the straw that broke the camels back

Hi Weeze.

So sorry to hear about your situation and how scared you are but you’ve come to the right place. If you read through past posts from fellow group members you’ll find so many similar, if not exact, experiences as your own. A common theme to everyone’s cancer journey is the worst and most frightening symptom of all, that being tthe agony of waiting. Waiting for appointments, diagnosis scan results etc. It’s the unknown that’s so difficult to deal with but once you get past this first wait and diagnosis & plans for future treatment are established, I’m pretty sure you’ll find things easier to cope with as you are introduced to experts in urology/oncology. You must have gone through similar emotions when you first started your breast cancer journey. 
But while you’re waiting hang on to the fact, as you state, that you’re young and healthy. 
Keep positive, try to focus on the good things rather than dwelling on negatives and keep busy. Easy to say I know but you’ll get there. 
Wishing you well and sending many hugs  

Let us know how things go. 
Rojan xx

Hi

I had breast cancer 9 years ago and had a lumpectomy & radiotherapy.

I had a routine scan in February  for a cough and was sent for a CT scan and they found something on my kidney. This could have been there for a long time as this was the first time I had ever had a scan. I had a ultrasound then another CT scan. I was told on 28th April that it was cancer and the left kidney will have to be removed. I had my radical nephrectomy on 12th June, I received my results and it was a low risk and hadn't spread.

I know this is not exactly the same as you but if I can support you in any way just ask. We are all on here to help.

Wishing you all the best and take care. Please keep us informed.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my thread. I’m very worried about what I may have to go through and I’ve been experiencing some general pain so I’m scared that I have bone mets. Obviously I have no idea yet so could be my mind going into overdrive but I’ve never been more terrified. How big was your tumour did they explain? I really hope mine hasn’t spread but I read somewhere that usually tumours over 4 are likely to be malignant How do feel after the operation ? Is there any other treatments you need or is surgery enough for yours. ?

Thank you for commenting on this. I’m going to have to read and get my head around it all. I’m so frightened. They have said it’s not showing “typical characteristics” of a carcinoma so I’m praying it’s benign but it will def have to be removed . Do they bone scan or brain scan before the op to check for mets. I have pain that I’ve complained of for ages and no one took that serious so I’m very worried now 

Hello Weeze. 
Glad to see that you’ve also had a reply from Oakley. As I said earlier there are plenty of friends here for you all with similar experiences. 
As for specific question about routine  brain a spine scans all I can say is that it wasn’t my experience. I’m no medic but just putting it out there, could the generalised pain you’ve been experiencing be related to the breast cancer treatment you’ve had? Side effects from cancer treatment can pop up in some weird unrelated places I’ve found. 
The main thing where you’re concerned is establishing if indeed you have a cancerous tumour. Me thinks you are worrying about the unknown. Quite understandable but somewhat premature. 
Have a read of my profile which may give you some idea of the sort of treatment journey you may be on should in fact your tumour turn out to be cancerous. 
Hang in there. 
Rogjan. 

Hi Weeze

Please don't feel scared. I think it is the unknown we worry about. I have always tried to stay positive & I know it is not always easy. I think we all try to Google it but not always helpful. I didn't have any bone scans. My tumour was 6.5cm & they told me my kidney had to come out. No further treatment, blood test in 5 months, CT scan in 6 months and then yearly. I went in for my op on 12th June came out on the 16th. I started doing small walks the next day. I am now doing my usual daily walk. I have been lucky as I am nearly back to my usual self. As Rojan said we have all been there but everyone is unique in their treatment & recovery. Please keep us informed & ask as many questions as you need to

Thank you. I’ve read your profile. Sounds like a long road has been part of your journey. No roads are straight ether so I’m expecting some turns and bumps too. The irrational thoughts in the middle of the night are by far the worst. I may feel better when I have a plan. I did when I had breast cancer but I can’t help feel from what I’ve read about kidney cancer that survival rates are lower.  

I’m 15years and still going.Not bad !!

Hi Rojan

I have just read your profile. Wow you certainly deserve to be here after 15 years inspirational. I hope I continue my journey as well as you have.

All the best for the future.

Hi Weeze.

I'm guessing you've had a full body scan, any bone mets would of shown up on those as a shadow and they would or should of booked a full body skeletal scan usually before you meet with your oncologist. So I'm thinking you may just be looking at the Kidney, which in it's self is a good thing. "Hopefully". You may need a biopsy to confirm it's malignant or not and it's stage if it is. Minor procedure, which will be sore for a day or two and leave a good bruise. Where is the general pain? Bone mets usually seed in or very near to joints (It feels more like a really bad bruised area, rather than actual pain. Any pain is usually associated with a break or fracture of the compromised bone).

Kidney removal if malignant (Hopefully not for you!) and then 6 monthly scans. Everyone is different, you may or may not need immunotherapy. If you do, the side effects for most are not too bad. It's a really good treatment, if you have to go down that path.

Your worried, but please try to stay strong. It's tough I know, you've already been through a lot. To possibly help with mental health, please do contact Macmillan, they really are very good and can help you with quite a lot, some great advice and incouragement too.

Going to your 1st appointment, take someone with you!! (You wont be able to remember everything and having someone to hold your hand is HUGE). Make a list of questions to ask, and don't forget to write them down. 

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Andy