Been diagnosed with kidney cancer. It was found incidentally while they were checking my liver by way of ultrasound. My urologist did a CT scan with and without contrast. Since my other kidney is not great (it works but not as good as it should) he ordered up a biopsy to see for certain since the scan results weren’t exactly conclusive and he doesn’t want to remove my kidney unless he has to. Biopsy says it’s low grade, 2.7cm. He’s sending me to a surgeon to have it removed but because of the type of mass (endophytic mass) it is they may have to remove my whole kidney. The Ct scan didn’t see anything else concerning. The urologist told me I would not need to see an oncologist since I would not be needing chemo or radiation. That didn’t sit well with me so I’m seeing an oncologist anyway for his/her opinion on the matter.

Ugh. Cancer sucks. Best wishes with your treatment and recovery. Definitely consult with an oncologist.

So glad you found it early. Does sound similar to my case- went in for a colonoscopy, but found cancer in my esophagus. Unfortunately for me, it had already metastasized.

Probably a good idea to check in with an oncologist. Can't be too careful.

What stage is it? Consult with an oncologist is a good idea. Make sure records are avaiable to the oncologist. Cancer caught early does not require chemo or radiation. My sister's ex husband has had kidney cancer for 20 years.
Chemo and radiation are for cancers that have spread.

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Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
What stage is it? Consult with an oncologist is a good idea. Make sure records are avaiable to the oncologist. Cancer caught early does not require chemo or radiation. My sister's ex husband has had kidney cancer for 20 years.
Chemo and radiation are for cancers that have spread.

Urologist said stage T1.

Sorry to read this. Best wishes on your battle.

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Originally posted by techguy:
That didn’t sit well with me so I’m seeing an oncologist anyway for his/her opinion on the matter.

Good for you. It's important to be your own best advocate.

Consider a support group. I went with Mayo Clinic Connect when I got my prostate cancer diagnosis. Lots of great info but more important, I learned what questions to ask. They have a kidney group too.

Prayer sent for healing and recovery.

I offer prayers.

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Does sound similar to my case- went in for a colonoscopy, but found cancer in my esophagus.

A helluva colonoscopy, that must have been.

I see already that I need to apologize for that – sometimes I can’t help myself.

Prayers for you, techguy.

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Originally posted by kkina:
So glad you found it early. Does sound similar to my case- went in for a colonoscopy, but found cancer in my esophagus. Unfortunately for me, it had already metastasized.

Are they treating it, kkina?

I am being treated for a different type of cancer.
My oncologist referred me to a urologist for further tests. CT scan found a mass in my right kidney (less than 3centimeters).
My urologist said that less than 3 they normally just monitor it. My oncologist ordered a PET scan
(a CT with radioactive contrast) Normally according to him, cancer will glow in the CT.
My kidney mass did not glow. My other cancer did.
My urologist has been monitoring the mass and in three CT's it has not grown in size. We made the decision to continue to monitor it with CT's
unless I have other issues that come up.
I received chemo for my other cancer and I am currently in remission with it.
I would consider a second opinion from another urologist as well as an oncologist.

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Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:

quote:

Does sound similar to my case- went in for a colonoscopy, but found cancer in my esophagus.

A helluva colonoscopy, that must have been.

I see already that I need to apologize for that – sometimes I can’t help myself.

Prayers for you, techguy.

Yes, the cliffsnotes version does sound strange, I'll admit.

The tl;dr version is I was originally only supposed to have a colonoscopy, but my GI doc noticed something strange in my bloodwork, so added the upper endoscopy (hey, might as well do both ends while we're in there). Glad we did, that's where they found a tumor.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kkina,

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Originally posted by ridewv:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
So glad you found it early. Does sound similar to my case- went in for a colonoscopy, but found cancer in my esophagus. Unfortunately for me, it had already metastasized.

Are they treating it, kkina?

Oh yes, been in chemo for almost a year. Details here. I am now cancer-free, but must continue treatment for another year to prevent recurrence.

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Urologist said stage T1.

That is very encouraging,

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

Oh yes, been in chemo for almost a year. Details here. I am now cancer-free, but must continue treatment for another year to prevent recurrence.

That's wonderful kkina!

My grandfather had it, unfortunately caught it late, my Dad had it caught it early full recovery. My Dad had minimally invasive surgery. My Dad this type of surgery fast recovery and no complications: His was done at UW Hospital in Seattle. Article below is just a reference:
https://www.henryford.com/serv...r/treatments/surgery

Prayers sent, Sir!

Holding you up in prayer, techguy.

I’m sorry to hear this. Keep a positive mental attitude. It helps more situations than most give credit for. And we are always here.

My neighbor has it too. They caught it early and removed part of his kidney and did some other treatment that wasn’t chemo. It’s been about 2 years and he is doing well. He gets tired easily but that seems to be his biggest side effect from everything. Good luck!