RCC Metastasis

Hello MaryH

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I see that you have joined the kidney cancer forum and hope that you are finding that supportive.

I am sorry to hear that you have had new nodules (lesions) on your lung, liver, and adrenal gland after removal of your kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). It is good to read that the nodules are not causing you any symptoms. But I can understand your question about how big the nodules might grow and when you would start treatment.

It is difficult for us to answer this question as we are not directly involved in your care. Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so we can’t give personalised information. Your treatment team or GP would be able to answer this question for you though. It would be helpful to get in touch with your consultant or a doctor in the hospital team, or your clinical nurse specialist if you have one.

It may be helpful to know that there are very effective treatments for kidney cancers, that can shrink the cancers for many people and control them for some time. There are details of the possible treatments here.

You mention that you don’t have family or friends living close by. I can understand that this may feel worrying but there are many people and organisations that can help you. Your GP surgery can arrange for a GP or district nurse to visit and assess your situation at home. District nurses can provide ongoing nursing care. The GP or district nurse can also make a referral to a local symptom control team. This is also called a community palliative care team. The team involves specialist nurses and doctors, pharmacists, social workers, and psychological support staff. They give specialist information and supportive palliative care, including pain and symptom control if needed. The team can also help with emotional support for you and family members. 

The NHS website has information about care and support you can get for free at home. You can also contact your local social services department for a social care needs assessment. If you suddenly feel unwell, you can call NHS111 to get medical advice at any time, and can call 999 if you feel very unwell.

Dealing with cancer can be an emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. An organisation called Maggie’s offers psychological support and support groups for anyone affected by cancer. They also offer online gentle exercise sessions, art therapy, and relaxation sessions that many people find supportive.

We often find that it is easier to discuss things over the phone, when we can get a clearer picture of your situation. You are welcome to call us and can phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Please do contact us again if you have any further questions or would like to talk things through. 

With best wishes

Debbie C

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/*DC/Lrob