Hello Everyone
I'm a 47 year old male
This is my first time posting anywhere on the internet regarding kidney cancer and kidney removal (nephrectomy). In september 2021 I was informed after months of pain and tests that i had a mass on my left kidney after an initial ct scan. Around a month later I had another ct scan with contrast which confirmed that I had a 10cm tumour on my left kidney. This was a massive shock to me and had a massive impact on my already bad mental health (my life was turned upside down with fear,anxiety and the unknown). On 6th December 2021 I went to a local hospital for my Nephrectomy (which was a very scary time for me personally). On the day I spoke with the surgeon who would be performing my operation and we discussed the usual risks involved with such a proceedure. I was then visited by my anaesthetist who took me through everything that would happen and also reassured alot of my concerns. I was the first patient of the day so before I knew it I was heading down to the theatre. The operation took around five hours with me in recovery for a further hour. Upon coming round I was naturally in alot of discomfort and pain which was treated with morphine and pain killers. I was kept in the hospital for the next five days with regular tests including the monitoring of urine output via catheter. This was removed on day three (not a pleasant experience!). I was on morphine for around three days after the operation which did help with the pain,although some pain was still involved,especially around the incision areas and shoulder for a few days from the gas used to inflate the areas that the surgeon needed to get to. For the first day or two, I struggled to pass urine and was constipated which is normal. Moving about or trying to sleep was hard work and painful, however once the catheter was removed I was encouraged to get up and walk about (again a slow and painful task). On day 5 I was allowed to go home,which was a relief, however walking involved being hunched over for around a week/week and a half and normal things such as sitting, lying down or doing even very tiny tasks was hard work and my partner had to do alot for me. I am now just over 2 months post op and walking upright and can do more, although I do still have pains around the incision areas,which sometimes seems to travel to different parts of my body (right side,backache,sharp pains around incisions) I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has or is experiencing any post op pains similar to mine. Or anyone who could possibly advise me on how long this will last. After researching kidney cancer and watching peoples video experiences, the one thing which was and still is happening is extreme fatigue,which to my understanding (after watching these videos) is normal after such an operation and can last for 3-6 months.For myself, the fatigue and insomnia is the hardest part, as it leaves me feeling quite abnormal and useless which plays on my mental health. Fatigue is normal,however my insomnia is down to mental health,stress of the ordeal and uncertainty for the future. On 16th January 2022 I had to return for my follow up and results.I was told that the operation went well and that the cancer(now diagnosed as renal cell carcanoma) had NOT spread to the lymph nodes which was a massive relief and that as far as they were concerned I am now cancer free. However I was also told I was at high risk of this returning and that I will now be monitored every six months. I was then given another ct scan to make sure everything was ok,which came back clear. I hope this will help others in the same position and would also like to hear from people experiencing post op pains and what they have been told or have done about it. Also anyone who has/is experiencing fatigue, I would like to know how you are coping and dealing with this. Finally, anyone who could possibly help to put my mind into a more positive mindset (as my mental health is struggling to allow me to see any positives) would be much appreciated. Even though I have been informed that I am technically cancer-free my consistant worries of it returning are still very much as the forefront on my mind. Anyone who has any questions that may help them or reassure them in some way, please feel free to reply to this post and I'll do what I can to help you.
much love
NonaDave
