Fatigue question

hi kenmac sorry to hear you have been out of work for so long 

I have just been diagnosed with rcc 4 weeks ago and was hoping I would

only be off work sick for a week or two l only started my job six weeks ago

and I worry about keeping my job what is the average time for healing

as I haven't even seen my consultant. Yet to discuss any thing 

I only know that I will be having keyhole partial nephrectomy

hope you get well soon

Hi, I had a radical left nephrectomy last July following a diagnosis or RCC. I was off work for almost 3 months and then went back part time on reduced duties. I still get very tired now, I’ve just been away for a few days where I’ve done lots of walking, eating, socialising etc and feel wiped out now that I’m back home. 

In regards to the worries about losing jobs, this shouldn’t happen as with a diagnosis of cancer you are protected under the Equalities Act and have certain employment rights under the Act. 

Hi Hank

Two weeks is optimistic to be honest, as far as time off goes I was told 10/12 weeks but that could be because my job is really physical & involves truck driving.

Don't think you need worry about your job, i'm only worried about mine as i'm almost at 28 weeks with no news as to when I'll be able to get back so will be on SSP.

I'm sure everything will be fine but robotic surgery does give your internals a battering.

Keep us updated on your progress.

Ken

Hi Sus65

I just can't get my energy level up to anywhere near it was before the RCC, I used to work roughly 80hrs a week & do longbow archery  at weekends which involves walking probably 4 or 5 miles plus shooting plus one & half hours on a Sunday before the operation, but now I can't even wash my car without having to have two breaks while doing it & it's really getting to me know.

My concern with work is it's only a small one man band operation & at 28 weeks I go on SSP & I think he'll replace me as he does need a driver on the grounds he needs to let me go on medical grounds as I don't know when I'll get back to work.

Ken

Hi Sue

I had a radical nephrectomy in March 2017 and had about 12 weeks off post op. I'm a midwife so quite a physical job.  I went back on light duties until Christmas.  It's not always the physical aspect you need to worry about  as I suffered from stress and anxiety as a result of diagnosis and subsequent complications with lymphnodes resulting in further absence from work. I have been back to full duties since Jan albeit I am no longer full time and stagger my shifts due to to extreme tiredness I feel most of the time. 

I am beginning to feel I will never get my energy levels back to how they were. I take it day by day and do what I can.

Everyone has different timescales but hope this gives an indication and helps some xxxx

I had s radical in October and went back to work phase return The end of January, I struggle with fatigue in fact I’m typing this from my bed ! I male sure I rest early evening x jo

Hi Ken,

I had a dull removal of kidney and am on a TKI drug . The fatigue was awful and I put it down to the cancer returning and the side effect of the drug. 

Then, I decided to have my thyroid checked and guess what? That was most of my problem. Started on thyroxine and man I feel like s new man. It takes about 2-3 weeks to click in. Have a TSH, T3 and T4 blood test ( all in the one test) and check out your thyroid. It responsible for hormones. 

Also, I kept my kidney function good by increasing my water intake. Count water ONLY between 1.5-2 litres daily. NO soft drink and only 1 coffee a day. I don’t drink alcohol but I believe red wine 1 glass ok.

Good luck with above, let me know how you go 

Tony 

Hi, 

I think it is very individual how our bodies cope with this surgery. 

I had my laparoscopic nephrectomy July 2017 and have only managed to return to work this week!! And a phased return over 6 weeks. 

I had initially thought I would return last October but there was no way on earth I could have achieved that. 

As said above the laparoscopic surgery is brutal. 

I’ve noted before that some super humans are up and running and working faster than the speed of light. I stopped comparing myself in the end. 

And now I actually feel really great. Way better than I did a year ago when although not obviously unwell looking back I was exhausted. Feeling as well as I do now I realise how terrible I felt back then. 

My advice is to take the time to recover and rest rest rest as much as possible. 

All the very best 

Xx

Hi Ken

i was diagnosed with rcc in July 18 and had a right nrphrectomy in Aug 18.  Stage One, no spread.  I was expecting to have 4-6 weeks off work (advised by surgeon).  However after experiencing severe fatigue I have returned to work today after 12 weeks off.  I am on a graduated return to work with 2-3 hrs one day the first week, 2 days second week etc.

I was totally wiped out after travel and work today and am now very worried that I may never get my normal strength back, sufficient to work full time.

Thank you Michelle, your post made me feel a lot better and gave me some hope for the future.  I am only three months post surgery.