On 2/20/2008
sher3 wrote:
My husband was in a car accident in November and almost didn't make it. He had a spleenectomy and major internal bleeding, anyway he had to have many tests done because of complications and in one of the tests they discovered a mass on one of his kidneys. After having to wait 2 months because of complications from the accident he had the mri and then a biopsy. They found a tumor just over 2 cm and it is cancer. They sent him for some kind of lung x rays and an xray to check his other kidney. He goes back to the urologist next Wednesday for the results and I guess to set up the surgery. They are hoping to just take the tumor out, but it is located at a bad place and there is a good chance they will take the kidney.
I'm just looking for some support and any info you can give me. This is all so scary and we don't know what to expect. We were in shock last week when the Dr. said it was cancer, they said after the mri it didn't look like cancer and the Dr who did the biopsy said not to worry too much it looked prettty good, not bleeding and not much fluid. Then we went to the urologist last week expecting this whole nightmare to be over, and find out its really just beginning. We will be asking lots of questions at his appointment next week. We are trying to take his car accident where we almost lost him and think maybe it will really save him because they found this horrible disease. Sometimes I am so afraid though and thought a place like this may help. Sorry for all the rambling, just needed to get it out. Thank you.
A person can have a normal life with just one kidney. I had one removed over 12 years ago and I have been able to scuba dive, ski, etc. with no physical restrictions.
Don't be afraid to get a second opinion on the surgery. Sometimes you need to remove the entire kidney, sometimes just a part. You don't say where you live, but see an oncologist who is knowledgeable and affiliated with a major cancer center such as UCLA, MAYO, Cleveland Clinic etc. There are many excellent centers. You want the best care.
There are several promising drugs that can treat kidney cancer. There is a difference of opinion, however, as to whether drug therapy should be used if there is no spread beyond the encapsulated kidney. The concern is that even if no metatasis is found, there may still be cancer cells remaining that are not detectable. These may or may not be destroyed by the body's immune system. Make sure you get answers to all your questions.
The pathology is very important to determine the type of kidney cancer. The type is necessary to determine the best therapy. Insurance companies will pay for a second pathology opinion.
I know you are overwhelmed, but take a breath and make sure you get as much information as you can so you both can make the best choices.
Good luck,
T