Connie & Dave,
By now I hope that you are at MD Anderson and undergoing treatment. Let me give you some good news.
I found out that I had a large mass in my abdominal area. The mass was as large as a soccer ball. It had grown and now occupied most of my right side area. The MRI and CT scans indicated that it might had also invaded the liver, spleem and bowel ducks. The biopsy revealed stage III & IV cells throughout the tumor. It had completely engulfed my right kidney.
After radiation at a local hospital (coordinated with MD Anderson) I went to Houston for surgery on July 1, 2002. My doctor (Dr. Barry Feig) removed an 11-lb mass and my right kidney. This was a shock to us because I am not that large (5'10" & 175 lbs) The operation took over 9 hours. I was truly blessed during all of this. However due to the tumor being around the vina cava, some tissue had to be left. I have now just passed my third year.
The hospital experience was better than I could have ever expected. For the first 2 years I returned to Houston ever 90 days and this last year moved to every 6 months. This is a very good sign.
I tell you all of this to give you hope. As I mentioned above, God has blessed me by giving the doctors at MD Anderson the knowledge and experience in treating this rare cancer.
My wife and I will keep you in our prayers. PLease let me know if I can answer any questions that you might have about my experience thus far. My God pour out His blessing upon you both and give you the strength to face this each and everyday.
J. Allen