do have cancer. I am not worried or freaking out about it. What do you all think?

Comments

  • Baby_Jay
    Baby_Jay Member Posts: 3 *
    #2

    I forgot to mention that I am 49 year old male.

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,051 Member
    #3

    Wow- you have had lots of diagnostics. Make sure the test results are to the Urologist prior to your appointment. That will mean you have to authorize the readings be sent to him ASAP.

    Then it is time to have him interpret what they mean and how it affects you NOW. If the Urologist is also an oncologist, so much the better. Otherwise, you also be referred to the Onc.

    Until then, you are in a holding pattern. Since mine were all removed with surgery (3) over 3 years time, I'm not up on the latest drugs that are in use for shrinking tumors, immunotherapies, etc.

    Hang in there, keep exercising, drink water (not soda or booze) and eat balanced meals.

    And Good Luck.

    donna_lee

  • Baby_Jay
    Baby_Jay Member Posts: 3 *
    #4

    I also have a 5 mm cyst on my liver, which concerns me. I guess if they are calling it a cyst should be good news, but you never know with cancer. I tend to assume worse case when it comes to my health. I have read many pages of this site and your experiences with the surgery. I have a good idea what to expect. I am a bus driver, so I should probably expect to be off work for a little longer than most of you. I am hoping so much for lapriscopic surgery for the shorter recovery. I still have a few weeks before I see the urologist so I have no idea what's going on yet. Not looking forward to any of this!!!!!

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