StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,692 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 22, 2016 2:41:33 GMT
My best girlfriend was in the dominican republic two weeks ago and got really sick. She's had stomach issues since having gastric bypass two years ago so she thought it was from that and went to the dr as soon as she got back.
Turns out she has a mass on her kidney, they had her in today to tell her they are 85% sure it's malignant, she'll do another CT scan Thursday and they've got her scheduled for kidney removal on 2/15.
I'm researching but that's an awful thing for me to do, the worst always jumps out at me.
Does anyone have an experience you can share with me? Especially if it's a positive one?
Any idea about what recovery from that surgery will be like so I know what to expect?
She lives near Baltimore and is being treated at Hopkins, how long should I plan on staying down there after her surgery? I'm going to head down on 2/14 and will stay as long as they need me and go back as often as possible. She's married with 3 kids so I *think* the plan will be to go on 2/14 and alternate with her husband to take care of the kids, stay with her, and fill in as an extra set of hands for whatever they need.
I've got a team of 200 in the area so we'll be setting her up with housekeeping, food and childcare for as long as they need it.
I'm trying to make a plan, but really...i'm freaking out.
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Jan 22, 2016 2:52:14 GMT
They actually do this procedure laparoscopically today in many cases. Pretty amazing how small the incision ends up being to remove a kidney. Also, she does not have all the information yet. They may be able to do a partial nephrectomy. Everyone I know personally who has had renal carcinoma was cured with just surgery. It has a very high cure rate in the early stages.
Don't freak out. This is likely to go quite well. It's like any other surgery. It will take her about a month to recover. There will be one bigger incision and a few very, very small incisions. The bigger one is just to actually get the kidney out. She's going to do very well.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,253
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jan 22, 2016 2:54:20 GMT
My uncle had kidney cancer and I talked to a relative who is a nurse, with a lot of experience in cancer care.
She said if the cancer is encapsulated in the kidney and there is no spread, once they remove the kidney that may sometimes be all the treatment needed.
If the cancer has spread, it's a different story as far as treatment, and the outcomes may not be so good.
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Post by hollymolly on Jan 22, 2016 3:13:32 GMT
My dad had renal cell carcinoma 4 years ago. The surgery was delicate and he had to spend a night in the ICU. He moved to a regular room the next day and stayed a few more days, can't remember if it was 2 or 3, but definitely less than a week. His only complication was they gave him an antibiotic he was alergic to and he had a big ugly rash. Other than that things went great. He was 69.
I actually forget that my dad is a cancer survivor. The surgery cured him 100%. No need for any other treatment.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,091
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Jan 22, 2016 3:15:11 GMT
My mom had her right kidney removed along with a huge tumor in 1989. Surgery is the typical treatment. She had a recurrence this year, in the original bed on the right and wrapped around her vena cava AND in the left kidney, upper portion. In August, she had surgery to remove both, and they got it all. They were able to save much of the left kidney. She will be checked every 6 months to be sure. She turned 82 in December.
So, your friend may do very well. I wish her the best.
Eta. Don't know how to tag, but mikklyn's husband is fighting renal carcinoma via chemo, I believe. She was terrific to message back and forth with!
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Post by momx1 on Jan 22, 2016 3:41:24 GMT
My best friend went through this 5 years ago. She's still cancer free and she didn't need chemo or radiation. Her physician husband didn't want her to have the lapryscopic surgery so her recovery was much longer and further complicated by a wound infection.
She was mobile and able to stay by herself about 7 days after surgery. She was still under restrictions but didn't require constant supervision.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,456
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jan 22, 2016 5:57:51 GMT
My mother had a kidney removed due to cancer. It was done laparoscopically. Ten years cancer free.
Wishing your friend the best.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 22, 2016 6:02:50 GMT
Talk to tania7424. She has a lot of information I am sure. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 22, 2016 11:11:55 GMT
I have no advice or experience, but wanted to offer prayers & positive thoughts for your friend.
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Nicole in TX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,951
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Post by Nicole in TX on Jan 22, 2016 11:17:12 GMT
My uncle had kidney cancer and I talked to a relative who is a nurse, with a lot of experience in cancer care. She said if the cancer is encapsulated in the kidney and there is no spread, once they remove the kidney that may sometimes be all the treatment needed. My coworker had this exact same thing. They took out part of the kidney and got it all. That was in 2012. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 3:23:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2016 13:45:44 GMT
A family friend had her kidney removed between 10-15 years ago. Just last year she had some issues with her renal cancer and is currently on an oral chemotherapy.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 22, 2016 14:21:11 GMT
gsquaredmom Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad I was able to help! Steph, My DH has battled renal cell carcinoma for nearly 9 years. Don't read any statistics online. They are all outdated. DH had a canteloupe size tumor at diagnosis, with metastasis to both lungs. He underwent a radical nephrectomy, meaning entire kidney and the adrenal gland. If your friend's cancer was caught early, she is likely to have no further issues after surgery. I hope this is her situation! Feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to talk to you via phone, too. Even if her cancer is not contained, the progress being made on RCC is advancing daily. When DH was diagnosed, they gave him a year to live. Like I said, he's coming up on his 9th year. He is currently enrolled in a clinical trial using immunotherapy in addition to the cancer inhibiting drugs. There is a lot of reason to be hopeful. You are a great friend!
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Post by lily on Jan 22, 2016 17:13:47 GMT
My dad had his right kidney removed 22 years ago due to a tumor in it that was Level 1 Cancer. he did not need any chemo or anything because it was all contained in the kidney. He is 83 now and doing great!!
I also have a close friend who had a tumor on her kidney and they laproscopically removed it and she has been fine for five years now. She is 63.
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Post by onlywork2scrap on Jan 22, 2016 20:19:32 GMT
My mom had a different type of cancer and it attached to several organs, including one kidney. They removed it with some other things. She was 84 at the time, in great shape and did very well with her recovery and with the remaining kidney. Unfortunately, this cancer returned 4 years later. Your friend should do well.
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Post by tania7424 on Mar 4, 2016 7:13:11 GMT
Talk to tania7424 . She has a lot of information I am sure. I was 5 years on Feb 21st!! Sorry, I haven't been here in ages. I hope your friend is doing ok @stephdrebel. I had my right kidney removed in an open (large incision), radical (take the whole thing) surgery. Recovery is horrendous. Took a good 2 months at least before I started to feel normal again. I remember walking through the mall after about 3 weeks and vomiting in a trash can from pain. Now? I have a surgical hernia that is not being repaired because they'll have to do the exact same incision again to repair and there is a 50% chance it will herniate again. Not worth it. But, my remaining kidney is extremely healthy. I had to have regular (6 months, then down to one year) CT scans and ultrasounds. Make sure my blood pressure is under control and that I don't develop Type II. All things that would compromise the health of my one kidney. And I try and watch my sodium intake. |
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Post by corinne11 on Mar 5, 2016 6:58:37 GMT
Our former principal underwent this procedure in his late 30's and is still very active and healthy now in his 60's. Hoping things go just as well for your friend.
Corinne |
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Mar 5, 2016 15:45:51 GMT
A wonderful friend had this done last year. He's in his 80's. Overnight hospital stay, he said he was in a little more pain immediately following surgery than he expected to be. Within a week he was back walking on the treadmill each day. According to him, if you're going to be diagnosed with cancer, this is the best type to have (his words).
Apart from a slightly restricted diet now, he's back to his wonderful self.
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 5, 2016 20:21:09 GMT
Talk to tania7424 . She has a lot of information I am sure. I was 5 years on Feb 21st!! Sorry, I haven't been here in ages. I hope your friend is doing ok @stephdrebel. I had my right kidney removed in an open (large incision), radical (take the whole thing) surgery. Recovery is horrendous. Took a good 2 months at least before I started to feel normal again. I remember walking through the mall after about 3 weeks and vomiting in a trash can from pain. Now? I have a surgical hernia that is not being repaired because they'll have to do the exact same incision again to repair and there is a 50% chance it will herniate again. Not worth it. But, my remaining kidney is extremely healthy. I had to have regular (6 months, then down to one year) CT scans and ultrasounds. Make sure my blood pressure is under control and that I don't develop Type II. All things that would compromise the health of my one kidney. And I try and watch my sodium intake. Five years...that is wonderful! I am so glad to hear you are doing well. |
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,768
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Post by valincal on Mar 5, 2016 20:30:43 GMT
I was 5 years on Feb 21st!! Sorry, I haven't been here in ages. I hope your friend is doing ok @stephdrebel. I had my right kidney removed in an open (large incision), radical (take the whole thing) surgery. Recovery is horrendous. Took a good 2 months at least before I started to feel normal again. I remember walking through the mall after about 3 weeks and vomiting in a trash can from pain. Now? I have a surgical hernia that is not being repaired because they'll have to do the exact same incision again to repair and there is a 50% chance it will herniate again. Not worth it. But, my remaining kidney is extremely healthy. I had to have regular (6 months, then down to one year) CT scans and ultrasounds. Make sure my blood pressure is under control and that I don't develop Type II. All things that would compromise the health of my one kidney. And I try and watch my sodium intake. Five years...that is wonderful! I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Ditto! Nice to see you Tania.  |
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