Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group

Hello JDitto,

I know it's a very disturbing discovery, a kidney tumor at such a young age,and a mother who died of cancer as well. I'm in a similar situation, though I have the surgery behind me. It takes while to process the information, and to oversee what is happening. But it sounds like you are in an early sage of RCC, the tumor is still very small. When no other tissue is affected the changes of a full recovery are very good. You are not alone, there are a lot of people here with similar stories. Follow your doctor's advise (get a second opinion if you're not quite comfortable with the recommendations), stay positive, and know you have a support group here on line!
Leanne

my heart goes out to you! i had my surgery 12 weeks ago and i'm doing well my tumor was a little smaller than yours my doctor removed the tumor and part of the kidney. he chose the large incesion saying it is easier to remove the tumor and save part of the kidney that way. it is a very large incesion 10 to 12 inches long and i do still have pain there but at least i have part of a kidney. i know that you are scared to death, i certainly was. my prayers will be with you and your little ones. please stay postive and thing good thoughts as hard as that is i do believe it is important. please let me know if you have any questions or if you just want to vent i'm here for you!
Peggy

You have come to the right place. You'll find a lot of ppl here with similar questions, answers, empathy and sympathy.

Your tumor is quite small. Cure rates for you are VERY high. Your prognosis is EXCELLENT.

Having said that, I wonder about removing the entilre kidney. I know surgeons have a mind set of "you can live on just one quite well" and they are right. But I think I'd get a 2nd opinion. Maybe it would do just as well to only remove a part..

You do have some tuff times ahead, mostly recovery from the surgery, but all that will pass. I'm assuming you are healthy in other respects and if so, I KNOW you'll have a very long, healthy and happy life.

Please come back here at anytime and sak questions or just to find a sympathetic shoulder. We are all in this together.

Dave

I am so grateful for all the advice.

Dave,
The reason my doctor gave for wanting to remove the whole kidney was the tumor is located next to the blood vessels. He did say he was going to consult with some colleagues on the best course of action, but with the location of the tumor he believes I stand a better chance of the RCC not returning by removing the entire kidney.

I am very thankful they found it so early, especially since I initially went into the doctor thinking I had an ear infection. Right now I'm more scared of having surgery than I am of having cancer. This all just seems so surreal to me.

Hi there,
My advice to you is to GET A SECOND OPINION, no matter what. You are young, otherwise healthy, and the tumor is very small. You should always get a second opinion -- if there are other options, you should be forearmed and aware so you are able to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Secondly, stay off the internet initially.
Thirdly, don't be scared! You will do fine.
Lastly, you have come to a good place where you will find great support, advice,encouragement and knowledge sharing.
All good wishes go your way - stay strong and upbeat and pay attention to what the docs tell you - good to have a second set of ears when you have a medical consultation!
GlorS

Hey JDitto- Ok, I'm 15 years older than you but my tumour was 4 cm- I'm 4 weeks postop and doing pretty good. I went back to work this past week for the mornings (desk job) and am doing most housekeeping tasks - just avoiding heavy lifting. Still some pain but am down to 2 extrastrength Tylenols every few hours. My surgeon in Canada here told me that sometimes for tumours less than 3 cm they do a procedure similiar to "microwaving" the tumour - but you know, although I wasn't eligible for that, I think to totally remove a potential cause for further cancer seemed better to me. I'm not noticing any differnce in my bathroom habits - and the Dr. told me my creatinine level ( shows how good your kidneys are working) had not yet dropped below normal while I was in the hospital. He did tell me that it might go down a bit after I started eating more etc. The surgery was laproscopic - so no real long incision - just 4 little ones with stitches that dissolved away. They put steri strips on them and I could even shower without worrying about it. I was scared stiff about the surgery - put all my affairs in order - the whole bit - all I ever had was my tonsils out at 6 and 2 babies - but now of course I'm so thankful it's over and that cancer is out of me - not causing anymore immediate life threatening stuff. As long as it's small and early there is a lot they can do for you - prognosis is far better than if they hadn't found it for many years!! Be brave - everything is pointing in your favor right now. Thinking of you.... Poirier

sorry to hear your news. I had sugery for cancer of the kidney and a tumor attached to the kidney in Nov 08. Follow up tests are ok so far. The cancer was localized they say. You will find more out after the surgery of course. The Drs today have a lot of great methods and skills. We have to believe they can help us. And remember that Jesus is ultimatly in charge. Your faith and lots of prayer can be your best friend.....
Good luck!!
lazer;enny

I was 35 when I had my right kidney removed 7 months ago. i am now 36 and I was very scared but I found this website and I was no longer alone. My Dr removed my whole kidney because my tumor was so big but I am now CANCER FREE! I know a Dr friend that had kidney cancer a few months ago and his was 3cm but they used went in lap, flipped his kidney and just removed the tumor. His was just sitting on top of his kidney. My wrapped itself all around it and my lymph nodes had to be removed. i was back to work in 7 weeks. It is very painful and very scarry but keep praying and we will pray for you. this is a great group of people.

I have to say I can understand why you would be so concerned. My tumor was 5 cm and the urologist showed me the CT scan and I had to agree it looked like the tumor had taken over my kidney. They removed my kidney, laproscopically and I was in a bit of pain for a few days but recovered relatively quickly. The pathollogy report showed no spread of the cancer and my 3 month follow-up, with a CT scan showed nothing more. Look to this group for support. They have been a big help for me. If it makes you feel better, get a second opinion. But don't put off treatment too long. If treated properly you can look forward to a long life. I was 60 when I had my kidney removed and I am looking forward to my 2 grandsons graduation, marriage and kids. I have a friend who had a kidney removed in his 20's and is now in his 70's so ther is life after RCC. Good luck and God bless.

Dick

Hi JDitto
I agree with the people offerring advice about a second opinion to see if a partial removal of the kidney is possible.Since yours is close to blood vessels an experienced oncology surgeon who works mostly or only on kidney cancer is ideal.Do you live a big city like NYC or Boston where that would be possible.?
All the best.You are bound to do well given the tumor size and your age
Lucia