New here and have Kidney surgery July 24th

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Psea103
Psea103 Member Posts: 8
in Kidney Cancer #1

i recently had a diagnosis of a 4.5 cm unidentified mass on left kidney after having kidney stone removal. Doc isn't sure it is cancer; he said it is 50/50. Also, he isn't sure that it will be a partial or total operation, or laparoscopic or open. He won't know until he does the procedure. Boy am I scared!

first time at 55 years old of this kind of experience. Would someone who has been through this kindly share so I can start to get a grip on what to expect. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #2
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    Welcome to the club

    Psea,

     

    You were in the same situation as I was 15 years ago although partials were not being done than. It was scheduled as a lap with a possable game time change to open which did not happen. At 4.5 cm it is probably on the large side for a partial, but that is up to the doctor. So far no one has volunteered for our club. The surgery is no fun, but absent the unexpected you should have a good recovery and prognosis. I had just turned 59 when I was nephed.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Psea103
    Psea103 Member Posts: 8
    #3
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    icemantoo said:

    Welcome to the club

    Psea,

     

    You were in the same situation as I was 15 years ago although partials were not being done than. It was scheduled as a lap with a possable game time change to open which did not happen. At 4.5 cm it is probably on the large side for a partial, but that is up to the doctor. So far no one has volunteered for our club. The surgery is no fun, but absent the unexpected you should have a good recovery and prognosis. I had just turned 59 when I was nephed.

     

    Icemantoo

    Thank you for sharing.

    This is my first post and I am scared and hoping for the best.

  • Retcenturion
    Retcenturion Member Posts: 240 Member
    #4
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    Scared seems normal

    My cancer was through an incidental find this March .My surgeon knew it was cancer and had done hundreds of procedures. It would be confirmed by pathology report post o p. If its benign your lucky and live with just a scare. If its cancer you need to educate yourself about different treatments. There is a great source of info on this forum to answer your questions and concerns. Research past posts and ask any questions ... It will probably be answered quickly.  Take a breath, try and relax, there are many long time survivors here who have helped scared people like us.

  • Steve.Adam
    Steve.Adam Member Posts: 463 Member
    #5
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    Hi Psea

    Nice to meet you.

    Reading through some old threads is probably a great way to learn about others' experiences. You can follow individuals from diagnosis to recovery.

    I am 55 in August and had a radical right nephrectomy and that was 4.5 months ago.  I am feeling great now and expect to be cancer free in future.

    Steve.

  • Psea103
    Psea103 Member Posts: 8
    #6
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    Thanks

    for sharing. I am trying to get my head around all of this. I still am dealing with a kidney stone and the symptoms from it. I appreciate everyone's input. It is no small thing to have to deal with this. I have a very supportive family, and that does help a lot. Thank you.

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    #7
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    I'm so sorry you have to be

    I'm so sorry you have to be here but it's a great place for support. We've all been where you are: scared, anxious, you name it. I definitely think you should get a second opinion, preferably from someone who specializes in kidney cancer and nephrectomies. Depending on where yours is located, a partial may be performed, and if possible, would be the best option. Open or lap is irrelevant IMO. I know many people advocate lap as easier, less painful, quicker to heal, but I had an open partial and my recovery was no different from those who had lap. I spent two nights in the hospital and was up and walking the evening of the surgery. So it's not necessarily true that an open is worse or a lap is better. Find out all your options before going through the surgery. All the very best to you!

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