Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself

Prayers for your recovery.

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May of 2023 surgery in June. Currently in undergoing immunotherapy as well as oral daily meds.
First time reaching out to another who has the same. Some days are tougher than others.
My name is Brent. I am 51 yrs old.
Hope you are doing ok? You aren’t alone !
BC

Surgery, tomorrow January 12 in Seattle, WA. Radical nephrectomy.
Diagnosed September 29.
Three surgical opinions
His will be done.
Blessings.
Doug

Kidney cancer is the crazy aunt of cancer. It apparently manifests in weird and unusual ways. Mine chewed through my right humerus. April 2020 - right at the start of Covid. I got my arm "rodded" and radiated. They started me on Keytruda. I had a reaction and got pneumonitis after a few weeks and had to go to the emergency room at the height of covid. Fun! I was put on Cabometyx - we dinked around with dosages - I tolerate a 40 mg dose, which I still take. After the vaccine came out - I got immunized and then had my cancerous left kidney removed in May 2021. It was a laproscopic procedure, but I have to be honest - I felt like I had been scooped out with an ice cream scooper. After my recovery my routine became: Cabometyx 40 mg every day / monthly blood draws and a shot of Xchiva. I get stuck in the tube for a bone and CAT scan every 6 month. The last scan (6/23) showed some inactive tumors on my arm, but I it wasn't bad news, I just got scanned again the day after Christmas. I get the results on Friday. The thing about cancer that people don't get is the overhanging dread all the time waiting for the results. I work full time and it helps to keep my mind off my predicament. But when I get some down time the negative thoughts start going. I hope my story helps somebody. I would love to hear from other folks. Misery loves company.

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May of 2023 surgery in June. Currently in undergoing immunotherapy as well as oral daily meds.
First time reaching out to another who has the same. Some days are tougher than others.
My name is Brent. I am 51 yrs old.
Hope you are doing ok? You aren’t alone !
BC

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.

Kidney cancer is the crazy aunt of cancer. It apparently manifests in weird and unusual ways. Mine chewed through my right humerus. April 2020 - right at the start of Covid. I got my arm "rodded" and radiated. They started me on Keytruda. I had a reaction and got pneumonitis after a few weeks and had to go to the emergency room at the height of covid. Fun! I was put on Cabometyx - we dinked around with dosages - I tolerate a 40 mg dose, which I still take. After the vaccine came out - I got immunized and then had my cancerous left kidney removed in May 2021. It was a laproscopic procedure, but I have to be honest - I felt like I had been scooped out with an ice cream scooper. After my recovery my routine became: Cabometyx 40 mg every day / monthly blood draws and a shot of Xchiva. I get stuck in the tube for a bone and CAT scan every 6 month. The last scan (6/23) showed some inactive tumors on my arm, but I it wasn't bad news, I just got scanned again the day after Christmas. I get the results on Friday. The thing about cancer that people don't get is the overhanging dread all the time waiting for the results. I work full time and it helps to keep my mind off my predicament. But when I get some down time the negative thoughts start going. I hope my story helps somebody. I would love to hear from other folks. Misery loves company.