Anyone with similar overwhelming health situation

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EBD
EBD Member Posts: 10
in Kidney Cancer #1

Just trying to get a handle on my husband's situation.. so overwhelming..I am going to list his situation below..can anyone relate or has same health conditions

as this and had kidney removed:

Age:  54 - never smoked, drank alcohol or done any recreational drugs

type 2 diabetes - 25 years

Arial fibilliation - has pacemaker for low heart beat

(has tried ablation and cardioversion to correct afib - did not work)

overweight - by about 80lbs (life long battle)

congestive heart issues about 5 years ago - went on diurectics but is now off them due to kidney damage

Kidney cancer diagnosed 2 days ago - 4" long tumor on right kidney

Left kidney ok

taking many meds: 

ferrous sulfate

Ranitidine

lantus

Glimipride

Amlodipine Besylate

Atenolol

Steraline

Discontinued warfarin after kidneycancer diagnosis 2 days ago.

so overwhelming..I want to cry.

 

Comments

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #2
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    rather than repeat many of our stories

    read our posts. Everyone has a variation to the same theme. It is easier to respond to more direct questions. Believe me he will manage. Don't let your imagination take over. You'll be of no help if you let yourself go insane. It is a lot to deal with but one look at this site tells you that you are not alone. Just think of how lucky it was to find the tumor because not finding it is something worth worrying about.

  • pamstayner
    pamstayner Member Posts: 111 Member
    #3
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    Does not look alarming to me

    I only count 7 meds.... That is the same number I take.  I am fat too. I don't have diabetes ..yet.. and I consider myself in good health... except for this cancer thing.  I know I am gonna die.  Everybody does.  But it will not be from kidney cancer.  Could be a bus, or a truck, or a sinkhole.. I don't know.  And I will not allow myself to dwell on the sadness of cancer as my fate.

    I encourage you to look for a good RCC oncologist, and when you have faith in a good team, let them handle it.  Support your husband, and get good support for yourself.  Worry is a huge waste of time, and wasting time is a cardinal offense in the game of life.  Attitude towards this cancer is half the battle. A good attitude gives you a huge advantage.  Glass half full stuff, you know.  

    I know you may feel overwhelmed, scared, and a little despondent.  You reached a good group who, if you ask, will give you great advice and experiences ... as we all are where you are.... 

    Pam

     

  • Steve.Adam
    Steve.Adam Member Posts: 463 Member
    edited April 2017 #4
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    It IS alarming to me

    Since he's taking insulin and sulfonylurea his diabetes is fairly advanced.

    Diabetes is a horrible disease. In your husbands case it is probably worse than the cancer.  Diabetes is described as a managable but progressive disease. Surgery will remove the cancer, forever I hope, but the diabetes and heart disease will still be there.

    Drugs will slow them down but only lifestyle changes have any chance of turning it around. That means radical changes to diet.

    It's not easy to start a change, but once started he will never want to go back.

    Steve.

     

  • EBD
    EBD Member Posts: 10
    #5
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    Steve.Adam said:

    It IS alarming to me

    Since he's taking insulin and sulfonylurea his diabetes is fairly advanced.

    Diabetes is a horrible disease. In your husbands case it is probably worse than the cancer.  Diabetes is described as a managable but progressive disease. Surgery will remove the cancer, forever I hope, but the diabetes and heart disease will still be there.

    Drugs will slow them down but only lifestyle changes have any chance of turning it around. That means radical changes to diet.

    It's not easy to start a change, but once started he will never want to go back.

    Steve.

     

    Yes the diet will be a big

    Yes the diet will be a big change..The diabetes is worse..and that is what I am afraid of with surgery.  Diabetics do not heal quickly.

    Thank you so much for your comments.. very helpful and encouraging.

  • EBD
    EBD Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2017 #6
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    pamstayner said:

    Does not look alarming to me

    I only count 7 meds.... That is the same number I take.  I am fat too. I don't have diabetes ..yet.. and I consider myself in good health... except for this cancer thing.  I know I am gonna die.  Everybody does.  But it will not be from kidney cancer.  Could be a bus, or a truck, or a sinkhole.. I don't know.  And I will not allow myself to dwell on the sadness of cancer as my fate.

    I encourage you to look for a good RCC oncologist, and when you have faith in a good team, let them handle it.  Support your husband, and get good support for yourself.  Worry is a huge waste of time, and wasting time is a cardinal offense in the game of life.  Attitude towards this cancer is half the battle. A good attitude gives you a huge advantage.  Glass half full stuff, you know.  

    I know you may feel overwhelmed, scared, and a little despondent.  You reached a good group who, if you ask, will give you great advice and experiences ... as we all are where you are.... 

    Pam

     

    Looking forward to meeting

    Looking forward to meeting with the team of Drs who will be on my husband's case.  that is so important as you have said.

    And a good attitude is as well..and I like yours.

    Thank you for your advice:)

     

  • damatken
    damatken Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2017 #7
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    Fox is right

     Try not to let your imagination take over.  Remember, you are NOT alone! Keep reading everyones experience with this beast.  You will find that many go through similar emotions and medication.  Hang in there! 

  • Steve.Adam
    Steve.Adam Member Posts: 463 Member
    edited April 2017 #8
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    EBD said:

    Yes the diet will be a big

    Yes the diet will be a big change..The diabetes is worse..and that is what I am afraid of with surgery.  Diabetics do not heal quickly.

    Thank you so much for your comments.. very helpful and encouraging.

    I just wish I could really help.

    I can imagine how you feel right now but I just can't think of anything really helpful for you. The first few days after getting this news are bad. Once you get over the shock you will probably settle down to your new reality.

    It's not exactly normal life but you will feel less overwhelmed.

    The medical system operates at its own pace... Consultations... Waiting... Scans... Waiting... Tests... Waiting...

    What I am trying to say is that you have time to get used to things, and think and learn and make decisions.

    You probably also have time to fall apart a little and get yourself back together.

    Do you have any friends you can lean on if needed?

    Steve.

  • EBD
    EBD Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2017 #9
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    Steve.Adam said:

    I just wish I could really help.

    I can imagine how you feel right now but I just can't think of anything really helpful for you. The first few days after getting this news are bad. Once you get over the shock you will probably settle down to your new reality.

    It's not exactly normal life but you will feel less overwhelmed.

    The medical system operates at its own pace... Consultations... Waiting... Scans... Waiting... Tests... Waiting...

    What I am trying to say is that you have time to get used to things, and think and learn and make decisions.

    You probably also have time to fall apart a little and get yourself back together.

    Do you have any friends you can lean on if needed?

    Steve.

    family/friends support

    yes we have alot of family and friends support:)  we are very lucky.

    Falling apart happens daily..mostly me..my husband is a rock.

    Once we have test results and agame plan we can move on.

  • EBD
    EBD Member Posts: 10
    #10
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    damatken said:

    Fox is right

     Try not to let your imagination take over.  Remember, you are NOT alone! Keep reading everyones experience with this beast.  You will find that many go through similar emotions and medication.  Hang in there! 

    I am nto sure I am replying

    I am nto sure I am replying correctly but anyway Thank you to damatken..

    I have only been in this group a few days and it has provided so much vaulable support and information.

    I am so grateful.

  • dhs1963
    dhs1963 Member Posts: 513
    #11
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    I am 53 yo....insulin dependent diabetic

    I have one kidney (thanks cancer), part of one lung removed (thanks cancer), 4 cardiac stents (thanks genetics), diabetes (I earned that one), and a pacemaker (heart stops when I faint, a couple of times per year).  I have genetically very high cholesterol (w/o meds, 400; with meds, about 220-250, but extremely low HDL).  The diabetes is insulin dependent because of the loss of the kidney -- or possibibly from that.  Insulin is not hard on the kidney and controls the diabetes.  Other meds are hard on the kidney.

    I take Lantus, Humalog, Lipitor, Tricor, zetia, lopressor, effient, zoloft, prilosec (perscription strength), and asprin.  You are not alone.

     

     

  • EBD
    EBD Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2017 #12
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    dhs1963 said:

    I am 53 yo....insulin dependent diabetic

    I have one kidney (thanks cancer), part of one lung removed (thanks cancer), 4 cardiac stents (thanks genetics), diabetes (I earned that one), and a pacemaker (heart stops when I faint, a couple of times per year).  I have genetically very high cholesterol (w/o meds, 400; with meds, about 220-250, but extremely low HDL).  The diabetes is insulin dependent because of the loss of the kidney -- or possibibly from that.  Insulin is not hard on the kidney and controls the diabetes.  Other meds are hard on the kidney.

    I take Lantus, Humalog, Lipitor, Tricor, zetia, lopressor, effient, zoloft, prilosec (perscription strength), and asprin.  You are not alone.

     

     

    Thank you so so much for sharing your situation..  sounds so similar to Rich (hubby). even the meds are similar.

    He earned his diabetes too;)

    You don't know how much this means to me to know we are not alone.

    When you have a moment let me know how you changed your lifestyle with one kidney. I am assuming diet was key.

    That will be the hardest change for Rich..He is 1/2 italian and 1/2 irish and food has always been a focal point of our lives. 

    Just curious how you turned it around.. and how your recovery went.

    Thank you again for sharing....very very helpful..  I am so grateful for this group.

  • dhs1963
    dhs1963 Member Posts: 513
    #13
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    EBD said:

    Thank you so so much for sharing your situation..  sounds so similar to Rich (hubby). even the meds are similar.

    He earned his diabetes too;)

    You don't know how much this means to me to know we are not alone.

    When you have a moment let me know how you changed your lifestyle with one kidney. I am assuming diet was key.

    That will be the hardest change for Rich..He is 1/2 italian and 1/2 irish and food has always been a focal point of our lives. 

    Just curious how you turned it around.. and how your recovery went.

    Thank you again for sharing....very very helpful..  I am so grateful for this group.

    Lifestyle changes...

    I am more protective of my kidney.  By that, I mean, I am more agressive about checking my sugar and using insulin.  I do not eat sweets, and try to limit the carbs.  Oh, and I have cut out alcholol (latter was not big deal...but I do miss my cake).  

    I also try to make sure I walk at least 5000 steps a day.  

     

    FWIW, I am jewish.  Food is very important in my culture do.  I love all types of food.  But, for example, instead of potatoes at restaurants, I eat veggies....

     

     

  • Phredswife
    Phredswife Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2017 #14
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    Try not to stress

    Hi EBD Sorry for the stress that you are going through. My hubby had other health issues when he was diagnosed with his 13cm kidney cancer tumour and scared our family so much when he got sick. 3 years on, despite other health issues, his ongoing battle with diabetes and weight issues, he is still here. Sometimes I think he may outlive the rest of us. Your husband is blessed to have you there to support him through his illness.  Wishing you well. Hugs Melissa

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