Hi Caseymollie,
your news is really good and most likely they will do the laporoscopy, my fiance had his left kidney removed last Nov. 17th and he had an over 7cm which was out of the capsule 1 lymph node involvement and 2 tumors in his adrenal gland and that was all taken out and done with a laporoscopy, i was so sure he'd have the open reduction...All the surgeons say that, because they don't know until they get in there whats going on...Either way you'll do fine, like Hunter and yayank said keep the positive flowing and being scared is natual, but we're all here to help you get thru this, please don't hesitate to write any of us with any questions, especially when you scared too, we'll keep reassureing you, and please keep us all informed....
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Becca Anne

Thankyou all for your supportive words....during a time of feeling alone and scared. Nobody could truly understand other than you. I'm trying to keep myself busy, but cannot lift due to the darn muscle pull which lead me to the CT scan that found this! (I guess the muscle puil is my friend). I'm out of work for a bit, so have to conserve $$. I'm a nurse...doesn't that figure......

Anyhow, I love that i can come here and talk to you....Jackie O'

Hi Cassiemollie,
I think being a nurse sometimes helps and sometimes doesnt, I think as nurses we know too much, I think it has its positives and negatives, my husband had his kidney removed and has quite a large scar, his recovery took about 5 days in hospital and then another 4 weeks before you start getting your energy levels up again. He is now on sutent which we are waiting to see if it has had any effect. You will be fine no matter which way you have the kidney removed. Pain relief is fantastic now, and my belief is that someone went to a lot of trouble to develop these pain killers we should make good use of them. All the best, keep smiling. Anne

Anne, thankyou soooo much for the supportive words. I'm waiting for a definite surgery date right now and the waiting is grueling. I'm trying to fill my time and not think. I pray and pray and pray while I walk....

I'm cleaning and trying to do things around the house. I'm going back to work before I have surgery and I feel like everyone will feel sorry for me and look at me like...oh there's Jackie over there with the kidney tumor, poor jackie....crazy what we think.....

It is natural for you to be afraid! I and the others on this site will be thinking of you and hoping for the best! You are in the early stages and that is good. You have a very good chance with all the treatments they have available today! If your cancer has not spread that is really good news for you! Try to stay strong and keep a good positive outlook. Will be thinking of you. Debbie

Hi Marilyn: I am happy to hear how well Torisel has worked for your husband.Wow 47 weeks on Torisel. Did he have many side effects? It is really amazing that his tumors have all gone in his lungs, I hope it works that well for me. I really hope his cancer stays at bay for a long time to come. I know nothing about Parkinsons so I can"t help you with that. Keep the faith. Debbie

Hi Jackie,
how about taking sometime out for some self pampering pedicure, relaxation massage,meditation, facial anything like that, it will help boost the body and mind at the same time. We, Nurses always care for other people but from my personal experience they find it a bit hard to treat themselves to some luxury. It may also help switch the brain off from the constant thinking which is what I have trouble with, let me know when you here about your surgery. Anne

Anne,

Thankyou so much for the positives...which is what keeps me sane right now. I actually pray to be positive. Funny you mention it, but I called my ped. lady to schedule 1 before surgery, plus I'm getting the hair done in a few weeks as well (ya know, roots and highlights). I'm going back to work next week for a few weeks until the surgery...so that'll help make time go by. But again, Anne....thankyou....Jackie

Hang in there! The dr's have lots of good methods to use today. My 3 month tests after the surgery came back normal. I worried a lot too. Thats understandable. But keep the faith. Let all those around you know of your struggles and get their support and prayers. God bless and keep you!
lazerlenny

Hi Jackie,
Good to hear that you are having some pampering, and I think it does help to go to work, it gives you some normality, and helps keep your mind busy and gets you to be out of the fog for a few hours a day. See how you manage if you find it difficult I am hear to listen. After my husband was diagnosed the first couple of shifts were difficult and very confronting because the hospital where I work you dont have a choice of what patients you are going to look after, (hospital very small and in the country) and when I got there I had a couple of terminal patients to look after and I found it very hard, but my fellow collegue was very understanding so take it easy. Keep positive. Anne

Good luck to you and stay positive. You have already received a lot of good advice here directly relating to your situation. I would just add a little note re that pedicure........you can't wear nail polish (enamel) in O.R. - at least that is what I have been told. So yes pamper yourself before AND after - take care.
glors

Hi folks, I too had kidney cancer this past Oct (08). Had a kidney yanked out and so far so good. I go for my 6 month this week. CaseyMollie, while it is normal to be scared, don't let it run your life. I too had never even heard of it until it was found accidentally and I had to have a kidney removed. I decided then and there that no matter what, I would not let the cancer wear me out. The surgery went well and as a Christian I just gave it up to God. All I am saying is you will find you are stronger than you think, Kidney cancer is not as bad as many cancers, and if caught early the prognosis is very very good (as TnYank mentioned)!I too agree with all the posts here! You hang in there- I'll say a prayer for you!

joe

Hi CaseyMollie,

I was reading your posts, and wanted to check on you and see how things are going. I've only been a member of this group for two days, but have already made some wonderful, supportive friends. We're all here for you too.