Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

May I ask how old u are? I have rcc to last year at this time I dropped from a yoked 185 to 130 in 4 weeks a mri showed this gigantic blob that engulfed my left kidney long story short by the grace of God and good doctors the tumor has shrunk its not in my lungs anymore keytruda and lenvima are kicking the cancers ass I have gained back 34 lbs I ride my rode bike 5 miles in 29 min I'm 64 I'm blessed thank you Jesus

I have just been diagnosed with a kidney cancer. The Doc hasn’t decided what kind of medication/treatment that is applicable for me yet. But I have planned to tell my Doc that I want the cancerous kidney removed by surgery. What do you think? Please comment. Thank you!

I had stage 3 cancer on my left kidney, and it was removed at Cleveland Clinic June 20, 2017. Surgery was uneventful, but the surgeon made an error and nicked something that caused kyle fluid to seep into my abdomen. This required a "draining" of fluid every 7-10 days from June to Sept, 2017 as they tried ways to stem the seepage. Finally, doctors fed me through a vein in my arm for 8 hours every night from Thanksgiving and the leak finally sealed itself in January. During this time, I was not being treated for the cancer, and lost 60 pounds from the surgery and subsequent treatment to stop the leak.
Once the leakage was stopped, I was worn out and very debilitated. After a few months, the doctors found "spots" of renal cell cancer in my left lung. Surgery removed three nodules - one cancerous, two were not. After a few more months, they found new "spots" on my pancreas and spleen. During this time, and continuing through today, I have undergone immuno-therapy with Opdivo infusions monthly and Cabometryx pills (started with 40mg, but later dropped to 20mg). MRIs and CT Scans every 3 months showed a slowing and reversal as the cancer started, and continues to shrink.
After 22 months of treatment, the cancer still shows a few spots on the spleen, pancreas and lungs. I have regained my weight and some of my energy, and my coloring has returned. I was told that immuno-therapy (Opdivo) normally ends at 24 months, but the plan is to continue with Cabometryx as long as it continues to work.
So, I am at the best I have been since my surgery, and are coming up to 6 years, after losing almost a year after the surgical issues, which really held back effective cancer treatment.

I have had two partial nephrectomys, as I had tumors on both kidneys , two different cell types of renal carcinoma. They were 90 days apart. The actual surgery was using robotics and had multiple small incisions on my abdomen. I was up and moving, slowly, very slowly, within 4 hours after surgery. I went home after 2 days. I was on a soft food diet in hospital, normal at home. Pain was mostly tolerable and after first day limited pain meds to night for day or two. None besides tylenol after. No nsaids like ibuprofen as they are hard on kidney. Was able to go up stairs when I got home , but limited activity for week.
Going back to work will likely depend on your job type, your tumor size and surgery outcome and current health, but generally I was back to my almost my normal activity level by 6 or 7 weeks. Just got more fatigued easily and quickly etc. Couldn't lift things etc. Harder after 2nd surgery.
You may need some help the first week home with meals etc. Rest is key to recovery during that time and its important in giving your kidney time to recover from the shock. Write your questions down ɓefore you go in to appointments. I just put them in my phone app so I'd remember everything. I also suggest taking someone with you to key appts to write down things and help you remember details. It's a stressful time , but you've got this!
Hoping your holding up well !

Hello I’ve just been diagnosed with RCC kidney cancer I find out next month what they will do they were talking about a nephrectomy partial do not know how long I can’t work after operation or what it involves my anxiety has settled but very worried

I will be playing golf this morning. A distraction until I see the surgeon tomorrow. I could surrender a kidney without even knowing who the enemy is. Question. Has anyone had a partial nephrectomy? Any complications? Were you given a choice? Take on the day. Each one of you are a true blessing.

Good Evening,
My name is Doug and I too was just diagnosed with RCC. They will “stage” your cancer and determine from that staging what they will do. Some of those on this web site have had biopsies to determine the cancer. I have not had a biopsy. They told me my course of treatment is a partial nephrectomy. I am currently seeking a second opinion. The reason for my second opinion is to see if I lik e the next surgeon better than the first. No question should go unanswered. No question is less valuable than another. They’re amazing people who are part of this support group. All willing to help and support. We are all on this journey. Blessings.

Hello I’ve just been diagnosed with RCC kidney cancer I find out next month what they will do they were talking about a nephrectomy partial do not know how long I can’t work after operation or what it involves my anxiety has settled but very worried