HI all

[seemunkee]

Some of you may have seen my post over in the lounge, but here is the deal.
I went in a month ago for a routine 50 year checkup. The urine analysis showed trace amounts of blood and my BUN level was one point above normal. I exercise a lot and bruise easy so I wasn't too worried but did the follow up with the urologist. Cystoscopy was normal but the CT-IVP showed an 8cm mass in my right kidney. At this point it looks like no vascular or lymphatic involvement and the tumor is encapsulated in the kidney.
I saw a surgeon today that preforms laproscopic nephtrectomy and he is recommending a removal of the full kidney. I'll hopefully get my surgical date scheduled tomorrow.

[FuzzySlippers]

1. Hi seemunkee!

I responded to your Lounge thread. Hearing that you have cancer is always scary, but I have every confidence you'll get through this just fine. It's great that they're able to perform this laparoscopically. Sending you best vibes for a full and speedy recovery. :pals:

[seemunkee]

3. The number of responses to that thread is heart warming

I showed my wife and she was surprised at the out pouring of support.

[pecwae]

2. Hello to you seemunkee

I'm sorry for all you're going through. It's hard to believe that we can be seemingly fine one day and be told we have cancer the next. Laproscopic is so much less invasive; I had thorascopic resection of thymoma.

We'll be surrounding you with positive thoughts for the very best outcome.:grouphug:

[seemunkee]

4. Especially when you are fully expecting it to be something simple

I was fully prepared for the doc to say kidney stones or an infection.

When did you have your operation and how you doing?

[pecwae]

5. The thymoma was removed

almost a year ago. There was determined to be microinvasion of the capsule, but with each scan I get a negative report of any residual cancer. I've had BC twice as well, but I really am doing good. No one can tell I've danced this dance 3 times.

We're here for you!

[flamingyouth]

6. Hi seemunkee.

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I'm glad to hear that they caught it early and that they can do it laproscopically.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year after having lots of blood in my urine. It took a while to get the diagnosis, though, because I also had a kidney stone and infection at the time, so the doctors figured it was just from all that. Wow, was I ever surprised.

Take good care and keep us posted. :pals:

[seemunkee]

7. Thanks

What kind of treatment did you get or are you still getting? There is a chance that this is a transitional cell tumor and not renal cell. I talked to the surgeon again last night and he doesn't believe so but if it is he will have to take out the whole ureter and a small section of the bladder where they connect.

[flamingyouth]

9. The first time (in Nov.) I just had a the tumor removed.

It's a relatively easy procedure called a transurethral resection of the bladder (or TUR), where they remove the tumor and a small section of the tissue and muscle wall for a biopsy. At the time I was diagnosed with T1, stage 1 cancer, which was good news (not muscle invasive). At the time my surgeon did not opt to treat me with chemotherapy, although some surgeons do. I wasn't happy with that surgeon and have since changed doctors. (The worst part was that I got sick in September and it took until mid November to get the diagnosis!)

However, since the recurrence rate for stage 1 bladder cancer is 50-80%, I was back in the OR in May. At that time my new doctor treated me with mitomycin intravesically (directly into the bladder, which is more effective for superficial bladder cancer that systemic chemotherapy). I go back in August for my checkup. I have to have cystoscopies every 90 days for two years just to check for any polyps or tumors.

So, that's my story. I'm doing well now. I stay active by swimming, doing yoga and Pilates and pretty much everything I did before I got cancer. :)

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to PM me any time. :)

[ulysses]

8. hi, seemunkee

Glad to hear that things are moving forward - the waiting is the worst part. Keep us looped.

[seemunkee]

10. No kidding

How do you keep from thinking about it all the time. Its really eating me up. The surgery can't be soon enough.

[ulysses]

11. this is the worst stage, imho.

You know you're sick, but no details beyond that, and you haven't been able to hit back yet. The surgery will be your first strike at the cancer, and will provide more detail about how you and your docs proceed next. It's hard to say what you're best off doing in the meantime - I would research, but as matcom mentioned to you in the lounge thread, it's possible to get lost in too much information that may or may not be applicable.

Oh, and read this - The Median Isn't the Message.

If you do feel like chatting about it - and you may not, that's understandable - you might check out oncochat. I don't get in there very often any more, but I used to all but live there at night. It's a good support group, folks who've dealt with cancer in every way imaginable.

[OzarkDem]

12. Hugs to you seemunkee!

You're really staying strong as you take this on! I'll pray for you to have a successful surgery. Keep us posted.

[Imalittleteapot]

13. Are you still waiting for the surgical date.

If so, you must be in agony.

Hugs to you!!!

[BrotherBuzz]

14. seemunkee had surgery on 07 Aug

Apparently everything went well

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=6808936


I see he's posting up a storm over in the lounge and GD, so he must be in good spirits (I hope), too.

[seemunkee]

15. Surgury is over, still at home recovering

I'm so thankful that the doc at GW was able to get me in quick. Everyday I was imagining the worst happening, especially when I had pain in my back.
I'm feeling well now and will probably start back to work next week.

My Pathology report on the tumor came back stating that the tumor was encapsulated and no evidence of involvement of the fat, lymph nodes, or renal vein and artery. Basically the best scenario I could hope for.
Additionally they repaired my hernia when they removed the kidney so I got a twofer, the down side is recovery is taking a little longer because of the extra work they did on my stomach.

[Imalittleteapot]

16. You sound so good. I am glad

everything is going your way. You had a kidney removed and you're going back to work next week?????? I am impressed. Did you have open surgery or lap?

[seemunkee]

17. dupe

[seemunkee]

18. Laproscopic

The took it out through my belly button and it was a pretty large chunk. 17X10X10 centimeters
I've been home for two weeks plus one in the hospital. Not sure if I can do full days right off the bat but I'll see.
Now if I can find a comfortable sleeping position I'll be really happy. Abdominal surgery for someone who normally sleeps on their stomach is tough.

[flamingyouth]

19. I'm so glad to hear you're doing well.

I hear you about the surgery/sleeping situation. I'm a tummy sleeper too. I've sort of adjusted by sleeping on my side while holding a pillow but oh well, not quite the same.

Anyway, hang in there, and glad to see you. :pals:

[pecwae]

20. I'm so glad to hear this news!

You sound pretty perky for someone who has gone thru so darn much.

All the continued best for you:hug:

[Maestro]

21. Great to hear this.

:thumbsup: I hope your recovery continues to go well.