Hello New here

Hi Orca1 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

That must have been quite a shock to go to A&E for breathing problems and come out with a suspected cancer diagnosis,

I'm not a member of this group but I'm sure the members here will be happy to share their experiences with a radical nephrectomy with you if there's anything you want to know.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. 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 amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hello and welcome to our friendly group. I understand what a shock it is to receive the diagnosis but wanted you to know of my experience. I had a radical nephrectomy about 18 months ago. The operation went well and wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

If you are anything like me I was Impatient Waiting for the operation, then a week before I got a bit nervous, but on the day of the operation, I was very calm.

I know that everyone is different but thought I should share  my experience of the op as it’s a good one!

Do keep posting to let us know how you getting on?

Best wishes.

Jules x

Hi Jules 

Thanks for the reply and I’m glad your experience was a good one, hoping mine will be the same!!! How long were you in hospital for? I know I’ll be nervous on the day (have many allergies to medical things to add to the mix) but have met the surgeon and he put me at ease throughout the consultation process which is one hurdle completed. 

Thank you for your reassurance, it’s been very helpful and most welcome

Orca1 x 

Hello again, I was just in two nights. I honestly thought that I would be really scared on the day of the op but I just had a very defiant this needs to come out attitude and I will be asleep so won't know anything about it!!

The initial shock and the waiting is hard but once any surgery or treatment starts then at least you feel you are getting started. Now I am not saying it's all easy but any issues that arise just post and let us know and I am sure someone will have experienced something similar before and can give you some top tips xx

Hang on in there xxxx 

Hi Orca1, 

As Jules says, the operation is not as bad as you may think it will be, I had a radical nephroureterectomy in April and was put on the enhanced recovery programme so was out the next day! Like jules I just wanted it out of me asap. I did have to have chemo beforehand as mine was advanced but I have just had my first round of check ups and all clear. 
I wish you all the best and keep positive x

Hi Formula 

Wow, that was quick!!! Wonderful to hear that your first round of check ups have been all clear, that’s brilliant news.
I agree with you keeping positive is so important. I’m not too bad at the moment but I know that it will ‘hit’ me when the time comes for the op, but hopefully I’ll be up and about fairly soon after. 

Sending you positive thoughts for your next check ups and thank you for chatting x 

Generally those radical nephs seem to go pretty smoothly. Every case is different of course. No need to worry too much though. Best wishes.

Good luck with the op, it must be getting closer now. I was lucky and mine was brought forward 3 weeks which reduced my worrying time! My left kidney was removed in May - I was in for two nights, probably would have stayed in longer if that had been offered. It was at least a month before I felt like doing much - hopefully you’ll be fit in time for your birthday. Good luck.