New here!

Hi Manders33,

welcome to the kidney cancer community, you are not alone there when we all found out we had cancer we have fallen apart, It is human nature everyone goes through it, I was offered Frimley park as they do robotic work it was to remover the bottom half of my kidney, I think it is a fantastic new way to operate, but still very worrying I did not get the opportunity to have it as my cancer spread after the removal of my left kidney and spleen, if you are worried about anything just ask as most of us have had different treatments and operations, we also have the Macmillems help line too, I am glad you came here as you will get support from everyone even members who have been on this site for many years now, take care and let us know how you get on 

Hi Sandra55

thank you so much for replying to me, I really didn’t expect anyone to, especially this time of the year but I guess cancer doesn’t take a Christmas break eh!

I was actually diagnosed with cancer the day my Dad died of cancer and he was 8 weeks from diagnosis to passing away - a very different cancer (stage 4 lung cancer that had spread pretty much everywhere) but this is how I saw my future.  I’m 54 with the most gorgeous grandchildren, both under 2, and I really thought that was it for me. It really is so hard and I can honestly say that the stress and anxiety made me iller than I had ever been in my life. 
I am now trying to be positive and power walking everyday to get myself fit for surgery (never had surgery before) and ironically feel fitter than I have for years. 
It scares me so much that I have this thing inside me and I worry daily that it might be spreading and what else it might be doing. 

im so sorry to hear that you were unable to have this robotic surgery, it does sound amazing and it exactly what I’m having.  I really hope that you are doing well now and on the road to recovery with all the support you need.

Thank you again for responding xXx 

Hi  

Yes, I know me telling you not to worry because I know you will, will you be having your op soon when I went for mine it was 31st December 2019 just before the dreaded COVID-19 so I could have visitors after the op in ICU, it was fine I went 7.30 Monday morning first one down the reason I had to have my spleen out was because it was stuck to my kidney, I was out by Friday of that week the only thing I missed the new year celebrations, where you are having the robotics you will recover sooner good luck and keep in touch  

Hi  

my surgery is scheduled for this Sunday 2nd. I too have to be there for 7:30am and have been told that I am the first of the day. The hospital have been amazing and have arranged for my husband to have a pcr test on Thursday with me so he can wait in my room and will be there when I come back from surgery - I am so lucky and I really do appreciate that. 
How are you doing now you are 2 years down the line?

thank you so much for the encouragement, it really does help. xXx 

Hi Manders33,

 I am under Mr Savage in Brighton, I have been on chemo for the last 18 months so far I have been fine, I have a scan every three months for the last three times I have been stable, I went for one on 23rd December so I am having my usual worries until I get my results on the 21st January, I will be hoping for the same results, but my results are nothing there are some members who have been years on treatment, my friend had kidney cancer sixteen years ago he is still doing well once the kidney was taken out it removed the cancer, there are so many treatments out there that people are living a lot longer, hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones who will be cancer free after your op, not long now how wonderful your husband can be with you sending lots of love and hugs to you hope you will let us know how you get on in the future all the best 

Hi Manders33, 

Welcome to the community and know that you are amongst friends here who will share their stories and offer advice where appropriate.  More importantly however many of us will have been on the same journey as you are embarking on and hopefully will therefore be able to offer comfort and support.  I had my left kidney and a lot of associated plumbing removed back in May of this rear.  At the time I was really worried about the operation and the effect of having only one kidney.  The operation went smoothly and was successful in removing the cancer.  I am now on immunotherapy to mop up any stray cancer cells and I definitely didn't need to worry about living with only one kidney.

I wish you all the very best,

Mike

Hi Mike

thank you for the encouraging message. Iv not long got back from my covid swab and am now counting down - 3 more sleeps as I would say to the kids! 
I am very nervous but also excited to get it done and start moving forward. I have no idea what immunotherapy is? If they got all of your cancer, what is it and why did you have to have it? Sorry for the questions. 

thank you for taking the time to respond to me, it really does help me. 

many thanks xXx 

Hi Manders33. How did you get on with your kidney surgery? Did you have partial removal? How were you post op? Im due a partial nephrectomy keyhole (not robotic) in 3 weeks and honestly crapping myself at the thought of post op outcomes and complications!! 
i hope the surgery went brilliantly for you, they got it all and you have recovered well? Take care x

Hi Twinx

id actually left this forum but couldn’t not reply to your message. 
I was absolutely terrified so I know exactly how you feel

someone advised me to try and exercise during the build up to surgery so I power walked every day, just to get my heart rate up and help with my recovery. 
surgery went well and although I was pretty sore and bruised afterwards I followed all the instructions and could feel myself getting stronger every day. A short 5 minute walk would require an afternoon sleep to recover. But listen to your body and rest as much as you need. 
Day 10 I tried a longer walk but it was way too early and I paid for that! 
by week 3 I was only taking paracetamol for pain relief - hated the side affects of codine but it does help with the pain. 
my pathology appointment at week 4 was very reassuring as the surgeon was confident that he had got it all but due to the grade cancer I had I would need a scan every 6 months for the first 3 years. 
Fast forward to now (5 months from surgery on 2nd June) - I have never felt fitter! I started the couch 2 5k App and I now run 30 mins at least 3 times a week. I joined a gym and I’m loving it! Lost loads of weight, I’m now off insulin (type 2) and have had the best excuse in the world to buy a new wardrobe of clothes as nothing fit anymore. 
I am also running the Race for Life on 2nd July for Cancer Research - exactly 6 months to the day from when I had my surgery. 
this is all from someone who had never run before! 
I really hope all of the above puts your mind at rest - you’ve got this, you can beat this

good luck

got my scan in July and I’m a bit anxious about it but I feel fit and well

Btw. It was a partial Nephrectomy