Kidney cancer

I didn't want to read and run!

We all react differently and I wouldn't feel bad about being scared and worried. We are who we are, no excuses.

Saying that is there someone you can talk to? Maybe ask the GP for advice.

I got a phone call from the GP saying I had a tumour on my kidney last October. I had it removed in December.

I really thought I was going to be fine, I felt very positive but I do get dark thoughts and I was really worried about a follow up scan in March. That was thankfully all clear.

I think we need to be kind to ourselves, it's been a major life event and things take time to settle.

The good news is my swelling has started to come down!

Sending a big hug.

Awe thank you so much and sending a big hug to you to I've got an appointment in 2 weeks with a mental health dr because I'm not coping.  I just wish the crying would stop its so bad

Hi Lorraine, just wanted to say, you’re not alone, the shock of your diagnosis and surgery has been huge, it’s such a lot to cope with and I understand completely what you mean when you say you no longer recognise the woman you were. I have been going through a similar situation since January, have had part of my kidney and an adrenal gland removed, and nothing is the same as before. Hang in there until you can get the right support. Wishing you all the best. 

Good morning, Lorraine. 

I am Jamie one of the online champions. My own personal kidney cancer journey is in my profile. I can see already some amazing support. 

However, I feel you may need a little more support and I would really suggest to call our helpline. They helped me in February after I hit a wall and could not even face the day. They listen and supported me. 

You was very similar to me, I was talking about funerals, getting finances sorted at the very start to. So dont think its morbid, its a way some of us process and react to the news and the word cancer. 

Your body and mind have been through a massive trauma event. Radical surgery can take 6 months to feel okay again. I had my surgery 8th Dec 2025, my first day back at work is today. So be kind to yourself, its a big operation and lot to take in. 

I am not aure if you have support at home, as you not mentioned if others are with you. You GP is a great support and can really help and good you have an appointment with a mental hewlth doctor inn2 weeks.

If you call the helpline they can offer other support and can look at local support to so you can have some more support in the meantime of watikf to see the doctor. 

We are all here alongside you. I know you feel alone and lost, but many have worn the shoes you are now wearing. Please keep talking and let me know if you need anything else. 

Warm wishes, 

Jamie 

Awe thank you so much I'm just really struggling i put my ear phones to block out the noise. Thank you again. I hope so much you start feeling better to honey  

Hi Lorraine

i can definitely identify with you about not feeling the same as this time last year. I too had a nephrectomy in February and haven’t returned to work yet. I don’t feel ready yet and I don’t think I’ll be much use at my job until I’ve more go in me. I’ve thrown myself into reconnecting with friends who I wouldn’t have had time to meet whilst working and I feel that’s like a bit of self therapy.

I tell myself that when COVID was at its peak I couldn’t see us getting through it and here we all are able to look back. 

Best wishes to you

Thank you so much for replying, yeah I think its far far too soon for me especially when I'm finding it hard to communicate with people.  I had started to push friends away for quite a while a long with everyone else but I'm trying my best to stop shutting people out. Big hugs to you honey, you don't need to rush back to work your health comes first honey take care of you xx

Afternoon... sorry to hear tou have the dreaded C. From reading your post I would be very positive for the future as 20% is better than 90% and I understand we all react differently.

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer October 2024, was told incurable but treatable though (at the time) was informed that kidney could not be removed due to the C spreading to my lungs/lymph nodes in my lungs. Started immunotherapy treatment in Jan '25. Had side effect issues from that & treatment stopped to get side effect under control (rash & very very itchy skin). Started again in April & went through to October when side effects went off the scale again. Treatment was stopped at that point

Following CT scan in December '25 and with the C in my lungs being stable since initial diagnosis, I was referred to Urology at St. James in Leeds and although it wouldn't help my long term prospects, the surgeon said if I wanted the kidney removed, I could. Took the step to get it removed which was done on 19th February this year. Will have CT scan end of June time and then a F2F with consultant to discuss next steps.

Been back at work (phased return) for a couple of weeks, which is a positive.

In addition, we know " it " is still there and although we are not afraid to talk about it, no-one in the immediate family says anything, we just crack on and have made a "pact" to just enjoy what we have and be as positive as possible.

Take care and go with the 80% ️

Good afternoon, misterD. 

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your inspirational journey. I do hope things continue to be a good for you and remains stable. 

Best wishes, 

Jamie