Kidney tumour

Hi SarahB21 and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you needed to find us and especially sorry to hear about your Kidney cancer diagnosis. Although I don't have the same cancer as you I know a cancer diagnosis brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with other people who are walking the same type of journey will help you navigate this rollercoaster ride.

I see you have already joined our  Kidney cancer forum  where you’ll be able to talk to others making the same journey. I’m sorry to see no-one’s answered your post just yet but I’m sure someone will be along very soon. 

When you have a minute, it would be helpful if you could pop something about your  journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. (It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.) To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can update it at any time and if you're not sure what you should write have a quick look at mine by clicking on my username.

It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.

Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx  

Hi ,

Welcome to the community.  I can well remember the confusion after my diagnosis and it occurs again at every stage until you know what the plan for you is.

6cm is considered a small tumour in kidney cancer but the options are usually watch and wait or operate.  Most people prefer to go for the operation but the current coronavirus can cause some delays at the moment.  If you do go down this route it is major surgery but is regarded as fairly routine as they do them quite often.

It is good idea to call the helpline as they can offer emotional support but also help you with practical matters.  I'm not sure of your employment status but you are now covered by disability legislation and as such you have specific rights.  They are very good and will ask you about areas they can assist with to help you identify them.

It has been a bit quiet on this group recently but if you post there are still people reading the posts and if they can they will respond.

If you know what the plan is, then if you let us know we can give you a bit more guidance about what to expect and our experience.  It is scary but very "doable"

Wishing you all the best,

Gragon xx

Hello Sarah my nane is marie im the same as you found out on the 16th my right  kidney  has  cancer  ,I'm waiting for my operation I will have to go to Oxford  for it ,as its my only kidney .so hopefully  they can save the other half .it is a very emotional  time for sure I have good days and not do good days ..we just have to try our best to stay possitive  sending you hugs and wishing you all the best ,try stay strong .

Hello Gragon just reading your reply ,this has help me to think that its fairly routine operation ,i have no choice as I've  only the one kidney  .to be honest I'm so scared ,as I was told they will take my kidney out cut the half and put the other half back ..and I need to go to Oxford to have it done ,can't be done in my local hospitals .I do hope all is well with you and your treatment.thank you .

Hi Sarah I am sorry to hear you have kidney cancer. I had a cancerous kidney removed using keyhole surgery, I think there is a medical name for it. I was very afraid and devastated when I found out I had cancer. The operation wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Getting into a frame of mind, living one day at a time, not something I’m used to, but it helps most of the time. It’s good to put your fears down here where we can ifentify with each other. Best wishes Karl

Hi Sarah, I hope you are doing ok. I had a partial nephrectomy 3 years ago for a similar tumour on my right kidney. I recovered surprisingly quickly. So far I have been clear, and am just awaiting results from my latest scan. Have they given you a plan? It's a scary time for sure, but try to occupy yourself with nice things and don't consult Dr Google!  Good luck. x

Hello everyone, thank you so much for your replies. So there has been another twist in the tale. The plan was to remove the right kidney in its entirety however, it’s been discovered that my left kidney only has 24% function, so that now not an option. They also discovered I have a hole in my heart, it was the MRI that kept giving. The plan is now is a partial nephrectomy to remove the tumour, but open surgery as they need to pack the kidney with ice and work at pace to limit any further damage to the right one. I’m petrified of the surgery, but it has to be done. Like you Karl I never lived one day at a time,  our favourite pastime as a family is planning our next trip or holiday. Mine and my husbands favourite topic of conversation when we are walking the dog is all our plans for when the kids grow up, the cottage we will buy, the trips we will take. I can’t have those conversations now, my head can’t focus on it and can only live for today, which I suppose should be a good thing. I feel a pang of sadness when I see an old retired couple walking along together, thinking will I be lucky and get there or is old age something I won’t have the pleasure of. I try to be positive but good lord it’s hard sometimes. Hopefully once the surgery is over I might feel more positive but I’m not there yet. Thank you all for your comments, it’s so much appreciated. 

Hello Marie, I’m so so sorry to hear that. I hear that your scared, totally. And I get the good days a bad. We have to put faith in our wonderful medics, we know they will do all they can for us. Sending much love to you. Please let us know How you get on xx

Hi Gragon, your comments helped me massively. Thank you so much. I finally met with my surgeon last week and he explained the plan, he was honest about the risks but equally extremely positive for aood outcome. As you say, it is major surgery, but it’s his bread and butter and he does them often. He was calming and reassuring and I left feeling more positive than I went in. Well except for theodgy left kidney curve ball 

Hello Sarah so sorry to here they found more wrong with you ,I'm sure they will do a great job the doctor's   do amazing jobs ,their  are so skilled, I got my appointment  to see the specialist on the 27th of May in Oxford  its a bit of a wait but at least i will know then when he will do the operation ,I'm over the shock  at the moment trying hard  to live each  day  as it comes ,and  feeling positive, and making sure  I'm doing things to  keep me busy .and happy instead of feeling down .I know i will have bad days but I will try to get over them quickly. I'm thinking when    the   operation  is  over to look forward    to a nice long holiday .in the sun with   all of my family  pg .Sarah i have great faith in  all the medical staff .they do a great job we are blessed .stay safe  sending love xx