Kidney cancer

Good Morning Meggie,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our Online Community. We hope that you find it a safe and supportive space. My name is Fiona and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve previously had treatment for breast cancer and now need surgery to have a kidney cancer removed; this must be a worrying time for you.

You are probably already aware that you’ll be asked to attend for a pre-assessment appointment before your surgery during which you’ll be given a better idea of what is to happen and what to expect on the day. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions.

You may be advised to reduce or stop your apixaban one to three days before your surgery. The risks to you from stopping it will be considered and some people are advised to have a reduced dose, but this will be discussed at your pre-assessment visit. Your anaesthetist will see you on the morning of your surgery and will be able to explain the process and answer any questions you have.

We know that people cope with surgery and healing better if they have managed to eat a well-balanced diet beforehand, try to avoid alcohol and keep themselves as physically active as they can. How quickly you recover after your operation will depend on many factors, such as if it was a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach or an open approach, which is more invasive.

Waiting for surgery can be a worrying time. If you’d like to talk things through our nurses are available on the Support Line every day and are always happy to give you further information and support.

Best wishes

FS/MH