I was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2013 the cure and treatment of it was to remove my left kidney as the tumour was contained in the kidney so I didn't need chemo so all was well and good. At the time the specialist said that of all the cancers kidney cancer was a good one as it was a slow progressive one rather than an aggressive one. I felt very lucky but at the same I felt guilty as people around that I knew were going through other types one was a good friend she got it in one breast then the other then further on she got it in her stomach and eventually in the brain she lost her fight nearly 2 years ago she was one of the strongest people I know and she fought it till the end...7 years on after my first cancer it was back, i had attended all my check ups religiously then covid hit and my check up had to be delayed by 3 months so August 2020 I had my scan and by the 24th September 2020 I got the confirmation I was dreading yes it was back in my other kidney my pancreas and the lymph nodes that go to the lungs... stage 4 kidney cancer/metastatic cancer and this time it can't be cut out but they can control it for 3 to 5 years so I'm on chemo tablets for the rest of my days, a few days after getting the news the hospital rang to tell that after blood tests I am now borderline diabetic and high cholesterol, then they tell me I have high blood pressure further on I now have fatty liver and underactive thyroid so I'm now on medication for all these issues aswell...I've always been the sort of person to 'get on with things' deal with whatever life through my way and that is how I try to be with this and I do have a great support network around me but it's not always easy to talk with my family/friends as I don't think they feel comfortable to talk with me about things and how cancer makes me feel aswell as them...I try to encourage my sons especially that there is help and advice available to them aswell as for me to help them deal with it but any help and advice will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Ba ba and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about how things have developed and you diagnosis, this must have come as a shock but I do hope you will find lots of comfort and support from people who understand here on the Online Community.
The Community has many dedicated support groups so can I recommend you start by joining our Kidney cancer group, you may also want to look at our Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only group. These are safe places to talk to other people who might have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience or dealing with the family challenges surrounding a diagnosis like your.
If you'd like to connect into this group,s you need to join the groups. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help you and your family a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best.
