Just diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): Treatment options?

@mlpw, I hope you saw the helpful and supportive post from fellow members who have walked this path ahead of you.

How are you doing? Have you decided which treatment plan to pursue? Any questions?

@mlpw I was diagnosed with cancer in my left kidney 3 years ago this month. The urologist said that total nephrectomy was needed, but because of my ago I opted out. I started Keytruda treatment two years ago and have had a total of 19 infusions. My last two ct scans done in the last seven months have both showed malignant lesion no longer visible and no spread of cancer. I have stopped treatment because of side effects.

@mlpw
I can identify w not being able to wrap your head around it! My Mayo team, at first, said i would have complete removal of my left kidney w the 2 tumors they found there. The Saturday before we flew to Rochester, my surgeon called to tell me he believed, after perusing all (1,248) scans, he had a 95% chance of saving my kidney, and he did! I still have 90% of that kidney.

I have clear cell renal carcinoma.
My left kidney was removed. I tried keytruda but didn’t do well after the first infusion. I also had and still have mind issues. RCC is not an immediate death sentence. Next I will try Cabo and Nivo to manage it. I am on a renal diet to do the best I can to protect my remaining kidney. No NSAIDs. Just Tylenol for instance. Mine metastasized within my abdomen. No organs yet.
Message me if you want to talk!
Mert

@mlpw I was diagnosed Jan 2 2026. Had a CT scan and ultrasound that found it on my left kidney. May 4 I go for a MRI to see exactly how big it is and the exact location. Then I and my oncologist can discuss a plan for what to do next. I too was completely in shock when I found out ( I read the results that said what it was on MyChart and just cried).
If you haven't had an MRI yet definitely see if you can have one done to determine exactly where it is and how small or big it is first .

I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma this week. I cannot wrap my head around this, I keep thinking, I will wake up and it won't be true. It has been suggested, a full nephrectomy is the best way to go. No metastasis is noted.
I would like to know what others have done in this situation, and any advice will be appreciated.

I was diagnosed with prcc right kidney in 2023. Had successful partial nephrectomy. Also present in left kidney but stable.
Unrelated rectal cancer diagnosed in 2025. Treatment completed and surgery will be this month for that. Post scan for rectal cancer showed growth of price in left kidney. Surgery for that will be completed along with rectal cancer.
In short, the kidney cancer was easier to deal with than rectal cancer.

Yes, I met with surgeon a few days ago. He is still reluctant to operate. He continues to say the MS will kill me before kidney cancer. He briefly discussed the risk of bleeding out with kidney surgery. He is leaving decision up to me and booked our next appointment for mid-summer '26.

@donnachaidh, have you met with your oncologist to discuss treatment options? How are you doing?

@vickipm

That would be concerning. The surgeon said this MS patient didn't wake up for 3 days. Her vitals were fine and then she woke up day 3 good to go.