8.4 cm tumor on right kidney: What questions should I ask?

I had lesion on my left kidney diagnosed as malignant a year and a half ago. Because of my age I opted out of a total nephrectomy and instead have had Keytruda immunotherapy. The lesion I have is much smaller than yours at 12 x 11 mm per last CT scan two months ago; it has actually reduced in size from the initial scan over a year ago. The only suggestion I can give is to fully discuss all options with doctor including what possible side effects from therapies and what to expect after surgery. The more information you get the better in making decision of what path to take.

I had a renal cell carcinoma about 6 cm in diameter. It was hanging off the lower lobe of my left kidney. They wanted to remove the whole kidney but I have chronic kidney disease so I asked for a different opinion. One of the options was cryoablation which was down played by the doctors. I asked for a consult with the interventional radiologist and found that they indeed could do that. I asked the radiologist if he had done one my size before and he said that he had done some close to that. I opted for that with high hope for success and that happened !The whole procedeure took about 3 hours and required no hospital stay. Doctors feel that a cure was obtained but I am going to be watchful by having regular scans done. I know 8 cm. sounds large but it may be possible for you. My procedure was done at Scripps in San Diego Ca. Best wishes for you.

@ronsale Thank you so much. Do you mind saying how old you are? Are you still on KEYTRUDA and are you having any side effects?

@deebee41 Than you for replying. How long ago was your treatment? Mine has apparently grown to the edge of my liver and there is suspected necrosis which does not bode well. Everything I read says the larger the tumor the more likely it’s spread metastasized. I tell myself to stay off the internet but I come across all this stuff as I’m trying to educate myself. Waiting for appointments has me sleepless and weak from not eating. I wake up and feel helpless and hopeless. I think I need a sleep aid and maybe an antidepressant. I’m so glad I found this site where people are willing to share their experiences. Even if it’s stage four I’m hoping surgery and drugs will give me a few months.

My procedure was done this year in March. I hope you can find a solution for this unnerving condition. Where are you located ?

@deebee41 in a small community in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

I grew up in Michigan. Spent many days in the U.P Friends were in Harvey outside of Marquette. My great niece is finishing up at NMU with a nursing degree. University Of Michigan Medical is held in high esteem. Any chance you can get a consult in Ann Arbor ?

@deebee41
Yes, I’ll likely be doing that after an appointment with Urology on Tuesday. Right now I’m trying to get through the days and nights without going mad. I have books to read but can’t concentrate. A bad hip so walking is difficult, I’ve tried meditating and deep breathing and telling myself not to borrow trouble.

Did you suffer this kind of anxiety in your journey? If so, how did you cope?

@deebee41
I wouldn’t be surprised if I know your friends, though our population in Harvey has grown.

Th U.P. Is a beautiful area but it’s changed a lot.

I'm 82. I am still on Keytruda and have been for the last five months. However, I have had severe skin rash and am taking one month break to see if rash clears up. Plan is to have infusions every three weeks for a total of 18; as of today I have had a total of six treatments.