Hello There,

Welcome to the DS family. So glad you found us. Unfortunately, I've never heard of the Bosniak IV Cyst either.

When my husband's mass was found by CTscan, we waited two weeks for the surgery. The urologist wanted to schedule it 6 - 8 weeks out. I got a bit upset, and said that we'd have to see another doctor because there was no way we were waiting that long. One thing I've found to be true, we have to be agressive with the medical community, because they're awful about delaying things.

I hope things move along smoothly and quickly for y'all. Hang in there, and know I'm here for you.

Love, Ingrid

Usually if it is an emergency they will do the surgery
immeadiately. Most of these tumors/cysts grow slowly so the surgeon's schedule these surgeries according to their golf schedule (my joke when I waited for my surgery 10 weeks in 2002). Hopefully the urologist you have been refered to is doing the surgery otherwise you may be referred again. Once the Surgery is over if the Cancer has not spread you are most likely cured. The sugery is not a picnik, but it beats the alternative. As for a Colon Scope I did not have one pre surgery, but the doctor insisted on a Cystoscopy. I would have traded for 2 colon scopes if given the chance. A few weeks before my surgery my wife wanted to ease the tension by taking me to a nice bed and breakfast on the Canadian side of Lake Huron. We had dinner at the nicest British restaurant in town where they featured Kidney Pie. I ordered Rib Steak instead. Hopefully I can brighten things up with my humorous perspectives. If I do not ignore me.

You really need to keep asking questions. I liked the idea that the docs are cautious about the procedures yet I was nervous about the beast growing within me. It seems the common thread with RCC is that it is found befcause of other "issues". Yours was the appendix, mine was a back ache that was really a 12cm tumor (about 4 inches if I remember the math). Because the docs were concerned about unknown 'stuff' (my technical term) in my lung they put off surgery for an entire month beyond the original date while they mucked around in my lung. I just celebrated (strange term) my first anniversary of the surgery and they still do not know exactly what the lesions are - except that they are not cancer and that they are not growing. Although I have had colitis for years there was never a discussion about scoping the colon.
Post surgery, if they find no spread beyond the kidney, there is no protocol for continuing treatment although there may be clinical trials for preventitive treatment. But they should be talking about periodic CT scans. Ask the doc about a second opinion and whether she/he has consulted others on his team as to the best way to proceed. Do they know what type (Clear Cell, Papillary) of RCC it is? Good Luck, Be well, Rich

Ingrid , Thorntree and Rich - thank you for taking the time to respond .Dennis and I saw the surgeon today. He will have the hand assisted Laparoscopic in two or three weeks. He stated if your going to have Kidney Cancer this was the best scenerio. Dennis CT showed its fully contained in the kidney with prognosis for this type and situation 97% curable . With such good news its important to be dilegent in education , connections through RCC forums and cautious of any blind trust as a life is at stake .

I felt all of you came me a needed perspective thank you .
Gail

Gail make sure you wait on your husband hand and foot for the first 10 days after surgery. Us men deserve that. Take as little pain medication as possibe as it can make you constipated and you do not want to be constipated 1 week after surgery. The week I got home from the hospital we planned a Caribbean cruise for January-5 months later. This January will be our ninth annual Caribbean cruise survival trip. Go to the Relay for Life in your city. Survivors usually get a free t-shirt.

my husband was diagnosed on June 21st and had a full nyphrectomy a week later. If it is contained inside the kidney he has a good fighting chance but they cannot say for sure until he is opened up.