[Guest]

Mornin y'all, from NW Fl.

I have been dxed w/suspicious for renal cell carcinoma in lt kidney and a cyst on the rt kidney. Lt nephrectomy is 5/19. I am sure there are those here who have been there and done that. What should I know? I appreciate your help. Thanks - God bless

[Guest]

First of all, you should know that, if your RCC is encapsulated (and, considering that there is only a "suspicion" that you have it, that is more than likely), your prognosis is excellent. Once the kidney is removed, you could be considered completely CURED (although doctors shy away from using that word) of cancer!

Secondly, I guess you want to know about the surgery. Well, there are different kinds of incisions. Some surgeons go in through the side or even the back of your thoracic region, and some even remove a rib to do it. Some go in through the front (like mine did), making an incision from the midpoint of your abdomen to your side. (I had 25 staples.) Some surgeons remove the tumour, the kidney, or part of the kidney, using very small incisions and a scope. You should ask your doctor what his plans are.

Most likely, you will be given a needle in your back when you get into the operating room. This is to give you pain medication for the first couple of days following your surgery, that is far more effective and fast-acting than any other kind. It's sweet stuff!

The nephrectomy itself is a simple procedure - for the surgeon. Barring any unexpected findings or complications, it should take only an hour or an hour and a half. When you wake up, you will have a catheter and a bag for your urine, which will be taken away after the first day. It's important to get up out of bed asap.

Post-op pain? I had lots, but not so much from the incision itself, as from gas in my guts. That's because you are filled up with air during the surgery, and it gets trapped in there. Another reason to get mobile as soon as you can.
The pain meds are very helpful with this, and right after you get a dose is the perfect time to get up.

My biggest problem was constipation. It was just too painful to push in order to move my bowels. So take some advice from me, and ask your doctor to put you on stool softeners, or if you should even take some a day or two before your surgery.

I was released from hospital on the sixth day after my nephrectomy, and I was perfectly capable of going to the washroom, etc. So it's not like you need a caregiver 24 hours a day. But you will be very weak, will tire easily, and will find it difficult to sit - you will want to stand or stretch out. You should get your strength back gradually, but it will be many months before you feel completely strong again.

I hope I've answered all of your questions. If not, feel free to email me at [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed]

I wish you all the very best with your surgery. God bless.
Mornin y'all, from NW Fl.

I have been dxed w/suspicious for renal cell carcinoma in lt kidney and a cyst on the rt kidney...

[Guest]

Thanks, Puppy - this is exactly what I am looking for. Sounds kinda like the quad bypass I had 3 yrs ago - just in a different place. And maybe nobody will break my sternum again!

My dr says I will be in hosp for 5-7 days, mainly because of the bowel thing. He says the intestines shut down and have to get going again before release from the hospital. I sure will take some stool softeners before I go.

There is a cyst on the other kidney (rt) that he says he could drain but it will only refill so he will let it alone. A friend's husband had the same and after nephrectomy, the cyst disappeared when they took pictures to check it.

I have no pain, my appetite is good, color is the same as it's always been. I display no malignant cancer symptoms.

How long is it since you had this surgery?

Thank you again, I really appreciate your quick response.

God bless
[quote] First of all, you should know that, if your RCC is encapsulated (and, considering that there is only a "suspicion" that you have it, that is more than likely), your prognosis is excellent. Once the kidney is removed, you could be considered completely CURED (although doctors shy away from using that word) of cancer... [/quote]

[Guest]

It was 22 months ago TODAY that I had my radical nephrectomy. I still have a lot of numbness surrounding my incision - probably always will, because so many nerves get cut during the surgery. Regular lung x-rays and ct-scans show absolutely no sign of any further cancer, so I'm one lucky puppy! I wish the same for you, but since you don't have any symptoms (I did: terrible night sweats, weight loss, crippling fatigue, huge blood clots in my urine), your outlook appears very positive.

My tumor was 7.5 cm and had spread into my renal vein, which was also removed. My cancer was staged at 3, and my prognosis was very grim going into surgery. The operation went so much better than anticipated, and I am still doin great. If I can kick this thing in the butt, I know you can. Please keep in touch via email, or join me at a wonderful online cancer support group called "cancersurvivorsonlinenow", where you can get information, share feelings, get support, and even have a laugh.

God bless.

puppy
[quote] Thanks, Puppy - this is exactly what I am looking for. Sounds kinda like the quad bypass I had 3 yrs ago - just in a different place... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thanks, Puppy - I am positive - When I had quad bypass 3 yrs ago I was positive and very confident then - more positive than I am now, tho. I just feel that whatever happens I will be ready for it. All my heart buddies online are soooo supportive and that's always a big help.

Sounds like you have come a long way from yours. Glad to know they are keeping tabs on you.

I will go to the site you mention - have you met my friend, Zazzy? She has survived breast cancer and she's sorta all over the place. It wouldn't surprise me if you know her. She's a sunny lady for all she has suffered.

Thanks - Ann (Hensylee)
God bless
[quote] It was 22 months ago TODAY that I had my radical nephrectomy. I still have a lot of numbness surrounding my incision - probably always will, because so many nerves get cut during the surgery... [/quote]

[Guest]

I'm so glad you're coming to our support site - you will find it a therapeutic place to be. Yes, I have encountered your friend Zazzy - at least, her name is familiar to me. There are a number of sites that I visit, although CSOLN is my regular haunt. I hope to see you there soon.

Best wishes and God bless.
[quote] Thanks, Puppy - I am positive - When I had quad bypass 3 yrs ago I was positive and very confident then - more positive than I am now, tho. I just feel that whatever happens I will be ready for it... [/quote]

[Guest]

I'm so glad you're coming to our support site - you will find it a therapeutic place to be. Yes, I have encountered your friend Zazzy - at least, her name is familiar to me. There are a number of sites that I visit, although CSOLN is my regular haunt. I hope to see you there soon.

Best wishes and God bless.
[quote] Thanks, Puppy - I am positive - When I had quad bypass 3 yrs ago I was positive and very confident then - more positive than I am now, tho. I just feel that whatever happens I will be ready for it... [/quote]

[Guest]

I'm so glad you're coming to our support site - you will find it a therapeutic place to be. Yes, I have encountered your friend Zazzy - at least, her name is familiar to me. There are a number of sites that I visit, although CSOLN is my regular haunt. I hope to see you there soon.

Best wishes and God bless.
[quote] Thanks, Puppy - I am positive - When I had quad bypass 3 yrs ago I was positive and very confident then - more positive than I am now, tho. I just feel that whatever happens I will be ready for it... [/quote]

[Guest]

I'm so glad you're coming to our support site - you will find it a therapeutic place to be. Yes, I have encountered your friend Zazzy - at least, her name is familiar to me. There are a number of sites that I visit, although CSOLN is my regular haunt. I hope to see you there soon.

Best wishes and God bless.
[quote] Thanks, Puppy - I am positive - When I had quad bypass 3 yrs ago I was positive and very confident then - more positive than I am now, tho. I just feel that whatever happens I will be ready for it... [/quote]

[Guest]

I apologize for the multiple postings. My computer at work can be a real butthead sometimes....
[quote] I'm so glad you're coming to our support site - you will find it a therapeutic place to be. Yes, I have encountered your friend Zazzy - at least, her name is familiar to me... [/quote]