New member with Kidney cancer

Good afternoon. 

I am Jamie one of the online champions. I have worthing a brief details about my kidney cancer journey in my profile. Welcome to the group, there are lots of supportive people here too. Everyone is different and progress really does vary for each individual person. 

I still have not much feeling around my surgical scar and have only now started to do normal things in the last 6 weeks. I decided I was not going to rush things and take my time. Internal healing takes much longer (6 months or so) than the outter skin. So try and not rush to lift heavy things or do strenuous exercise to quickly. Although swimming is often a good starting point. Your body will take time to get back to where it was before the surgery, so try not to be disappointed if you feel you need to rest more. Fatigue is another big issue for me, but each day is getting better and I rest more when I need to. 

Try and build up your stamina slowly, our bodies have been through a lot. 

Its all shock still and you may still not processed all what you have been through either. We are all here to support and share own experiences. 

Welcome to the group and please let me know if you need anything else. Always happy to chat. 

Best wishes, 

Jamie 

Thank you Jamie696.

I read your profile and it was very inspiring. I see you had an even bigger tumour!

It all went quickly so  I don't think I took it all in yet. For the first few weeks I even thought that the cancer was gone as I had the op. Maybe too optimistic but I don't want to be beaten by negativity. Now that I need another CT scan, I'm getting worried that cancer will show somewhere.

The last 6 months, whilst we didn't know what was wrong with me, I suffered from extreme fatigue (one of the few non specific symptoms I had) so I stopped doing anything. I used all my energy working and stopped walking, running, swimming, socialising, everything.

I guess I now want to do things again and getting frustrated because I can't quite do it! I lost a lot of weight (not necessarily a bad thing!) and a lot of muscle which I want to build back (safely though).

Mine went by so quickly too. It all seems a mad race to get it sorted. Not that I am complaining, because it meant it can be dealt with. I just had to grow an aggressive type and big boy at 12cm so more treatment for me. However, I am content with it and it means I have a better chance to stop it growing back in 6 months to 5 years time. Like anything medical nothing is a 100 per cent guarantee. 

I only had dark urine and lower back pain and fatigue all the time. I just put it down to exercising more and losing weight as I was on a health kick and loss 4 stone. So I never thought of kidney cancer being hidden away. 

Just take your time is my advice. I didnt rush my recovery and planning to return to work 1st May. My job is physically and mentally demanding. If I was doing office work and could be at a desk, I would have returned in March. Dont get frustrated as its a long recovery and takes time for the body to repair and adapt. I am back using a treadmill at home, going for walks and days out to build my self back up and ready for return to work. If I am tried or dont have the energy then I am honest with myself and say tomorrow will be better and can get things done or go out. 

So be kind to yourself. You are doing amazing. 

Best wishes, 

Jamie 

Thank you Jamie, that is really helpful.

Always here to listen. Your not alone and many of us have been where you are. Its still early days for you. 7 weeks is still a short space of time, so be kind to yourself. You will be back to swimming and running and getting those legs moving. If your rush though it could take longer and be more frustrating. Steady wins the race hehe. 

Hope you have a good day. Here anytime you need a pick me up, moan or vent or general check in. 

Best wishes, 

Jamie

Thank you.

Hi! Just to echo Jamie ... take it easy and slowly. I am older than you at 75 and had my right kidney removed in November 2024. It took me about 6 months to feel back to some kind of normal. I am still semi-numb around my scars area even now. And get a sore abdomen at times which is probably internal scarring. I had it done by a method that left one 10cm scar and 3 other smaller ones. All healed well externally but for months I felt strange sensations of weight, soreness and stabbing pains internally! So don't worry.. it is all very normal. Don't push things and don't lift heavy stuff.. walk, swim and most of all relax and enjoy life all you can! Keep us posted too.x

Thank you Tilly V.

Having always been in good health and never been hospitalised, it's all new and weird.

I am the same. I didnt even attend a and e when in theory I should have with passing blood but thought kidney stones lol...then bang gp call to attend a and e urgently and well the rest is history. But I am here to tell my own tale and using my journey to support others to get through the hard times and celebrate the good times too. 

Hi,

Just bizarre how one can have cancer without noticing.

For me, I was treated for menaupose as my only symptoms were tiredness and night sweats.

Only when HRT didn't improve things, I had a blood test that showed I was fighting something!

CT scan tomorrow, a bit anxious.