I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. Like mostly everyone has said, try to let the emotions out instead of holding them in. It's perfectly okay to get angry, scream, cry, lash out.

Well my neuro appt. went well. He is concerned about my liver enzymes and wants to keep an eye on them so blood work every 3 months. He says I've been so stable for the last 9 yrs that he would rather not take me off the Rebif but if it continues to go up we may think about switching to Copaxone. I'm exhausted so I'll write more later. Take care everyone.

hi!! your liver enzymes high- thats not good, hope they switch you to copanone, it s not bad at all with side effects, hugs tickey

Akdeen believe it or not I am so happy for your husband that a partial removal is an option. As I mentioned before my friend's son in law had the same thing, only he was not healthy as a horse - heavy smoker, big drinker, party boy, BUT he is just fine now many years later save for occasional painful kidney stones but NO other symptoms and cancer free. You are so fortunate in that your daughter is an RN at Loma Linda, a truly fine hospital and I'll bet a wonderful RN. Best wishes and as for Copaxone, have been on it for 8+ years and HATE it but I will deal with the daily injections and fatty tissue breakdown, depression, moods swings but at least (knock on wood) I am still a walking, talking productive member of society. Again, best wishes and may God be with you and your husband!

Thanks for the post everytime I hear a good outcome it makes me feel better. My MS pals are worrying that the stress will get to me, but I'm starting to calm down. After 12yrs with MS I also am a walking talking productive member of society and I have to stay well for my husband. Take care.

They called this morning. The surgery is scheduled Monday, Dec.13th. Pre-op is on Thurs. Now I he's getting nervous and I'm a mess. I'm just glad it will be over soon so we can move forward and know what we will be facing. Praying it is only in the kidney and has not gone anywhere. I'm sure I will be asking many questions when it's over. Thanks for all your help. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.

I understand the moments you are experiencing. Nothing Prepares you for the path you are now walking. I know you want more answers than what you have in this given moment. Having been there and done this, with my husband...I can only tell you my experience. Seriously, Slow down and breathe. One day at a time. This is not a sprint, you dont want to burn out. Believe it or not, these are the easy day's---so save your strength and your mind...just simply do the tasks in front of you...leave tomorrow to its own troubles. Keep a note book of just your husbands information, every appt. every medical phone call -every Dr. name and #--even if it just something really simple-write it down---there is a very good chance of getting mind boggled--so save your memory & stress factors-keep a book.....believe me the strangest questions can come up....or things you know, you know off the top of your head wont be there.
They will explain everything you need to know at your Pre-Op appt. about the surgery. And hopefully they will help put your mind at ease a bit and completely prepare you and 'mostly' your husband.

Having said all that...this was my experience---Your Husband is the patient. I found most dialogue with the medical staff was directed toward my husband....which made very little sense to me at times, as his Caregiver....he was not able or capable of retaining all the information need or given. So dont be afraid of stepping up and speaking--tell me also please!

And lastly, Im going to 'friend you'! I completely get how you want to cry and scream at the same time--I get the gawd awful limbo you feel right now!! Please. drop your shoulders and take a breathe. just put one foot in front of the other....I know you dont want to be a part of 'this club', but your in it and your not alone, you guys can do this.
Sandy

Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much for your post. Your absolutely right I am trying to slow down and not run myself out. I do know that the last thing I need right know is for my MS to act up when I need to be focusing on him. I will take a some deep breathes and get through this. Kaye

I am new here and just wanted you to know I am praying for you and you are not alone!

You guys are in my thoughts and prayers- hugs!! tickey

Wow Im so sorry this is happening to you and your family! I here these stories and think "how do people do this with out God?" and it IS very theraputic to cry!!!! Maybe find that one friend that you can vent to and cry with. XOXO

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. Kaye

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. I will pray for you and your husband, and will continue to think of you through this ordeal. Best, Lynne

Went for the pre-op and anesthesia consult yesterday and everything was good. We need to get to Monday without stressing out too much. My husband is doing great and he's the one having the surgery and I'm keeping together for him.

So sorry to hear about these current issues with your hubby. All I can say is read and get informed about kidney issues as I have found it easier to feel less helpless when I can ask informed questions and maybe help with diet/meds/etc. When you are not informed it is easy to stress over things that if you read a little bit about you would find you don't need to stress much about. Then you also may find things you could do to help too. This helping to add to some stability for him now might be better than getting panicy for not knowing very much and adding to his distress.

Lots of info to help with kidney issues that you could discuss with is doc if he has not already done so. Some of this is listed below

* Reduce salt and red protein
* Increase water consumption and potassium
* make sure the Parathyroid is working well. If it is not then it could be triggering too much Ca to be passed out and affecting kidney function.

Remember you have 2 kidneys so he still has a backup. Take a deep breath I know you want to help. Stressing and making your disease worse isn't going to help either of you. So take a deep breath and while he is in eye shot try to be is rock.

There are good docs out there and they have dx an issue so you can work together to help in remove the mass and recover.

I wish you guys BIG HUGE bear hugs during this tough time,
EP

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/lp/kidney_cancer_guki/index.html?utm_campaign=CS+-+Urology+-+DR+-+Kidney+Cancer&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googleppc&utm_term=kidney+cancer&002=2107636&004=1270447512&005=12630143&006=4650285012&007=Search&008=&gclid=CO6179XT5KUCFQO8KgodjEt14w

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-kidney-cancer

http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozTopic_Nutrition-Diet.cfm

http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/vitamineral.cfm -good one