Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group
Renal cell carcinoma, also known by a gurnistical tumor, is the most common form of kidney cancer arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Initial therapy is with surgery. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy.
This has been discussed before, but here I am bringing it up again. For the most part, my news, diagnosis, treatment have been 'good', as for as RCC goes.
I had my kidney out a week ago using da vinci method, and I'm recovering nicely.
Went to see the doctor for my follow-up, and got the lab results.
pT1a nx mx turmor size 3.3 furman nuclear grade two
renal cell carcinoma, conventional/clear cell type
Now to the question. Both doctors on my case are saying the follow-up testing is minimal. One doctor felt no CT scan necessary. The other said in 6 months, a chest xray and CT scan. They say the reoccurance rate is 98 %.
I have total respect for my doctors. Top notch group in Austin, TX. They went to MIT, Baylor Med, Vanderbilt. He said they are doing lastest cancer treatment.
I have seen one post where a doctor suggested two years was enough followup, but just one???
My CT is scheduled in 6 months, so I am going to talk to him about this at that time. Just wanted any feedback from people with my similar situation.
I really feel this is behind me now, but I want to be smart about it and do the proper maintenance.
Thanks for any input!
Dana
I had my kidney out a week ago using da vinci method, and I'm recovering nicely.
Went to see the doctor for my follow-up, and got the lab results.
pT1a nx mx turmor size 3.3 furman nuclear grade two
renal cell carcinoma, conventional/clear cell type
Now to the question. Both doctors on my case are saying the follow-up testing is minimal. One doctor felt no CT scan necessary. The other said in 6 months, a chest xray and CT scan. They say the reoccurance rate is 98 %.
I have total respect for my doctors. Top notch group in Austin, TX. They went to MIT, Baylor Med, Vanderbilt. He said they are doing lastest cancer treatment.
I have seen one post where a doctor suggested two years was enough followup, but just one???
My CT is scheduled in 6 months, so I am going to talk to him about this at that time. Just wanted any feedback from people with my similar situation.
I really feel this is behind me now, but I want to be smart about it and do the proper maintenance.
Thanks for any input!
Dana
We have the same patholgy report results, but your tumor was a little bigger. My urulogist had told me once a year, but never said how many years my oncolongist said every 6 months. Thne I have others say cts for a long time.. If you don;t like what they tell you, insist on sooner cts.
Annette
secondly, why if there is a 98% recurrence, they are only going to be looking at scans twice a year. I believe that generalization (98%) should not apply unless you have specific signs that there has been a spread of the RCC.
I had cells in the lymph nodes and my doc had me do CT scans every three months for the first two years. a second opinion stated that the likelihood of a recurrence for me was 75%.
I would suggest a second opinion and if MD Anderson in Houston is close to you (sorry I do not know Texas), they have RCC specialist that may have a different view of your prognosis. good luck, Rich
p.s. if interested, I can provide contact names at MD Anderson that are listed on another site
First, Annette, thank you. I didn't realize our cases were simular. What you are suggesting is what I plan to do. I will keep you updated. Please, do the same!! When is your next scan or test??
Next, Jesup, Thank you as well. For your first point, the doctor was speaking of the most common kidney cancer. Clear cell. He said the other more rare types are fast growning, and have more a tendency to spread to the other kidney. And for your second point, I mis-spoke, BIG TIME. My doctor told me the survival rate is 98%. Thus explaining his idea of no need for years of followup scans.
I am planning on getting my 6 month scan, and then discussing this with him at that time.
I was hoping for input from others with similar cases, and so forth. Thank you, Dana