Assurance on radical nephrectomy and surgery

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I've been on pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib since May 2025 to shrink a tumour on my left kidney which measured 13cm x 10cm.. Following my most recent scan in late February the oncologist advised me that it had now shrunk sufficiently that surgery would be able to go ahead. I'm very conflicted on this. On the one hand surgery could remove all or most of the remaining cancer. On the other hand I worry about possible problems such as uncontrollable bleeding, pain and a long recovery period not to mention then having only one kidney. I am 67 so I also feel my age will not help. I would like to hear from anyone else who has been on this same path and is also not as young as they were. Could I refuse surgery and remain as I am maybe having treatment with breaks and being monitored ?

Thank you for reading.

Study To Be Quiet 10 hours ago

I was 66 and by no means fit when I had my nephrectomy in 2020. I had not had any treatment other than the op and mine was laparoscopic so lots of small wounds rather than one larger one but I just wanted to say that it is natural to be anxious about an operation and the recovery. I was very worried given my age and obesity but I am glad I listened to my doctors.

I was reassured by the confidence of my surgeon and he was right as the surgery turned out to be less traumatic that a hysterectomy I had years before. I was out of hospital within a couple of days but I realise that not everyone’s experience is the same. I guess following the recommendations of the medical team has worked out well for me. I hope this helps.

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Assurance on radical nephrectomy and surgery