← Return to Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

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@colleenyoung

Hi @nivek, I wish you the best of luck with surgery next week. I can understand your seeking tips for what to expect after surgery. @dougr19 @koke @2ndjourney @lbrockme @drmarci @buckeyeveteran and others, how was recovery from surgery for you? What tips might you have for Nivek? What do you wish you had known?

@nivek, what type of surgery will you be having? Complete or partial nephrectomy?Laparoscopic, robotic surgery?

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Replies to "Hi @nivek, I wish you the best of luck with surgery next week. I can understand..."

I had two separate partial nephrectomys with robotic surgery.
There was some pain after surgery but I was up and moving within the first day. First surgery was actually much easier then second , but in both I was home in 2 or 3days , moving up and down but slowly. You'll likely need some help the first week with meals and medications etc. I found I was a little fuzzy brained for the first 4 or 5 days. Some people have pain from the gas used, but I did not really have much. I used pain meds the first 2 to 3 days and then only one at night to sleep well for 2 or 3 days after that. Then just Tylenol if I moved a lot for the following week. Fatigue was my biggest issue for about 3 weeks, and it's important to get rest, eat well and be hydrated well ... to keep the kidneys from going into shock from the surgery. You need to treat your body well for a few weeks. Hoping it all goes smoothly and you recover quickly.

Everyone who responded covered the things that happened post surgery…it’s amazing how much I’ve forgotten over the year and half since kidney removal! I blame my memory on the strong chemo drug (Cabo) and immunotherapy IV (Nivo). As long as it keeps the cancer away, I’m good with a bit of a lapse of memory:)
Prayers are with you and all of us! Prior to surgery, I was very scared about surgery and life. I’ve had so much done since my kidney removal, any surgery/procedure doesn’t affect me and I am very spiritual knowing I’m being taken care of! Praying is amazing for me!