Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

I now have an appointment at U of Penn hospital in Philadelphia for a cat scan and to speak with an oncologist for January 2 (cat scan) and 3 (oncologist). So I am following your suggestion.

After reading articles on kidney cancer, I understand that there is an operation that can spare a portion of an impacted kidney. I suspect that you were found to have a greater than 7 cm size cancer mass and so the entire kidney had to be removed.

I have read some individuals are weak after their kidney is removed. But I believe that age is a factor in the degree of weakness felt. I am 73 but am active, play tennis and ski. I suspect that I may have to give up active sports.

I hope you are young and active after kidney removal.

Thank you for confirming that I am following the correct course of treatment.

You are correct. My mass was larger and thus kidney was removed a year and 2 weeks ago. I turn 64 tomorrow and feel great! I recovered fairly quickly from kidney removal (about 4 weeks) but then confirmed cancer had spread to lymph node on lung. In March, I started cabo (daily chemo pill) and IV every 4 weeks and that wore me out for several months. The cancer has not appeared on any CT scans since July. So blessed! Since September, I’ve slowly gotten my strength back and feel more like my old self. I watch my diet and am building my activity level daily.
I pray, try to live a very positive life and enjoy time with my kids and friends. I feel blessed every day I wake and that alone makes me very happy. To me, I live a very spiritual simple life…the little things don’t bother me any more and I enjoy the simple moments in every day! In a rather unusual way, my cancer has drawn me closer to the people I love the most and has shown me how many people deeply care about me! I am blessed and pray for us all.
Enjoy today…Koke

Thank you for sharing, and I am pleased that I may be able to play tennis and ski again depending on what I learn in Philadelphia at the cancer center of the University of Pennsylvania.

I would plan on it. Although I didn’t feel much like moving for many months, I pushed myself to do a little more every day! I believe this helps along with living and keeping a healthy positive mind. I’ll be praying for you! Koke!

It is conceivable that they will do all the tests. Contrast gives the best visual. In the past one month, I started with ultrasound that “by accident” found my kidney mass. Then I had MRI with contrast, followed by CT scan of my chest. They were each used to “hunt”for something different. US found it, MRI checked other organs, arteries and veins for possible spread of CA and finally CT of my chest to check my lungs. We are all on a journey each different, but ironically all the same.
Blessings.
Doug

Interesting to learn that there is imaging for this and that until you have covered many possibilities, for example, of spread. I likewise started "by accident" having a cat scan of my back that imaged a "mass" on the lower lobe of the right kidney. I am hopeful that the mass will be benign.
My oncologist, who helped me with a melanoma over five years ago via chemo, is currently out of the country so, as you experienced, I may have several different types of imaging for different reasons on return. I am hopeful to get the next imaging as soon as possible after return. I am betting on early January.

I have had two different Kidney cancers and two partial nephrectomys... at age 62. Included rebuilding of my kidneys and issues with infections, sepsis and subsequent chronic heart failure with chronic kidney disease now from some of the infection damage. For tracking the cancer,
I started with CT scans every 3 months, with contrast. After the first year we went to every 6 mths and now at 4 yrs are shifting things a little , so still testing every 6 mths, but using MRIs and alternating with ultrasounds along with lab tests and chest x-rays. Oncologist and I are hoping to limit the radiation I'm receiving in every test. We have to be diligent, but also take into consideration other factors that can affect our Long term health .

What was the size of the tumor and cancer grade?

How large was the tumor and its grade?

Low grade about 2 cm