[KathyFoster]

Hello,
I suffered from 3 days of severe right sided flank pain last Monday. Went to the doctor on Thursday and was sent for a CAT scan to rule out a kidney stone. Well, I didn't have a kidney stone, I have a right ovarian cyst (no big deal) and they found a LEFT kidney mass. I was immediately sent for an MRI and it confirmed I have a "Complex cystic mass in the left kidney measuring 5.8 x 5.3 cm. It has a thick rim approx 3-4 mm. and a "mural nodule measuring up to 2cm". There is questionable mild enhancement of the mural nodule (which I think means blood still flows to it). The report states that this 'corresponds to a Bosniak type III indeterminate lesion'. Ok, I saw the urologist yesterday, he says (what I have found on research) that it is most likely cancerous and that the standard of care is a laprascopic radical nephrectomy.

OK, I can live with one kidney!! But my questions are, is this the current standard of care? No other options? The Bosniak type III are stated as being only 60-70% malignant. What if they get in there and remove my kidney and it's not cancerous? Lost it for nothing, but I am scared to death to do a biopsy first because of possible seeding of the cancer cells. This thing is contained now and the MRI and CT show NO signs of any metastisis at this point.

Any input appreciated. They are trying to schedule my surgery for March 24th. thats only 12 days from today.

Kathy

[gborin]

Dear Kathy,
When I had my diagnosis 5 1/2 years ago surgery was the only option offered. From what I read there are other options being developed where the Kidney Cancer has spread. Get it out before that happens. For my story read my post 5 years and counting. Two months from now you should be back to near 100% of normal with a few scars that will gradually fade away.

gborin

[gibsonk]

I was diagnosed 7/05 with Stage II Renal Cell Carcinoma. They couldn't tell me until they took it out for biopsy if it was malignant or not and that may be the case for you too. I was told that if it was a solid mass vs. fluid filled it was most likely malignant and they were right! My entire left kidney was removed because the size was large, 12cm. Also, they did not remove it with a laproscope because of the size. I know from my research the removal is the main treatment. Sometimes they can do a partial nephrectomy if the tumor is small enough. I got a 2nd opinion from an oncologist if follow up treatment was recommended but they said kidney cancer does not respond well to chemo. My surgeon was from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. and I see him every 6 months for scans. Other than that I try and keep myself strong & healthy in case I have to fight this again. My prayers are with you! It sounds like you found it early. I just ran my second 15K run, have been hang-gliding in N. Carolina. Not too bad for a 48 yr. old mother of a teenager! Know that this is not a death sentence but an awakening to cherish life! Be Strong!