Hi David-k, 

It's a difficult decision to have to make, whether to go for a total or a partial nephrectomy. We have information on our website on surgery to remove part or all of your kidney and I would also suggest you read our section on surgery for kidney cancer which includes information on what to prepare for your operation, what happens on the day of the surgery and after kidney cancer surgery. 

It can all be a lot to take in so if you have any questions or simply wanted to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses before your operation on the 26th, you can give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

I also had a little look around the forum for recent posts from members who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer and I have found for example this kidney cancer thread by Lynnie52 who mentioned having a nephrectomy last January so this could be a good person for you to connect with so don't hesitate to drop them a line and comment on their thread. Another member Lulu01 posted a month ago this thread about their husband who was about to have a total nephrectomy and Quomadgaz also posted their kidney cancer story and also had a nephrectomy. Those are just a few examples and I hope that you will be chatting to others on here who have had the surgery before and that they will be happy to share their experience with you. 

Wishing you the very best of luck for the 26th. I hope it all goes well for you and don't hesitate to come back here to update us and let us know how it all went for you. Everything tightly crossed and I hope you make a quick and full recovery!

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator