New kidney cancer diagnosis last week seeing urologist next week

Hi Sue

OMG how bloody unlucky. What an arse. 

I can’t tell you for recovery as I was laparoscopic, and I’m not PC at all when it comes to diet changes. I had a drink, because I figured I wouldn’t be drinking much after, which was true and I ate what I wanted to on the basis that life is too damn short. I’m an everything in moderation girl with the occasional blow out. 

The only diet change I made was after the op on the back of some research a friend of mine who had kidney cancer did. He found out that nettle tea was meant to be good to help kidney function. So I drank at least a cup a day and my function was back in range more or less immediately. 

Really sorry you’re having to go through this and hope you have a very quick and successful recovery. 

Hi ,

So sorry to hear that you are back on the roller coaster.

I had laparoscopic surgery but I don't know if recovery if significantly different.  Most people seem to be in hospital for between about three days and two weeks and the variation appears to depend upon hospital policy and individual recovery rather than the type of surgery.  Being reasonably fit does appear to be a factor in recovery but perhaps not as much as you might think.  I don't think that any dietician would have a problem with you reducing alcohol but do be careful about cutting out salt and potassium as they are essential electrolytes and your body does need some of them.  However, if you are eating any prepared foods then you will probably be getting enough from them.

The one thing I warn people about is constipation after the operation.  I think that both the operation and certainly the anaesthetic have an impact upon your bowels so I would eat plenty of fruit and veg and if you have not gone as you normally would then ask the nurses for something to help you go to the loo.  Drinking plenty of liquid afterwards helps to flush out the kidneys and clear the anaesthetic as well.

The patients who have open surgery often advise having a rolled up towel to press against the wound when doing things like sitting up, coughing or going to the loo.  It reduces the strain upon the muscles and stitches when you have to move.

I slept a lot when I got home as my body used the energy to try and repair the damage to my body and I got tired very quickly if I exercised and started simply by walking about twenty to thirty yards to the end of the street, having a rest then walking back and gradually building up the distance.  I have heard of others who have been jogging for several miles after a few weeks but not me.

I think if you just take it gradually and do not try to push yourself too much then most people are OK.  You don't say if you are working but I was advised I would be off work for about six weeks but again it varies from person to person. I had a slight complication and didn't go back to work for six months.

I hope that this has been helpful but if you have more questions please come back.  I'm sure that someone who had open surgery will be along to give you their experiences before too long.

Wishing you all the best,

Gragon x

Thank you so much for the replies. It's really helpful to learn about other people's experiences. I've contacted a dietician on here to get some advice and just want to give my good kidney a helping hand for when it has to up it's game a bit! 

I am retired and so is my husband. I'll get plenty of family support. So everything is in place to help my recovery. I'll keep you posted as I progress. ....and no doubt be back with more questions as my journey unfolds. Your support is much appreciated. X

Sue

Thank you for the tip on nettle tea, ive just bought some for my husband, he had his kidney out Oct last year, open surgery and doing very well, we didn't have any advice on what to eat or drink so giving the nettle tea a go, thanks and good luck to you all, cancer sure sucks, i also have bladder cancer. Xx

Hi sueCC, Hi  

On your recommendations, this weekend I’ve picked up a pack of organic nettle tea bags and, yeah, they’re ok, aren’t they. I’ve never drunk normal tea, but I started on green tea after I came out of hospital because it’s said to be good for the immune system and with my lung mets I want to give my body’s defences all the help I can. And I need a break from coffee sometimes. 

We should really emphasise that if you’re on specific medication or being lined up for it, please check with your medical team before taking any dietary or herbal supplement. There are, apparently, some situations where you should definitely steer clear of nettle tea ... but I’m not on anti-coagulants and I’m unlikely to be pregnant, so ... 

Wishing you all the best 

-Mark 

Hi everyone...update as promised. Apparently I've got a T1b No Mo tumour. Which I'm o.k.with. Looks like its been spotted early. Consultant is hoping to take it out next Wednesday...he's going to do laparoscopic procedure if he can.

I feel like I'm in good hands and I hope that by the end of the summer I'll be looking more like Jane Fonda rather than the current resemblance to Nanny McPhee!! 

I'll keep you posted once I'm back home and on the mend ..x

Wow, your consultant moves quick!   I'm pleased to her that the tumour was caught early and that the procedure is also going to occur soon.  Uncertainty is the biggest problem for most people.

I hope that your operation is straightforward.  My one piece of advice is to ensure you eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of liquid post op as constipation is common after the surgery.  If you haven't gone within a day I would ask the nurse for some medication to assist.  After that just take it easy as you recover and build up your exercise gradually.

All the best,

Gragon x

Hi Sueg57, That sure was fast work but bet you’re glad to get it over and done with within a couple of weeks. Do come back and let us know how you’re doing after the operation. My husbands 75 and had the operation last October (open surgery) he’s doing absolutely fine, in fact we have our first holiday on Monday since his operation. Hope it goes well for you xx

That sounds incredibly promising and so quick too!

Wishing you lots of luck with your surgery!

Morning all! Back home post op and recovering well. I thought I'd let you all know. 

First  week after the op was spent in hospital because I needed a transfusion...so felt quite wiped out.  But now I'm back home I'm feeling better each day. 

I'm looking after my remaining kidney like a new born baby!! Lots of good healthy food and drink ( with the occasional treat!) And plenty of rest and sleep.

They've said I'll be about 12 weeks recovering...I think 6 is more like it...but I won't be putting myself under any pressure and I'll take it one day at a time.  

2 weeks post op today...onwards and upwards!! I'll keep you posted on my progress and once again thanks to you all for your advice and support.

Sue x