Newly diagnosed

Your story sounds similar to mine except that I’m 20 years older. My head was in a spin and I found it hard to think logically! I was told the same as you but at the time it didn’t make any sense. I couldn’t have cancer as I felt so well. After seeing the surgeon I got an appointment for the pre op and for the operation two days later. During that time I got myself as fit as possible by walking miles and made sure that things were in place for after the operation. I cleaned the house from top to bottom! This way I felt I regained some control. The operation is major but do able. Follow all the instructions you are given and listen to your body. Rest when you need to. Nine months later I am feeling really well and apart from scars that remind me what I have gone through it all seems like a bad dream. I was told I am at low risk for it coming back and will be scanned six monthly for the next five years. In all the hardest part for me was telling my three grown up sons! 

Good advice Joncol!

Hi, I’m 52 and got diagnosed last year with cancer in both kidneys, with one 5cm mass in one and two masses in the other. Like you I was worried, kidney cancer sounded scary, especially as it was found accidentally because I’d also just been diagnosed with breast cancer and the kidney masses showed up in a scan. But my doctor assured me that surgery would cure me and he was right.
Once I’d had the mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, chemo and radiotherapy for the breast cancer,  they did two partial nephrectomies, a couple of months apart. The last one was this April. The operations weren’t too painful, I was in hospital for three days both times and I was back on my feet quite quickly after both. I was even back in the gym, albeit carefully, after about three weeks. The worst part was not being able to drive for six weeks. Apart from the scars, which are fading fast, it’s all a dim distant memory now. I need annual scans too but I’m at low risk of it returning. 
The only advice I can offer is to try not to worry because it will all be over before you know it. Also try to keep fit and active and eat healthy food, I’m sure that’s what helped me recover so quickly. 
Twenty months after being diagnosed with breast and kidney cancer, my life is completely back to normal and I feel better than ever! I’m sure everything will return to normal soon for you too. 

U are inspirational MammaP!

Wow MammaP - what a story! Well done you x

I was diagnosed at 44 and had a nephrectomy too. I had no idea I had cancer - I wasn't at all unwell, I had blood in my urine and had assumed it was just an infection, until it was checked and it wasn't.

I think I just felt shock to be honest - a bit numb. I spent my time before my op getting everything sorted at work and at home, so that I could just relax through my recovery without having to worry that anything was outstanding. Daft things - but all the gardening was done, all the washing & ironing up to date, the house as clean as it could be etc. and of course that kept me busy and my mind off it.

Your tumour sounds small and hopefully it's nicely contained. Then a nephrectomy really is a cure. My friend was in exactly the same position as you, seven years ago - and he's still totally clear.

It's difficult when it's a bolt out of the blue - there's no right way to feel or be.

Lots of luck to you.

Thank you for sharing your story. 

Wow what a story and I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, you have given me confidence that it should all be OK. Thank you 

Thank you for sharing your story. 

I’ve just been diagnosed, completely out of the blue. Tumour the size of 2 fifty pences they say. Lucky to have found it, they say. 
I’m just numb, they told me to write down any questions I have, but I’m really struggling to think.   Hubby seems to just be thinking it’s all okay, they’ll take it out and then back to normal. We have 2 children aged 14 and 7. I’ve told the 14yr old but told her not to worry. 7 yr old I don’t know how or what to say if anything? I just want to cry. Why me? What have I done to deserve this. No one to talk to. 

Well @klm000, at least you've joined the community- the club no one really wants to be a member of. Welcome and also to the kidney cancer group too.

We're here for u to talk to - whatever time of day/ night, there's usually someone around.  I'm  a volunteer community champion - Sue -  n am here to point u in the right direction n try n answer your questions .

You haven't done anything to deserve it, but then u know that at heart, don't u?

If you need to talk,the  helpline's open 8am to 8 pm, 7 days a week on 0808 808 0000. If you prefer face-to-face,have  a look at "in your area" to see if there's a Mcmillan or Maggie's centre nearby 

There's a Macmillan booklet about talking to children and young people. Will check its details n repost about it.(See below)

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/talking-about-cancer/talking-to-children

You're in shock at the moment. Once you have a treatment plan, things will feel much easier to deal with. Take someone with you to your appointments so they can write down answers to your questions.

Meantime,let  us know when u know more.