Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

Thank you for sharing, and I am pleased that I may be able to play tennis and ski again depending on what I learn in Philadelphia at the cancer center of the University of Pennsylvania.

You are correct. My mass was larger and thus kidney was removed a year and 2 weeks ago. I turn 64 tomorrow and feel great! I recovered fairly quickly from kidney removal (about 4 weeks) but then confirmed cancer had spread to lymph node on lung. In March, I started cabo (daily chemo pill) and IV every 4 weeks and that wore me out for several months. The cancer has not appeared on any CT scans since July. So blessed! Since September, I’ve slowly gotten my strength back and feel more like my old self. I watch my diet and am building my activity level daily.
I pray, try to live a very positive life and enjoy time with my kids and friends. I feel blessed every day I wake and that alone makes me very happy. To me, I live a very spiritual simple life…the little things don’t bother me any more and I enjoy the simple moments in every day! In a rather unusual way, my cancer has drawn me closer to the people I love the most and has shown me how many people deeply care about me! I am blessed and pray for us all.
Enjoy today…Koke

I now have an appointment at U of Penn hospital in Philadelphia for a cat scan and to speak with an oncologist for January 2 (cat scan) and 3 (oncologist). So I am following your suggestion.

After reading articles on kidney cancer, I understand that there is an operation that can spare a portion of an impacted kidney. I suspect that you were found to have a greater than 7 cm size cancer mass and so the entire kidney had to be removed.

I have read some individuals are weak after their kidney is removed. But I believe that age is a factor in the degree of weakness felt. I am 73 but am active, play tennis and ski. I suspect that I may have to give up active sports.

I hope you are young and active after kidney removal.

Thank you for confirming that I am following the correct course of treatment.

After it was confirmed by having a biopsy of the mass in my kidney that it was cancer and subsequently having my kidney removed, I continue to have a CT scan with contrast every three months to see if the cancer has spread. I have learned that CT scans are the best way to see changes in the kidney and the area it most likely spreads (lungs). When they thought they saw something on my liver, I had an MRI done with contrast. It seems to me that depending on where and what they are looking for, depends on the scan they order. X-rays are not definitive compared to a CT. This is simply my understanding.

Thank you so much. Our challenges are ours and as much as my friends and family have provided wonderful support, connecting with others who have the same cancer inside of them has helped me tremendously. I know you understand! So thank you again for such kind heartfelt words…yours are as meaningful to me as mine are to you. I go day by day and often find myself not wanting to share the results as I watch my loved ones be positive yet scared and worried. Praying for us all…day by day! And we all have today! Koke

Diagnosed with mass on lower lobe of right kidney via a general back cat scan image. Would like to discuss ultrasound versus cat scan with and w/o contrast and MRI for diagnosis.

Touching base...hoping your living every moment ...present in each moment!

Good Morning To All,
I am traveling around the country telling my brothers what is going on, with my RCC diagnosis. I was in Maine, now in Virginia, I will be going to California next to see my oldest brother who is doing well recovering from prostate CA. Koke, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. You were one of the first respondents when I first came to this website. It was so helpful to know someone was listening. At that time no one in my family knew what was happening. Awaiting second and possibly third opinions on my course of treatment.
Blessings.

Good Morning.
I am doing great. Recovery is moving along nicely. Currently, I am in no other treatment. Follow up appointment is Nov 14. Will begin working with oncology to monitor moving forward.

Thank you

Thank you! This sight is very helpful reading everyone’s story.
I had a ‘port’ put in a week ago since getting IV’s continued to be more difficult.
I will continue with my drug regiment till March. At that time, my dr and I will discuss options as long as nothing ‘has shown up’.
I continue to have side effects that are ok but as time passes, the side effect of ‘needing to be very close to bathrooms’ is worsening.
If anyone has found a diet and/or foods they would recommend, that would be helpful.
Koke