Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

Sending you hopeful prayers as you navigate processing all of this.

I had my appointment with urologist on Tuesday. He recommended total nephrectomy based on location of mass on my kidney. Had a differing first opinion. Have third opinion on December 21. However I did schedule surgery for January 12. Just take it out. My uncle had total nephrectomy in 1991 secondary to cancer. He lived until 92. Reality of cancer is settling in. Blessings.

Oh, I can’t remember exactly….when my right kidney was entirely removed, it was 5/6” long and 4/5” wide. I’m not sure of grade? I have RCC but it is unclear and undefined….about 5% of RCC patients are this type…not too popular.
Hope this helps:)
Koke

Low grade about 2 cm

How large was the tumor and its grade?

What was the size of the tumor and cancer grade?

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 .

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.

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

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!