Rush to nephrectomy or wait?

I'm 83, and was diagnosed with malignant lesion on left kidney March of 2023. Urologist said I had to have total nephrectomy. Because of my age and what I had read about the procedure and its aftermath I decided against it. I have instead been on Keytruda alone for the last twenty months with 18 infusions. I am scheduled for number 19 tomorrow. I have had severe skin rash from Keytruda, but other than that, I am still active. I know that this a difficult decision.

@ronsale I had my left kidney removed at age 55 and had no effects after. Nothing like the side effects from Keytruda.

I had a kidney cancer removed 61, yes 61 years ago. They had no chemo or immunotherapy. My philosophy personally is, “ when in doubt cut it out”.

My 53 year old son had kidney cancer in January, 2025 and had everything removed that they could….the kidney, ureter, renal artery and vein, and fat around his kidney. Negative margins is giving him a good chance to not have a reoccurrence. He is doing Keytruda too.

Both of us are doing just fine with one kidney! Good luck!

@ronsale
thanks for your thoughts and best of luck with number 19 .

@susanris
thank you, and best to you and your son.

Village1, I also have kidney cancer found incidental to another problem, and at the same time, a questionable spot on my right lung. I was referred to an Oncologist, and she thought I would benefit from radiation. It was done over a period of three weeks (not every day), but there was little change three months after the radiation. She suggested that I have a MRI in six months as follow up. I have had an MRI every six months since the radiation, and the tumor has not grown or metastasized. I will continue this regimen until something changes. It may never change, and realistically, at my age I will likely experience a natural death.
My lung cancer, unrelated to the kidney tumor, was treated with radiation and appears to be taken care of. I need to have a CAT every three months for two years for follow-up. So far, so good.
All of that said, I would suggest that you visit an Oncologist and get their opinion, and perhaps a second opinion as to a treatment regimen that you will benefit from. Your primary care provider may be able to refer you. I know it is scary, and wish you good luck.

@mapleskoff
thanks for the share and insight - and empathy - and sending right back to you with best wishes.

My answer is “ when in doubt cut it out”. Too many chances for one bitty bitty cell to go to your brain, etc. I hope after my and my son’s experience this helps you reach a decision, 🙏🏻

@village1
You are welcome! I share because I care.
When in doubt cut it out.
It’s timing not the rhyming!
I hope I am not terse as I am a nurse🙏🏻

@susanris your verse is not terse, nurse; shared care informs healing outcomes. (heart emoji here:)