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Partial nephrectomy for Christmas

Posted by brightwood @brightwood, Dec 23, 2023

A small growth on my right kidney was discovered accidentally this summer during an ER CT scan for diverticulitis pain. A subsequent CT with contrast, targeting my kidney, found an enhancing 1.1 cm growth that was diagnosed as probable renal cell carcinoma. I’m scheduled for a laparoscopic robot-assisted PN and biopsy the day after Christmas. My age is 77. The surgeon says the growth is the minimum size that they deal with, grows slowly, and probably hasn’t metastasized, so I’ve been trying not to worry about the long term and to just focus on recovering from the procedure. One year ago I unexpectedly had a pacemaker implanted after a complete electrical blockage of my heart. The healing process went well, but I’ve never had abdominal surgery before and have since been diagnosed with paroxysmal afib and put on Eliquis, which I had to quit for this surgery, which they tell me usually bleeds more than a complete removal. Anyway, has anyone had a partial nephrectomy and can tell me about recovery, healing, and regaining core strength? Thank you for your experiences and expertise.

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Lynne Marie | @lbrockme | Dec 23, 2023

I had two partial nephrectomys about 90 days apart for large tumors. They were two different cancers. First was Sept 2018 and second Jan 2019. I was 62.
The first surgery was easier , I was in my own room the first night after surgery and getting up to use bathroom on my own within that first 12 hr period. I had a drain tube first 24 hrs which was then removed . I had expressed problems with nausea after previous surgery and they addressed that during and after so limited pain and nausea. I was discharged the next evening. Went home with pain medication but only used first day after hour drive home and then the next few nights to sleep better. I climbed stairs at home to get to bedroom slowly but no problems. It was mostly only painful to initally sit up... but after 2 or three days was better. First 2 weeks limited activity, including no lifting for 6 weeks. Core recovery was back to my normal in 3 to 4 wks. But I am not a sports or fitness enthusiast. Biggest factor was fatigue for first few weeks .
It's been almost 5 yrs and no increase in spread etc.
Wishing you well!

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brightwood | @brightwood | Dec 23, 2023
In reply to @lbrockme "I had two partial nephrectomys about 90 days apart for large tumors. They were two different..." + (show)
@lbrockme

I had two partial nephrectomys about 90 days apart for large tumors. They were two different cancers. First was Sept 2018 and second Jan 2019. I was 62.
The first surgery was easier , I was in my own room the first night after surgery and getting up to use bathroom on my own within that first 12 hr period. I had a drain tube first 24 hrs which was then removed . I had expressed problems with nausea after previous surgery and they addressed that during and after so limited pain and nausea. I was discharged the next evening. Went home with pain medication but only used first day after hour drive home and then the next few nights to sleep better. I climbed stairs at home to get to bedroom slowly but no problems. It was mostly only painful to initally sit up... but after 2 or three days was better. First 2 weeks limited activity, including no lifting for 6 weeks. Core recovery was back to my normal in 3 to 4 wks. But I am not a sports or fitness enthusiast. Biggest factor was fatigue for first few weeks .
It's been almost 5 yrs and no increase in spread etc.
Wishing you well!

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Thanks so much for sharing. I’m thinking that for the first few weeks I’ll be happy that most of my volunteer work is still zoomed. I’m so glad you’ve been clear and healthy since the back-to-back procedures. I’m not looking forward to the catheter part, but my nurse friends say the healing of the five slits/holes themselves shouldn’t be bad. Happy new year to you and yours.

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