Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

Welcome, @dwitthuhn66. I encourage you to start a new discussion in the Kidney Cancer support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-cancer/

I suggest a title like "Robotic Radical Nephrectomy: What can I expect?" or something similar.

Thank you

Hi all,
There is now a support group dedicated to Kidney Cancer on Mayo Clinic Connect. See here:
- Kidney Cancer Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-cancer/

Connect with others like you for support, practical information, and answers to your questions about kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). Follow the group to be notified when new posts are made.

cc: @lauragarrod @bomed @nang @thewife @sally0526 @collegeprof @pcondon @cindysummit @hj83 @koke @emily29. @bomed @b1375911 @racing212 @lkhanson @pml @azkidney57 @w5wiggi @paulinlouisiana @mb4414 @pamcaponio @tenniswood @mrodriguezc @dougr19 @2ndjourney @lbrockme @drmarci @buckeyeveteran @podrunner1 @dwitthuhn66 @am1974 @leeb123 @2ndjourney @doublecancer @twobeb87 @dustyeubie @olive60oil @surbhi1 @cindyc @hj83 @douglasfeb15 @lkhanson @momsanurse @mb4414

Pull up a chair and introduce yourself if you haven't already.

I'm newly diagnosed with ureter cancer. I'm having a radical nephrectomy May 15th. The procedure will be done with a robot.
Anyone else experienced with this?

Absolutely! Day by day…I’m enjoying each one! We are blessed!

I have also noticed short-term memory loss on cabometryx (I have been on it 2 1/2 years). But, like you, I am willing to endure the occasional diarrhea, nausea, skin irritation, etc to have the success I am getting. I am 74 and forgetting an occasional name is not too bad for the positives received.

I had my left kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff removed in late June of last year. My surgery was robot assisted and I was released the same day. The pain wasn't that bad at all and didn't need any pain meds after a few days. The only issue that I've had post surgery is fatigue. I deal with terrible fatigue most days. The Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma I have is very aggressive and was already found in my urine in the fall. I'm not worried about it though. Everything is in God's hands and when it's my time, it's my time. No sense in worrying about something that you can't control. I pray that everything goes well for you and many blessings to you and your family. 🙏🥰🤗

Everyone who responded covered the things that happened post surgery…it’s amazing how much I’ve forgotten over the year and half since kidney removal! I blame my memory on the strong chemo drug (Cabo) and immunotherapy IV (Nivo). As long as it keeps the cancer away, I’m good with a bit of a lapse of memory:)
Prayers are with you and all of us! Prior to surgery, I was very scared about surgery and life. I’ve had so much done since my kidney removal, any surgery/procedure doesn’t affect me and I am very spiritual knowing I’m being taken care of! Praying is amazing for me!

I had two separate partial nephrectomys with robotic surgery.
There was some pain after surgery but I was up and moving within the first day. First surgery was actually much easier then second , but in both I was home in 2 or 3days , moving up and down but slowly. You'll likely need some help the first week with meals and medications etc. I found I was a little fuzzy brained for the first 4 or 5 days. Some people have pain from the gas used, but I did not really have much. I used pain meds the first 2 to 3 days and then only one at night to sleep well for 2 or 3 days after that. Then just Tylenol if I moved a lot for the following week. Fatigue was my biggest issue for about 3 weeks, and it's important to get rest, eat well and be hydrated well ... to keep the kidneys from going into shock from the surgery. You need to treat your body well for a few weeks. Hoping it all goes smoothly and you recover quickly.

Reading these different experiences is helpful and enlightening. I continue to struggle with what to do. As I have posted before, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April of last year and have not taken any action at this point. My last CT scan showed some nodules in the lungs which the urologist was not concerned about; everything else was negative. I am having another scan tomorrow morning. In addition I am seeing oncologist on Wednesday; I last saw him 6 weeks ago. Urologist referred me to him, since I have been reluctant to have nephrectomy; because of my age of almost 82 I don't know if it is worth the risk and the long recovery period since I like to remain active. Oncologist recommended treatment with Keytruda, but checking side effects I still am not sure; and there is the commitment to those infusion sessions. Having gone through 42 radiation treatments for prostate cancer in 2021 and 2022 I don't know if I am up to doing immunotherapy treatment. I know doctors do not like to deal with patients such me who have difficulty deciding, but I will see what oncologist has to say this week; hopefully he won't throw me out of his office if I don't make the commitment for treatment.