My father (age 72) has suspected Stage IV kidney cancer that they think has metasticized to the lungs and other organs, e.g., liver. They are doing a kidney and liver biopsy on Wednesday, but have not yet done MRI's and are relying on his symptoms (chronic cough, pain in side, etc.) and chest x-rays and ultra-sound as the basis for the biopsies. My uncle is a urologist has talked to my father's doctor, and has suggested that we should brace ourselves for the worst.
I am hoping somehow that they are wrong, but am wondering from other patients in similar situations which hospitals they felt that they received the best, most thorough care, in our area b/c I would really like to make sure he gets the best treatment. It makes me sick to think that this might have been treatable if we had caught it earlier. His onset of symptoms was in November w/ some of them going away, but he has a chronic cough right now. I'm not sure of the other symptoms because he's very stubborn and tries to protect us.
The awful doctor/hospital he went to initially had taken chest rays (I think in December) and found nothing in the lungs so I am very confused how they can detect nodules now, after only a few months. I want to make sure that we do the best we can for him so any advice on where he can get good care (and red flags to be aware) would be appreciated.
I think he vascillates between denial and shock/fear and am scared so much that he may not be able to handle a frightening diagnosis. I can barely think straight myself so trying to get as much information as I can so I can help him. Thanks so much in advance.