Losing a kidney

[Delmar]

Quote:
I have heard of people having a "drain" is that the same thing?

 

[JulieNKC]

I had a surgical drain placed after the surgery, but they removed that before I left the hospital. The stent was in my ureter leading to my kidney to keep it open because I had hydronephrosis and my kidney was swollen to about 3 times it's normal size. Stents are also used to help with kidney stones, although I never had any before the stents, or after, but the stents would cause me kidney stones while they were in place.

 

[Delmar]

Quote:
I see. I shouldn't need a stint since they are removing my entire left kidney and ureter. My right kidney seems to be fine.

Julie are you evolved in any online kidney cancer support groups? I found a group on facebook that has been very helpful as far as talking things through and knowing what to expect.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/kidneycancer/?id=213790935338786&notif_t=group_activity

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I am a urology research nurse and know a bit about RCC (Renal Cell Cancer) When the surgeon operates, he will also take some regional lymph nodes and have the pathologist check them for metastatic disease. Depending on whether you have positive nodes, extra-renal (outside the kidney) disease or it was all removed with the kidney...will be the deciding factor for the need to see an oncologist. Typically, if the nodes are negative and the surgical margins are negative for disease, they will do nothing except "watchful waiting" after surgery. That is standard of care for RCC. If nodes are positive, it's possible that they may want to start you on an oral medication call TKI's. (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor's). The are very effective at treating RCC. Typically they begin with Sutent...but not always.

Best wishes to you. Praying for negative lymph nodes!!

 

[redhen]

Sending you best wishes, Delmar..

 

[babymakes6]

Praying for you and your doctor and surgeon.

 

[Delmar]

Starting to get things ready for the trip to Indy. I just took the front passenger seat out of the mini van I was told I would need to have my feet up on the way home so this should work very well. Throw in 2 or 3 couch cushions and I should be all set. I'll be working a half day on Tuesday then we are headed down.
We are going down the day before so I can be well rested the morning of. I'm to report to the hospital at 11:30 and the surgery is scheduled for 1:30.

 

[SmokinChick]

Good luck and God speed. Prayers to you and the family for your speedy recovery.

 

[#1California Chick]

Sending lots of "Get healthy", "get you going again" thoughts for you!

Don't try to do too much too soon!! Listen to your doctor!!

Cindy

 

[easttxchick]

Prayers for you for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.