Kidney Cancer

[Chenzo]

Hi everyone, Feb 26, I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. I had my right Kidney removed on the 29th of last month. I have been recouping for the past 5 weeks,very sore and sorry for myself. I had my checkup with my surgeon yesterday. The cancer was a stage 3 and the tumor was a stage 1, he said they got all the cancer with the kidney and no other sign of cancer anywhere else. I have to say it was the best news ever...No chemo or radiation needed either....So, I don know if this classes me as a survivor yet, I would like to hear from anyone else who has had Kidney Cancer..I have so many questions..I have been told that i will need scans and blood tests every 3 months for the next five years..... Cheers everyone

[deniseford]

Hi Chenzo Sorry about your diagnosis, but glad they are confident they got it all. I don't want to scare you but my husband had his Kidney removed due to RCC in August 2009. He was also told that it was all clear and they were confident it had not spread. He had regular scans of his abdomen (kidney) every 6 months for two years with good results. Two weeks after his last abdomen scan he had a random check of his heart due to problems with a family member that was thought to be hereditary, and unfortunately they found the RCC had metasised to his lungs. Long story short he has Stage IV advanced Cancer. I would suggest that you are very proactive and make sure when they do the regular scans that they scan chest and abdomen and ask lots of questions. If we had found it earlier, he would more likely not be where he is right now. Take Care Denise

[Garryb]

Hi Chenzo, I see it's nearly been 12 months since your post, hopefully you have fully recovered from the surgery and are staying well. I was first diagnosed in 2007 & had my right kidney removed & part of my left as well. Like you I didn't need chemo or radiation treatment & had CT scans & chest x-rays every 6 months. I was clear until 2011 when 2 tumours were found in my liver & I have been on a targeted chemo treatment (tablets) ever since with no change in tumour size. My best advice to you is to get some support for yourself & your family through the Cancer Council, ask lots of questions of your specialist & GP, & stay positive! I stayed employed throughout the whole time & have only just become unemployed through forced redundancy.

[Garryb]

Hi Denise, Sorry to hear about your husband, hopefully something can be done to help him. I'm surprised your specialist didn't include chest x-rays as part of his 6 monthly check up regime. I was first diagnosed with RCC in 2007 & after surgery had regular ultrasounds & x-rays every 6 months. Unfortunately in 2011 two tumours were discovered in my liver & I have been on Sutent ever since with no changes to the tumours. I know this is a long shot, but have you considered Oncothermia as a complementary treatment? There is a monetary cost but it might be worth considering. Cheers Garry