Hello, I had a robotic assisted partial nephrectomy seven weeks ago. A CT scan had detected a 4cm cystic renal mass which indicated a small kidney cancer. Having discussed the pros and cons of a biopsy the decision was taken to proceed straight to surgery.
The operation was a success, and I was discharged from hospital 3 days later. A follow up call with one of the consultants’ team several days later confirmed that the mass was indeed cancer and that it had been removed with clear margins. Relief.
This week I had a more detailed post op review with the consultant surgeon. He confirmed the success but added that it did show aggressive features. Up to this point, having read the literature I was given I had assumed that the staging was T1as the cancer was 4cm or less. When I asked about staging I was told that it was in fact T3a and there was an intermediate risk. However no further treatment was needed at this stage.
I was taken aback, comforted with the news that no further treatment was needed at this stage but somewhat concerned that it was at a more advanced stage. At this point I couldn’t think what else to ask.
My care has now been transferred back to my own health board, they don’t offer this procedure, and I have a face-to-face meeting with my own consultant next month.
Has anyone had a similar experience? And what questions should I be asking at this stage?
Thanks.
