Hi, I can tell you what it looked like for my husband...3-4 hours of surgery, 4-5 days in the hospital, he went back to work after about 3 weeks, but not at full strength. He was walking 2x a day after he got home from the hospital, started out with less than a quarter mile, and increased after he got stronger. I'd say 2-3 months before the hiking, depending on how smoothly recovery goes. Good luck, glad to hear the prognosis is good. Take care, Karen

I have no idea what the assault to the body laproscopy surgery creates yet from other posts - indcluding the one you got - it would definitely be less than the trauma a radical procedure produces. My tumor was nearly twice as large as your husband's and though first labeled as contained showed enough unknowns to make the docs cautious. So the answer really is 'it depends'. How much they have to cut, his age, what kind of shape your guy is in (guessing that if he hikes he is on the plus side of healthy) and the doc's philosophy on recovery. They will look to get him off the bed and walking the next day if not sooner. He will miss out on the "shark attack" scar that a radical procedure leaves so he may have to do some groaning to get sympathy. It would help if you did some online research (I used 'living with one kidney') that will give you a wealth of information - sometimes too much - and a guide to the questions you will be asking your docs at every visit. With radical surgery: no idea how long it took - I slept through it, I was out in six days, kind of functional within two months, working from home by the third month and playing tennis and back to my daily full exercise routine by the fourth month. He probably can cut those numbers in half. And, when they "get it all", other then a bunch of CT & Pet scans, there probably will be no treatment. His doc may offer a trial on preventitive drugs but that would have to be a personal decision if available. I passed for my own reasons. be well, good luck, Rich

Great Feedback , I especially liked Rich's observation with the absence of a magnum scar Dennis will have to do a lot of moaning to get sympathy ! He practically had an excel sheet presentation with the CT pictures on hand for "THE STORY " and how the food poisening led to the CT scan then to the discovery of the cancer. He is quite entertaining with his buddys . He had been hiking 4 days a week 2 hours at a time and on the weekends around 5 for the last three months and was sidelined by this. Motivation to hike is a driving force or if its raining I will take him cross country sking!

Hi :) thank u for reading & commenting on my journal! My mom had surgery on 7/30 left kidney removed 4.7 cm tumor found. We are blessed with finding in advance, seeking a great suregon & hospital & having great family & friends ! Today my mom is feeling better every day! No more pain meds as of 10 days ago, walking alot, swimming some. Her incesion still hurts, legs ache at night sometimes but othe than that she is feeling better ! Also my mom looks so beauitful ! The prettiest I have ever seen her. Lost about 8 pounds eating well ! Lots and lots of water & cranberry juice. Next appt nov 3rd. She hopes to go back to work in 2 months or so :) best of luck, it will all turn out fine !

Jesennea
great news, always good to know and hear about positive outcomes. be well and enjoy, Rich

Good to hear from all the newcomers. The surgery wasn't that bad, was it ? The Worst part is over. With a liile luck no more treatments or surgery. Just those yearly C_T scans and the wonderful beverages that go with them.

Thorntree, surgery 8/1/2002 and still kicking.

Thorntree
wonder when you went to yearly scans? I passed my one year anniversary but my doc is still watching "stuff" in the lung and I continue on a more active schedule (about every 3-4 months) because though they "got it all" they also removed lymph nodes that were cancerous - my next CT scan is three months off. since I am flying on one kidney I asked to do the oral barium contrast rather than the IV. done the last three that way - a trade off, gentler on the system but the scan is not as clear or deep. be well, Rich
diagnosed 7/1/09, left nephrectomy 8/27/09, no post op treatment but continuous CT scans.

I believe I had a C_T scan and Ultrasound in year 1 following surgery and than a C_T scan every year until this year when I just had an Ultasound. I have a C_T scan scheduled for next year. My neighbor across the street who is 15 or so years post surgery now has a C_T scan less often. My inital surgery showed no signs of spreading which I believe weighs into how many and how often the scans are initially.

My 88 year old Dad had "hand assisted lap nephrectomy" on Aug. 25 in Torrance, CA. (9 cm tumor) He had a subcutaneous pump for pain med....and never had even a minute of pain. He went home post-op day 2... usually it would be the first day after surgery but due to his age and history of heart bypass surgery etc., the doc. wanted to keep him an extra day. He was walking short distances within a day...was told he couldn't golf for a month and due to arthritis issues is still limited in his walking. From kidney surgery standpoint he would be able to golf / hike or whatever for sure by now... and plans to get back on the links next week. The surgery couldn't have been any more successful.
Unfortunately he has at least one confirmed lung met -- and will be starting Sutent treatment next week.. future is unclear for him -- but so happy for your Dennis it hasn't had spread.

One week today since I had my diagnosis. Nephrectemy scheduled for Nov. 3rd. Thanks for the feedback. Donald

Rideaurunner
11/3/10 will become a new milestone - like your birthday, wedding anniversary and all the other events that make life worhtwhile. and yes, the surgery does make it all worthwhile
good luck and be well, Rich

Donald , My husbands tumor was found on 9/2/2010 and he is already 9 days post Op. We have learned so much and are grateful to be on the other side looking back.Its overwhelming in the beginning, I am amazed at what we know after one month. Let us know how we can help . Be hopeful and find a great doctor then your on your way. :)
Gail

Gail
Looks like your original post got hijacked by a bunch of us. Glad Dennis is on his way to what passes for normal. We (patients and caregivers) belong to a very unique club. We did not ask to join but since we are here we can make the most of it. good health, good outcomes, enjoy the journey, Rich

Many, many thanks for your encouragement. I have a feeling that I will be checking in with you folks often. I will be relieved to have the surgery overwith. It's a strange feeling to know that there is this 7cm growth still inside of me. Alas, not for long!

I have also learned a bit in a short period of time regarding kidney's. Ha! I thought flipping my mattress would make my lower backpain go away.

Cheers,
Donald

Donald
being a guy, I usually tough out passing pain. I too had a backache and would have iognored it except the pain ruined my tennis weekend and I was so upset I decided to see a doc. RCC does not announce itself, we need to recognize the early signs. My 12 cm tumor must have been lurking for some time before I went for my MRI. So, one project we can support is RCC awareness - like high blood pressure a 'silent' destroyer of life.
good outcomes, be well, Rich