[gborin]

In 2002 I was diagnosed as a 59 year old male with Kidney Cancer. I have never smoked. The only option offered was surgical and because the tumor was small they were able to remove the tumor and the kidney laproscopocly i.e. major surgery with smaller opening(s). I have a CAT scan evey year and the doctor (a urological oncologist) who is younger than my son states that I have less than a 2% chance of cancer in my other kidney and that I will die of something else. I was able to water ski the summer after my surgery and also took a trapeze lesson. I refuse to let a history of kidney cancer stop me from doing anything. The important thing is to have the diagnosis and surgery BEFORE the cancer spreads which is not always easy as most people have kidney cancer for years before it is diagnosed including myself. The surgery was not fun, but it is better than the alternative. I intend to be at the weddings of all of my 5 grandchilden ages 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

[gibsonk]

Thank you for sharing your story and for your encouragement. I too was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2005 so I'm at 2 yrs. and counting. I am a 48 yr. old female non- smoker and had a 12 cm. tumor which was too large for the laprascopic surgery so I now have a huge scar but that's the least of my worries. I tell people it I got it in a fight and they should see the other guy! Sometimes my mind wonders back to the time when I was first diagnosed and become overwhelmed but for the most part I agree that while I still can I try to do as many things as I can espcially with my 17 yr. old daughter. The craziest thing I did this past summer was to Hang Glide in North Carolina!

Best Wishes to You!

[Tony F]

That's interesting that you unable to have yours done laproscopically, that's roughly the size of mine and I just had mine taken out that way a month ago. I do have 4 tiny scars and a larger one that's probably a little bigger than 4 inches across near my belt line. I guess I was just fortunate.
I too plan on living my life exactly like I had before the surgery. It's odd to hear how many people end up with this that have never smoked or anything, I'm a 39 year male and I've never smoked or drank any alcohol, but there is a history of cancer on my Dad's side of the family. At least with the women, I'm the first male to get any type of cancer....lucky me

[gborin]

Well today marks 6 years and counting from when I went under the knife on August 1, 2002. I do not intend on slowing down even though I was 65 last week. The only thing the Doctors are watching now besides the possibility of Cancer in my other kidney (the odds are 2%) are my blood readings a few of which are out of whak because I only have 1 kidney. Over the past year of 2 I have been fortunate to meet several people who have gone 10. 15 or more years from losing a kidney to kidney cancer and are all doing well. Hopefully my story will make it easier for those who first face Kidney Cancer and are in shock and depressed as I was then. but refuse to be any longer.

[rdc500]

Me too, I had a 8cm clear cell tumor with no spreading so my surgeon removed my kidney. It has been 6 years and I have had countless CAT scans with contrast and all is well. I also have one of those huge scars, but I agree no problem.

[grandmother]

My husband has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. they are going to remove the bad kidney. They have done all kinds of test, but have never done a biopsy. Could you please be so kind as to tell me how your cancer was determined? I would just like to hear from some one who has also had this done. Thank you very much. Glad to hear you are doing well

[gborin]

As I stated on my reply to your post under the Surgery topic the CT scan pointed out the Tumor and the probaility of Cancer and the biopsy during surgery confirmed the Cancer diagnosis. Just keep in mind that if they are successful in removing all of the Cancer as part of the surgery and it has not spread you can tell people that you had Cancer not that you have it,

[JG007]

[quote="gborin"]As I stated on my reply to your post under the Surgery topic the CT scan pointed out the Tumor and the probaility of Cancer and the biopsy during surgery confirmed the Cancer diagnosis. Just keep in mind that if they are successful in removing all of the Cancer as part of the surgery and it has not spread you can tell people that you had Cancer not that you have it,[/quote]

Thank you so much for your story. Tomorrow my father is having his Kidney removed. They found a mass on his kidney after he went to the doctor because he thought he had kidney stones. When the doctor didn't find what he thought he would, he did a strong test and found it.
I have been worried sick since we found out. Reading your story has made me feel very much at ease (well as much at ease one can be). I hope my father can continue the life he likes to lead. He's only 48 and still has to walk his daughter down the aisle and meet any future grandkids.

[gborin]

My prayers are with you and your father. The next few days will not be fun, but he should be at full speed in 4 to 6 weeks. I have written a few too many details about my surgery under the surgery post. As for grandkids my 10, 11 and 12 year old granddaughters will not let me hold them upside down anymore and before you know it he will have the same problem.