Surgery coming up

Hi there, I had a radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy(cancer in the Vena Cava vein) in May. The complexity of the surgery was such that it could not be done in Nevada so I arranged to have it done in Utah. The surgery team, including the anesthesiologist, advised me of a number of risks, including blood clots moving to the brain, the possibility of a heart bypass if the vein could not be clamped while removing the thrombus and another pulmonary embolism(the first one led to the discovery of my advanced kidney cancer). They had a cardiac surgeon standing by!!! I appreciated all the information and it was scary but I had an absolutely wonderful surgical team and NONE of those things ended up happening!!!  Six weeks after surgery, my Signatera test is negative and I am recovering gradually, walking for exercise and comfortable with the idea of continuing my immunotherapy for the foreseeable future. I think it is, of course, TOTALLY normal to be anxious about the surgery, but it sounds like you are in good hands. My surgeon had done a large number of these and I was confident in his abilities. When I was first diagnosed, I was frightened and thought my number was up, but treatment for this type of problem has advanced so much, that you should be just fine. I thought of the information of possible difficulties simply part of the thoroughness of the team and nothing more. I know it’s tempting to concentrate on those things, but as I understand it, these surgeries are highly successful and I certainly can attest that mine came off without a hitch. I did not even go into the ICU afterwards!  Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!!!

Thank you so much for this. It's good to know that it all worked out for you. This morning I received the letter from the consultant confirming our conversation from Monday. 

In it he says that he will be arranging an ICU bed for post surgery but it seems that this is standard procedure following major surgery as it allows for closer monitoring. Maybe like you I won't need it but I won't worry about it (or try not to anyway).

Also filled in the pre op health questionnaire today and sent it off. Can't believe how long it took, it was very detailed. 

How far was the hospital from where you live ? Mine is 55 miles away which I think is a lot but is probably considered as just down the road in America.

Wishing you all the best.

Hi again!  Since they couldn’t do my surgery in Nevada, I had mine in Salt Lake City, Utah, about 422 miles away. The distance from home wasn’t as much an issue for me because I knew that’s where the excellent care was. I remember the pre op questionnaire as being long and detailed as well. Some of the answers seemed only appropriate for an oncologist! I’m sure your surgical team has seen everything and they’ll use that questionnaire to allow for EXACTLY what you need! 

I had a radical left nephreomy last June 18, 2025 and I can tell you up front, I was terrified. I had never had surgery before, not one in 50 years! But, I can also tell you, it was a breeze. Now, this is just my experience, but I had kidney stones removed from my "good: kidney 2 weeks prior and that seemed much worse. My radical was done by a Davinci robot, it was amazing when I saw it. I can tell you, I dont rememer anything at all but the countdown of anesthesia and then...waking up. Even the recovery was easy, just a bit sore. The mental stress beforehand was much worse than the actual operation.

Good luck

Thank you for your reply. It has certainly helped calm my nerves. I've just read your other post regarding your fears that the cancer has returned and have replied. I really hope that is not the case but if it is I am sure you will deal with it once you know what it is. Please keep us informed on your progress and remember that you are not alone.