Rush to nephrectomy or wait?

Posted by village1 @village1, Nov 15 11:53am

Recent accidental discovery of interpolar left kidney exophytic lesion 2.7x1.8x3.3 cm. Urologist says either complete removal of kidney through laparoscopic surgery or do nothing because it is stage 1 and small and I am 74. Have checked lungs - clear - no other known evidence of spreading. I fear spreading, so am leaning toward surgery, which also frightens me. Anyone with similar experience? thoughts? I'm kinda flying blind here, haven't shared this info with family yet. Wishing to educate myself further to share with them rather than only alarm them. Thanks - and best to you. all.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney Cancer Support Group.

susanris | @susanris | Nov 21 9:08pm

In reply to @village1 "@susanris your verse is not terse, nurse; shared care informs healing outcomes. (heart emoji here:)" + (show)

@village1
Thank you for your rhyming reply! I hope you consider my advise so that you have “clear margins” with no tumor and the best chance at a bright tomorrow❣️

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 29 7:57pm

In reply to @village1 "@susanris your verse is not terse, nurse; shared care informs healing outcomes. (heart emoji here:)" + (show)

@village1, how are you doing with deciding on your treatment options?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 30 11:53am

In reply to @nancy4058 "@ronsale I had my left kidney removed at age 55 and had no effects after. Nothing..." + (show)

@nancy4058, have you been diagnosed with kidney cancer and are currently on Keytruda?

mah7925 | @mah7925 | Dec 1 2:15pm

Just a FYI and may be a repeat of my post. I took my first infusion of keytruda and continue to have arthritis flare ups. Trying to manage those with Tylenol but not very effective. I’m still “experimenting “ with hydroxychloroquine and prednisone. So far, the best remedy for hand stiffness and pain has been, so far, is 5 mg prednisone and 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine on one day so far.
I’m trying to take the minimum amount of drugs to manage this.

susanris | @susanris | Dec 1 2:47pm

Having had kidney cancer in 1964 ( 8 cm tumor) there were no options other than nephrectomy. I am blessed with 2 adult children, grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I am a nurse.
My 53 year old son had a nephrectomy for kidney cancer and had a radical nephrectomy and is taking 9 rounds of Keytruda -although all surgical margins were clear, immunotherapy was chosen. So far, praise God, he is doing just fine.
My ending personal philosophy: when in doubt, cut it out.
Good journey to you!