Good Evening,
My name is Doug and I too was just diagnosed with RCC. They will “stage” your cancer and determine from that staging what they will do. Some of those on this web site have had biopsies to determine the cancer. I have not had a biopsy. They told me my course of treatment is a partial nephrectomy. I am currently seeking a second opinion. The reason for my second opinion is to see if I lik e the next surgeon better than the first. No question should go unanswered. No question is less valuable than another. They’re amazing people who are part of this support group. All willing to help and support. We are all on this journey. Blessings.

I have had two partial nephrectomys, as I had tumors on both kidneys , two different cell types of renal carcinoma. They were 90 days apart. The actual surgery was using robotics and had multiple small incisions on my abdomen. I was up and moving, slowly, very slowly, within 4 hours after surgery. I went home after 2 days. I was on a soft food diet in hospital, normal at home. Pain was mostly tolerable and after first day limited pain meds to night for day or two. None besides tylenol after. No nsaids like ibuprofen as they are hard on kidney. Was able to go up stairs when I got home , but limited activity for week.
Going back to work will likely depend on your job type, your tumor size and surgery outcome and current health, but generally I was back to my almost my normal activity level by 6 or 7 weeks. Just got more fatigued easily and quickly etc. Couldn't lift things etc. Harder after 2nd surgery.
You may need some help the first week home with meals etc. Rest is key to recovery during that time and its important in giving your kidney time to recover from the shock. Write your questions down ɓefore you go in to appointments. I just put them in my phone app so I'd remember everything. I also suggest taking someone with you to key appts to write down things and help you remember details. It's a stressful time , but you've got this!
Hoping your holding up well !