I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma in about February or March, 2009. The tumor was in my right kidney approximately 3/4", less then 2 cm. I had complete bone scan, chest xray, CT abdomen showing other organs. No lymph node, vein, lung or bone involvement....no spreading, and was told it was early. I will be having my second CT scan of the kidney in November....follow-up every 3 months. I did not lose my kidney. Radiofrequency Ablation was performed to ablate the tumor completely. This was performed by an Interventional Radiologist. The first CT after the ablation was August 21st and had to be sent out for a re-read. They said the tumor was still there and they wanted to see if there was a blood supply to the tumor or "scar tissue". To date, they think it is scar tissue, but an oncologist said he thought it was too early to tell. My Radiofrequency Ablation was performed on June 5, 2009, soon to be five months. Does anyone know how long it takes to determine if it is indeed scar tissue or the tumor needs to be ablated a second time? I don't want to lose my kidney. Also, does anyone know how effective Radiofrequency Ablation is for Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Also, should I seek a second opinion and with a Kidney Cancer oncologist. I live in Northern Michigan and would appreciate any recommendations on where to go for follow-up. I don't like the term "we think" it's scar tissue. I would like to know also if I should request further scans like a PET or MRI or any type of blood tests? I have been very worried because I also need to have thyroid surgery, which was suppose to have been done a year ago. It's not known if that is also cancer. The kidney cancer had to be addressed first.
Any advice would be appreciated. I am very proactive when it comes to my health and want thorough follow up tests. When is it time to ask my doctor to do further tests? I'm concerned of the tumor still being there because of the uncertainty at this time. What should I do?
My prayers are with all of you out there that have cancer or have a loved one with cancer. This forum is just wonderful. Having a support group is so comforting. My husband and I both had cancer at the same time. My husband is doing very well at this time, and is on his way to a full recovery. I hate to bother him with my worries and concerns, and really don't have anyone else in my family for support.
Another issue I wasn't comfortable with is that my doctors have not gone over any of my tests to explain what they mean.....Staging, type of cell, etc. Should I ask them to explain all of that to me?
Any advice would very much be appreciated.
grannyl
Michigan