I am happy to find this forum so that I can get more information and hopefully feel a bit more positive about upcoming surgery.
Last year I turned 60, was made redundant and decided to take early redundancy. In October I had a heart attack and had a stent inserted which was a big shock to me. I have recovered well and lost 2 stone in weight after lifestyle changes.
In January during an ultrasound they found a 7cm mass on my right kidney which, I'm told, is likely to be a kidney cancer. Subsequent CT scans showed no signs that the cancer has spread. The agreed plan is for a right robotic radical nephrectomy in April.
I'm not too worried about the surgery itself as what will be will be. I'm aware that the recovery will be tough and I'll tackle that step by step. The build up to the surgery, however, is making me very anxious and I've recently had blood pressure issues, light headedness and trouble sleeping.
I've been told I have to come off my blood thinner Prasugrel 7 days before surgery and go back on it 2 days after which leaves me vulnerable to cardiovascular events. I wonder has anyone else had this particular scenario?
Anyway I'm trying to stay positive, surgery is a month away. I'm finding the nights can be very long and living alone doesn't help although I have good family and friends to talk to.
Good morning, Peter1834.
Firstly welcome to the forum. I am Jamie one of rhe community Champions, and wanted to introduce myself. My own details of my kidney cancer journey is in my profile.
Being anxious before surgery is very common and something we have have experienced. I am sure the medical team have fully reviewed your medications and have confidence you will be okay to take a couple off days from those blood thinners. If you are still worried you could ask one of nurses for more reassurance, the link for them is here Ask a Nurse it can take a couple of days for them to reply.
Recovery is different for everyone, and my advice is take the time to heal and build up your strength slowly, and it sounds like you have a supportive family.
There is another group I joined whilst I was struggling to sleep and we talk about anything and everything. Everyone is so friendly and supportive too. I have included the link here and is called Awake and up all night forum and can be found with this link. Cancer chat
Please let me know if you need any other support.
All the best,
Jamie
Helpline number 0808 808 00 00
7 Days a week. 8am to 8pm
Good morning,
I am here to help and support. Nice to hear you are feeling more postive today. We are here to help, and hopefully now I have offered a reply some others will come along too.
If anything comes across you mind in the coming days, weeks and post surgery. Let us know and we will all do our best to support you.
We are all in this together.
Best wishes,
Jamie
Helpline number 0808 808 00 00
7 Days a week. 8am to 8pm
