Help Please What ??? To Ask

My FIL has an appt with the Urologist this week. He was told he has cancer on, not in, the left kidney and something in the lung.

They will needle biopsy the lung 1/23.

Hubby has just gone thru successful treatment for a tonsil cancer with radiation therapy. The info seems to be totally different as to diagnosis and treatment on the kidney.

He has asked us to go with him, we would have gone anyway,  to the VA in Oklahoma City when he sees the Urologist.

What questions should we ask?

Need some advise from those who know.

Thank you

Maggie  (Jody's wife)

Maggie,I was in you shoes a few months ago.My husband had thyroid cancer preceding his RCC (he thought he had has his cancer and was done with it.You surely never think it will get you twice) the two cancers are not associated have gathered more valuable info from archives of message boards than anywhere else.An additional site that is really informative is:KIDNEY-ONC. Are you in the U.S.The most valuable info I have been given is SEEK A RCC SPECIALIST! They are much more familiar with this cancer,new meds and their  proper use, and currently used cutting edge procedures.The difference for my husband was a prognosis of 4 mths to a year from the 1st onc. to years by the specialist.You see until a very short while ago there was no treatment for this cancer,and everything is so new that most broad spectrum oncs see very few if any RCC patients therefore are not up on everything they need to be to be delivering you the best care.We have a good local onc that works in conjunction with our specialist who is 2 hours away.If I can help you in any way or you just need to talk please feel free to contact me.

I saw your answer to the lady asking about RCC, your name "knowledgeispower," and wonder if you can help me. I am recovering from tonsil cancer, having finished my radiation back in May. But I have been on a feeding tube since the second week of radiation  in March. Now I am taking swallow therapy, but am not all that confident in the therapist. I'm so afraid I will never be able to eat or drink again, I am desperate to find the absolutely best swallow expert in the world. Do you know where that might be? Thank you in advance.

Knowledge is power, but unfortunately I have no knowledge of your type of cancer . Possibly this should be directed to the original poster,Maggie.Her husband had tonsil cancer.Sorry, I am of no help.

Dear Rip:

 

There is a doctor in Manhatten from Ear, Nose & Throat, Dr. Pitman who I belieive specializes in this. His phone # is 212-979-4200.

Maybe he can help you.

Thank you for your reply.

 

My husband, Jody, is doing well. His PET scan in December came back clear. We are so thankful.

It is his father who has the mass on his kidney. Since all that we went thru maybe totally different than that for the diagnosis and treatment for kidney cancer wondering if there are specific questions to ask.

Also we will be dealing with a VA hospital. Not sure how they work.

Thanks again for the fast responseI appreciate your help.

Maggie 

Thanks so much. I'll check Dr. Pitman out.