Everyone’s journey is different. September 29 an ultrasound on my kidney’s found a 4.2 cm mass. Report said “Suspicious for renal cell carcinoma.” October 12 - MRI. Confirmed mass in kidney with central location. October 17 consult with firstUrologist. Recommended partial nephrectomy. October 20 - CT of chest to rule out lung metastasis. December 5 - second urologist consult. His opinion was radical nephrectomy secondary to location of tumor. Tumor in center of kidney next to renal artery. December 21- had third opinion from different urologist. Recommendation was partial nephrectomy. All three said the same thing that 90% old renal growths/mass/tumors are cancerous and needs to be removed. None of the three pushed for a biopsy of my kidney. All three suggested and or stated that they were not fully reliable. I decided to have the radical nephrectomy based on the information I received. I chose to have the “cancer” removed and entire kidney resected. January 12 - radical nephrectomy was done. Out of hospital in less than 24 hours from surgery and am progressing well, except for high blood pressure. January 19 - I receive the pathology report and the tumor was non-cancerous, it was deemed a “oncocytoma” a rare benign tumor. I had diagnostic tests, three separate urology consults, a nephrology consult and I made my decision. The “best laid plans of mice and men.” I now have one working kidney, right kidney removed and the tumor was found to be non-cancerous. WOW! Now of all things I have guilt, with knowing I do not have cancer. Why me? The statistics to have what I have are overwhelmingly rare. Blessings to all as you navigate this maze of treatment. Blessings to all to find strength. Blessings to all to find peace.
Doug