Hello everyone,**
My name is Halil, and I’m 51 years old. I living in Belgium
I’m joining this community to share my journey with kidney cancer and find support. Here’s a summary of my story:
- **2010:** First kidney cancer diagnosis—clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Underwent a partial left nephrectomy. Nuclear grade 3 (Fuhrman). Tumor size: 2.9 cm. No capsular breach. Healthy resection margins.
- **2019:** Diagnosed again with ccRCC, classified as pT3a, grade 3. Had another partial left nephrectomy. Tumor size: 2.4 mm. Initial stage: T3aN0M0 (Stage III). That same year, a retroperitoneal lymph node (11–11.6 mm, left primitive iliac) was detected but remained stable until 2024.
- **Lung nodule:** Present since 2018 (5 mm in 2019), it fluctuated in size (15 mm in 2025, SUVmax 4.9). A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL, 04/02/2025) suggested a benign cause (bronchocele/hypersensitivity pneumonitis—no cancer cells or infection). A bronchoscopic navigation is scheduled for late May to confirm.
- **2025—Lymph node:** The 2025 PET scan showed intense hypermetabolism in the lymph node, suggesting metastasis (N1). My urologist confirmed that its appearance aligns with metastasis, not infection. He explained that its stability (2019–2024) might indicate tumor dormancy, while the hypermetabolism suggests recent activation. He finds this reassuring, as it points to slow progression.
- **Treatment:** A lymph node biopsy was ruled out (open surgery too risky, potential complications). Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is planned for 04/16–18/2025 to treat the presumed metastatic lymph node.
- **Current stage:** T3aN1M0 (Stage III), pending bronchoscopic navigation to confirm no lung metastases (M0).
I’m quite stressed about the uncertainty surrounding the lymph node, even though my doctor finds the slow progression reassuring. I’d love to connect with others who’ve faced similar situations (ccRCC, late recurrence, SBRT, etc.) to better understand what lies ahead and manage my anxiety. Thanks in advance for your support!
*P.S.: I’ve always been asymptomatic.*
