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Newly diagnosed Kidney cancer.

Mark-H
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Hi, my name is Mark and I have been recently told I have kidney cancer. It has taken a year and 5 scans to arrive at this point. The growth was originally found with an ultrsound scan when I was investigated for peeing blood. At the original consultation the doctor in Urology told me  I had a large, complex, calcified cyst that warranted further investigation. 2 CT scans and 2 MRI scans later and the results were still inconclusive but the latest doctor showed us the MRI scan and pointed out the mass in the cyst that he thinks is cancer. The growth is 10cm by 6cm and seemed to dwarf the kidney on the scan. I was admitted to hospital last week for a biopsy and I am awaiting the results. 

I am increasingly finding it difficult to discuss with my immediate family members for fear of causing them distress. Out of us all I seem to mind it the least and have to be careful how I phrase things with different people. I'm just venting a little I suppose. Are there many of you experiencing the same difficulties?

Best wishes - Mark.

 

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    Hi mark , sending positive thoughts to you . I am 8 weeks post op after having my kidney removed due to cancer and I feels like a massive concrete slab has been lifted from my shoulders . At first diagnosis I didn't take it in but it's the wait for the op that got me down . Try to keep positive n laugh at least once a day it really does help , and talk to your family they will want to help u on your journey it's more awkward avoiding the subject than to clear the air .We all need support . Life has a different meaning when u get diagnosed everything that's important to u stands out ten fold .good luck n I hope u get sorted soon xxx
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    Hi Mark

    First, I always thought kidney cancer was one of the really nasty ones. But a friend's husband had it maybe 15 years ago and he is fine now and has been for many years.

    More recently, another friend's sister was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer about 3 years ago. I bumped into her at the hospital recently when we were both in for scans, and she is doing really well. She looks exactly the same as she did before. No weight loss, doesn't look ill at all, and is doing well with her treatment. 

    Secondly, I know how hard it is to deal with a family member having cancer. I've been on both sides of this. My.husband had bowel cancer 14 years ago (and has been fine since his recovery from surgery.) Now I'm being scanned and tested following a tumour found during an operation for something else.

    When my husband was first diagnosed I was horrified and terrified and couldn't sleep or function properly. But I pretty quickly got into "we're going to beat this" mode.

    I don't know your family, so I can't say how they are feeling. But they might surprise you with their ability to cope and to support you when the time comes for surgery and treatment. Is there a Maggies Centre anywhere near you? If so I would take a wander in. The staff are always great, and there are usually other people with the same problems and worries as you have that you can chat to.

    Please let us all know the outcome of the biopsy. 

    My best wishes to you and your family. 

    Fiona x

     

     

     

     

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