1. < Kidney & Bladder

Kidney renal mass biopsy

Posted by trishanna @trishanna, Jun 20, 2017

Got as far as the CT scanner when doctor in charge presented me with the option to go forward with the biopsy or cancel, and gave me five minnutes to decide. After listing all possible negative results such a procedure could produce - up to and including removal of my kidney - hospital doctor said she could only say there was a 50/50 chance she'd be able to achieve a biopsy specimen due to location of 2.7 cm cyst. I cancelled. Most extraordinary thing medically that's ever happened to me. To date, I've not heard word one from the hospital or from my urologist. I've no idea what to do. I've had a ct, mri, bladder exam all as a result of small amount of bleeding and pain in my bladder almost two months ago.

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trishanna | @trishanna | Aug 21, 2017
In reply to @predictable "@trishanna, your anxiety and disgust are understandable, and with those under wraps, a conversation with your..." + (show)
@predictable

@trishanna, your anxiety and disgust are understandable, and with those under wraps, a conversation with your urologist is called for -- first to find out whether there was a link between the growth on your kidney and the pain and bleeding in your bladder. It's hard to imagine how those symptoms might be related, so the doctor needs to focus on that when you talk to her/him. The second opinion should come from another urologist rather than a radiologist, who is not certified to deal with kidney diseases (only images from radiology).

Colleen Young has included a link to an earlier discussion of cysts on a kidney, and my own experience is featured in that discussion. If you can take a look at that, you'll know better about where I am coming from based on my experience. Martin

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Thanks for your comments. Is waiting and watching a problem for you? Part of my problem with the original urologist is that he told me nothing, which is how much, therefore, that I know!Only problem is the original: blood in the urine. Still there, but if I understood properly, the kidney mass CANNOT be the cause, so I actually have two problems. Won't know anything new until after the MRI!

REPLY
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Aug 21, 2017
In reply to @predictable "@trishanna, your anxiety and disgust are understandable, and with those under wraps, a conversation with your..." + (show)
@predictable

@trishanna, your anxiety and disgust are understandable, and with those under wraps, a conversation with your urologist is called for -- first to find out whether there was a link between the growth on your kidney and the pain and bleeding in your bladder. It's hard to imagine how those symptoms might be related, so the doctor needs to focus on that when you talk to her/him. The second opinion should come from another urologist rather than a radiologist, who is not certified to deal with kidney diseases (only images from radiology).

Colleen Young has included a link to an earlier discussion of cysts on a kidney, and my own experience is featured in that discussion. If you can take a look at that, you'll know better about where I am coming from based on my experience. Martin

Jump to this post

Hi, @trishanna. Waiting and watching has become the normal for me. At my stage in life (as a senior senior citizen), after cancer in my bladder (all removed and not recurring yet) and harassed by prostate growth, there could be some malignant spots down low in my groin, but watchful waiting is the way to go unless some real discomfort occurs. So I watch pretty intensely for symptom signs and try to hoodwink my medical team into another MRI every year to see whether any masses are showing up or getting larger. So far, so good. I don't plan on any more surgery, although I'll consider it if it offers the chance for a cure or maximum recovery. Martin

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mrmaid11 | @mrmaid11 | Oct 9, 2017

A year ago I had a MRI of my abdomen where they saw a mass on my kidney. This was followed by a biopsy of the mass and it was found to be malignant. I had few options since I have chronic low kidney function. It was suggested I have an ablation of the mas which is done by a radiologist. They did the ablation successfully and all the followup scans have shown the mass is no longer a problem. I am being watched with different scans every three months in part because I had lung cancer 4 years ago and surgery removed the left lower lob of my lung. So far I have been fortunate in both instances since there hasn't' shown to be any other trouble spots. I am comfortable but lingering is always the thought that it is not "if"they will find something but "when" will it be. I am 86 years old , care for a 62 year old special needs daughter so that keeps me going. 0ther tan that, for my age, I am in good health and continue to live independent, cook, take care of my house and drive my car...

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2 replies
trishanna | @trishanna | Oct 9, 2017
In reply to @mrmaid11 "A year ago I had a MRI of my abdomen where they saw a mass on..." + (show)
@mrmaid11

A year ago I had a MRI of my abdomen where they saw a mass on my kidney. This was followed by a biopsy of the mass and it was found to be malignant. I had few options since I have chronic low kidney function. It was suggested I have an ablation of the mas which is done by a radiologist. They did the ablation successfully and all the followup scans have shown the mass is no longer a problem. I am being watched with different scans every three months in part because I had lung cancer 4 years ago and surgery removed the left lower lob of my lung. So far I have been fortunate in both instances since there hasn't' shown to be any other trouble spots. I am comfortable but lingering is always the thought that it is not "if"they will find something but "when" will it be. I am 86 years old , care for a 62 year old special needs daughter so that keeps me going. 0ther tan that, for my age, I am in good health and continue to live independent, cook, take care of my house and drive my car...

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Thanks for posting - I find your words encouraging!! My right kidney will be removed on Friday - condition unknown. A bit scary at 78, and I've a relative who needs my care, so I am less worried about possible cancer than about being able to do for the two of us!!!!

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Oct 11, 2017

Hi @trishanna,

You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the procedure, how you prepare, results, etc of Nephrectomy or kidney removal: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/home/ovc-20326175

@trishanna, when you are able to, please update us with your progress; Connect has a few members like @charlie1947, and our very own Mentor @rosemarya, who've written about their journey and living with one kidney. We wish you all success.

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3 replies
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Oct 12, 2017
In reply to @mrmaid11 "A year ago I had a MRI of my abdomen where they saw a mass on..." + (show)
@mrmaid11

A year ago I had a MRI of my abdomen where they saw a mass on my kidney. This was followed by a biopsy of the mass and it was found to be malignant. I had few options since I have chronic low kidney function. It was suggested I have an ablation of the mas which is done by a radiologist. They did the ablation successfully and all the followup scans have shown the mass is no longer a problem. I am being watched with different scans every three months in part because I had lung cancer 4 years ago and surgery removed the left lower lob of my lung. So far I have been fortunate in both instances since there hasn't' shown to be any other trouble spots. I am comfortable but lingering is always the thought that it is not "if"they will find something but "when" will it be. I am 86 years old , care for a 62 year old special needs daughter so that keeps me going. 0ther tan that, for my age, I am in good health and continue to live independent, cook, take care of my house and drive my car...

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@trishanna, I am thinking about you. I pray for your procedure to go well.

I do live with one kidney (due to a transplant) and I will be here if you want to talk.
Hugs,
Rosemary

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trishanna | @trishanna | Oct 25, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @trishanna, You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hi @trishanna,

You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the procedure, how you prepare, results, etc of Nephrectomy or kidney removal: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/home/ovc-20326175

@trishanna, when you are able to, please update us with your progress; Connect has a few members like @charlie1947, and our very own Mentor @rosemarya, who've written about their journey and living with one kidney. We wish you all success.

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Two weeks out from surgery - removal of my right kidney. Still do not have results from pathologist - is no news good news, I hope. Healing seems okay but complications from surgery continue. Does anyone know when one can sleep on their right side?

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Oct 27, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @trishanna, You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hi @trishanna,

You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the procedure, how you prepare, results, etc of Nephrectomy or kidney removal: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/home/ovc-20326175

@trishanna, when you are able to, please update us with your progress; Connect has a few members like @charlie1947, and our very own Mentor @rosemarya, who've written about their journey and living with one kidney. We wish you all success.

Jump to this post

Hi, @trishanna. It must surely be a relief to have this procedure behind you. I am afraid that I cannot answer the question about sleeping on your tight side because I did not have that procedure. When I had my transplant surgery, I used pillows to prop me up for a while. Have you tried that? Or even sleeping on the sofa where you can prop with pillows, and also get extra support from the sofa back.

I always like to tell myself that no news is good news. But the unknowing is terrible! Did your surgeon schedule a follow-up appointment? Maybe he is waiting until then to share with you.

You mention complications from the surgery. Can I ask you if this is being treated? Any time there are complications, I believe you are justified to call your doctor and find out what to do about it. After what you've gone through, you don't want any more stress on your body.

Let me know what you find out. I hope you feel better soon.
Rosemary

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Oct 27, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @trishanna, You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hi @trishanna,

You might be interested in reading this information from Mayo Clinic, which details the procedure, how you prepare, results, etc of Nephrectomy or kidney removal: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/home/ovc-20326175

@trishanna, when you are able to, please update us with your progress; Connect has a few members like @charlie1947, and our very own Mentor @rosemarya, who've written about their journey and living with one kidney. We wish you all success.

Jump to this post

@trishanna, Oops, I just realized that my surgery was in the front lower left quadrant, I'm not even aware of where the surgery was for your procedure. Rosemary

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trishanna | @trishanna | Oct 27, 2017

Ha! My biggest scar is in the front lower right quadrant in the area of one's appendix, and it itches!!! Follow up with surgeon is the 8th - I've lots of questions so I'll just wait!! Complications include dispute over lungs /oxygen, and now cardiac? For that, I return to my GP next week!! Seems I was perfectly okay presurgery, and suddenly postsurgery not so good. Not especially concerned cause I left home to have my surgery and think all my new medical friends were worried, hopefully incorrectly!! So kind of you to ask. How long before you were able to resume physical activity? I am very worried about my back!!!! And how long did you tire easily?

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