Diagnosed with kidney cancer - what should I expect after surgery?

Hello Hip 

I am Brian, one of the Community Champions here on the online Community. I have just noticed your post has gone unanswered. I can't answer it myself as I have a different cancer, however by me replying your post will go back to the top of the page and I hope be seen and answered by someone from the group who has had kidney surgery.

I can give you a link to our information on kidney surgery and i hope this helps:

Surgery-for-kidney-cancer

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi 

i was treated for kidney cancer in October last year. I had a partial nephrectomy as my tumour was around 2.5 cm in size (the surgeon removed a wedge of my left kidney by robotic surgery). I won’t lie, I felt pretty rubbish for about 2 weeks after the surgery but within 6 weeks I was feeling much better and walking around the block and within 6 months I was back on the golf course. I haven’t had to have any other treatment other than 6 monthly CT scans (my second one is scheduled for 2 weeks’ time).

Tiredness was the most significant side effect and that took some getting used to but I tried to build up my stamina each day once I felt fit enough to leave the house. On the whole, I’m ok, but sometimes panic about the diagnosis - the word cancer is still frightening even though there are so many cures these days.

Good luck with your surgery and if I can help again in any one, please don’t hesitate to ask!! 

Helen

Thank you Helen glad to hear your on the mend. I am still waiting for surgery to get arranged. It is a scary time im so scared it will come back as I lost both my parents to cancer and 2 of my sisters have been treated for Skin cancer so im still worried x

Thanks Brian 

It is a very scary time but just remember you are not alone - there are lots of us on this network to support you! Hopefully you’ll get more answers soon. 

Take care x

Thankyou hope so

I didn't have a nephrectomy myself.  But either or both of: 

1/ after surgery, they will monitor for new growth by regular CT scans.  It starts at 3 month frequency and gradually becomes longer intervals between scans, ultimately ending after 5 years perhaps (assuming all clear).

2/ some people receive pembrolizumab as an adjuvant treatment to prevent recurrence or regrowth.