FOLLOW UP TESTS AFTER SURGERY

rscott12345 said:

Follow up tests after surgery
Hi Corey,

I had stage 1 3cm papillary tumor removed last June and had one recheck at 6 months. My next is at one year. I think the aggressiveness and stage of your cancer determine how often you need to be checked. What grade was your tumor? I was grade 2 with 1 the best and 4 the most aggressive.

Hope this helps.

Hi Corey and Rscott,
I have
Hi Corey and Rscott,

I have heard of some getting scans every three months for the first year, and then if still not evidence of the cancer, then goes down to every 6 months for the first 5 years, after that it's usually once a year for the rest of your life. Kidney cancer isn't like the others when you hit the 5 yr mark most other cancers tend not to return, but I have heard that some folks have it come back 10 to 20yrs later as this is a sneaky beast. I am papillary type 2 stage 4 grade 4, I am 45yrs old, and have only known about me having it for 8 months. What ever tests that your doctor orders, please have them done. Oh, I don't know if you all know this, but I'll put it in anyway, the contrast dye for ct scans is very hard on the remaining kidney, so if you have the dye please ask your doctor to run the tests for kidney function before you go for the scan, and drink alot of water after to aid in the removal.

Also if you expeirence any new bone pain please let your doctors know then a bone scan will be in order, do not take anything for granted when it comes to rcc as it can show up in the weirdest of places.

I hope this helps too!

Maryann

bob50 said:

follow up
cory50,
I also had my left kidney removed I had stage two cancer and ironically my surery was the same day as yours and I also do not have a follow up scan until june.
bob50

cory50
Right Kidney out in 2006 and had CT's every 3 months for a year. Recurrence in 2007 and Dr. thought that would be it and only did CT's every 6 months that second year. Wrong! Recurrence in 2008 - so now I'm on every 3 months. Or now, because of a spot on my liver, every 2 months. He prescribes Acetylcyst (mucomist) to be taken the night before and morning of the test. (It is vile tasting-I finally found that mixing it into a few ounces of Cran-Raspberry covers the taste.) It helps thin all fluids in the body and helps the kidney process the dye better. Have my next test on Monday -and as I call it, my "poopy day" since the barium sulfate goes thru me like a freight train.
Keep your chin up. Donna Lee

imbkuz said:

Maryann,
You always have
Maryann,
You always have such valuable information. It didn't even occur to me to run tests for kidney functions on remaining kidney when taking dye for ct scan. You sound like an amazing lady who is extremely proactive and helpful with this weird cancer.I have told my husband not to ignore any symptoms. You're definitely making a difference in my families life. Thank you for being you!We need you on this site as do your loved ones.I am praying for you. God Bless.
imbkuz

Your welcome, and I did
Your welcome, and I did forget about the mucomist that is supposed to prevent damage to the remaining kidney so I thank others for their help, none of us knows it all, it takes all of us. Thats how I have learned along the way through others, with this cancer you have to stay updated. Thanks for reading.

Maryann