R/Kidney removed 9-15-08 Going for checkup today

Hello everone, I am writing because i found out by acident that I had kidney cancer(renal cell carcinoma) in june of 2008 . I had the right kidney removed 9-15-08. It was still in Stage 1 but they removed some tissue out below the kidney because it was my understanding that one of the two stems that the kidney set's on had cancer growth going down it. They told me that they got it all. I am going for a checkup at my VA hospital today for the first time. I am seeing a uroligist. I think that they should be doing the test every six months like they told me in the beginning. I have also read where I should be seeing a onocoligist instead of the uroligist. Sorry for the long note. I do want to receive the right treatment and from the right kind of docter. Should I worry about the length in between checkups? Your advice is appreciated. I pray that God will comfort and help all of you who are fighting this disease

Hello Franklin,

I think if you are not comfortable with waiting to be seen every six months then you should ask your Primary Care Physician if you can be seen sooner. I was diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys in July 2003 while on active duty and I was being seen so often in the beginning that I was literally sick of  hospitals, doctors, needles, and everything related to medical. However, I knew that if I had not been followed so frequently I might not be here today. I am currently receiving care from the local VA hospital. I was so happy when they told me that I would not have to be seen until the end of 3 months. Well, I didn't mean to be so long winded, but I just wanted to let you know that it's best to do what feels right for you. God bless you.

Marva  

When I had my radical nephrectomy, I saw an ONC before the surgery, as well as the Urologist he was the surgeon after the surgery, I saw the urologist three weeks post surgery and six months post surgery. He was only concerned with the proper healing of the surgery he also assured me that he got it all.  You should be seeing an oncologist and you should be getting blood tests to determine how the reaming kidney is doing picking up the extra work it will enlarge over abut 2 years and your Creatinine levels should be checked regularly this can be done by your primary doc. Only an ONC can determine what the proper follow up should be and hopefully you will find an ONC that is familiar with treating RCC, compared to other forms of Cancer it is rare and dose not respond to standard treatments radiation, chemo . You need to educate yourself about RCC especially Staging you will find that it can be very sneaky no other way to describe RCC, know what questions to ask and be prepared to argue your own case.

 

Good luck

Tom

I would suggest you to find a good oncologist for advise .

Meantime, you shud start changing your lifestyle and diet with good natural nutrition from vegetable and fruit that will boost your immune system and have a strong body . U also shud exercise regulary , even an hour of brisk walking everyday is going to help .

I am stage 4 Lung cancer and since then have change my diet and life style . Although , after nearly a year of treatment, the chemo drug not responding to reduce my tumor, but, thks God that the condition are well under control and I am enjoying my day with family and friends .

Take care and be strong . God bless .

 

 

Thank You for your replies.

     When I went to the VA the other day my question was answered after I got there and was asked to fill out a ten question report on how frequent I had to get up at night to urinate. Also how many times did i have to and if i felt empty afterwards. The Docter said that he would send me a letter in Aug. to come in for my annual check up for my right neophectromy(Excuse my spelling).

    I  am going back to Richmond VA where I had the kidney removed. The docters there said i would need follow ups every 3-4 months for the next two years. I did alot of research on my own right after my diagnosis. I even went for a second opinion. I did not drink much of anything else but for 100% concord grape juice made with the peelings and seeds wich fight cancer cells. I have to take strong pain medicine for two bad knee's.back,hip,shoulder that are Army related injuries. I hate having too but I cannot tolerate it. I know that this has an effect on me being able to remember some things immediately. This is why I have asked the question here.  I do thank you. I will be going back to Richmond where I will get the right treatment.

I had Stage II RCC and a nephrectomy was performed in January 08.  After that, I was seen every 3 months twice, and now am on an every 6 month schedule.  I am going on the 10th for my 6 month check (CT, blood work, and visit with oncologist).  Importantly, you should be followed by an oncologist because this cancer shows up in different places when it metastasizes and the urologist will always focus on the kidneys and bladder.  That is the rationale I got from a friend who recommended an oncologist as soon as the urologist released me after surgery.  I would not trust anyone but an oncologist to follow this type of cancer, as it recurs in the liver, bones, lung and brain, and it will always be a kidney cancer wherever it appears, and thus, there is no treatment that is definitive except surgery and I would want to catch it immediately.  One good thing is that it is a slow growing tumor so you would probably get it in time with 6 month intervals, which I hope to insist upon, although I think I might be pressured to go a year now that it has been 18 months since my surgery with no recurrence (if all is well on the 10th).  Just don't let them push you around.  You know your body well enough and should be able to do what you think is right and what gives you the most emotional comfort.  Good luck to you.  I did not see your post right away, so hope your exam was good.

Hi my husband was diagnosed with rcc last year in Nov. they removed his rt kidney. He is doing very good. Thank God Always! He is on sutent. My question is what kind of diet is he suppose to follow. Some say no sugar and his oncologist said that was not proven yet. (about no sugar) I cook most of the time healthy meals,just not sure what I should be feeding all of my  family especially my husband.

Glad it helped you!  God bless you too!