Hi Pinkypie,
I had a 4cm cancerous growth in my left kidney and the kidney was removed by open surgery exactly 10 years ago. The adrenal gland was not removed. This was a good decision, because 4 years later cancer kidney cancer appeared in my right adrenal gland and this was removed by key hole surgery. I therefore now rely completely on my left adrenal gland. My anatomy must look a little strange. A kidney on the right side, but no adrenal gland, no kidney on the left, but an adrenal gland! I had my kidney out on a Monday and went home on the Saturday. The pain was well controlled but I was very uncomfortable. However, you have to remember that I had open surgery but you may well have key hole surgery. Have the doctors told you which option they are likely to opt for? If you have key hole surgery, I would imagine you would experience a great deal less pain and discomfort that I did. At the time of surgery, the cancer was contained within the kidney but, over the years, as expected, it has spread to other parts of the body but is controlled by drugs. Constant monitoring is really important. Following the surgery in Dec 06 I returned to work as a chef in Feb07. Due to ongoing treatment, which has intensified, but is manageable by being proactive rather than reactive, I had to retire from work last December at the age of 60. I remain fully active, drive, holiday, and keep very busy. Have off days, when on chemo, but overall I am very fortunate and remain well. There is much more I could tell you and a I am more than happy to share this with you - mainly positive!! However, I hope the above will give you some idea of what you might encounter.
Thank you for responding to me ....this is one journey you need someone there for you.who has been through the same
....i have had my left kidney + adrenal gland +and a 6lb cancerous tumour and surrounding glans removed 5 weeks ago ......i had my check up with surgeon today for results . ..he said that i have a 1 in 4 chance the cancer will return within 2 years .....my whole body aches and stomache is numb ..i have a 15 inch scar from the open radical surgery.
Today i am feeling really low when i should be shouting from the roof tops ..has the last 15 months of hell now caught up with me? ...
From your first posting I did not realise that you had already had your left idney removed. An operation of that size will certainly give you a great deal of discomfort and pain for a good while but it should subside fairly soon. Just keep taking pain killers. If you can go out for a very short walk, that will help loosen the area up. The numbness does lessen but I can still feel areas of numbness caused by the severing of nerves during the op. This is very mild and does not cause me any problem whatsoever. My scar is also about 15 inches long and I had staples inserted to start with. My kidney cancer returned after 3 years but due to excellent ongoing, and very regular monitoring, this was caught at a very early stage, and after two lung operations and the removal of part of a rib, I was up and running again. No chemo needed after the original op or after lung surgery. I cannot over emphasise the importance of being monitored very regularly. This is the key to success. Catch the *** early! After more operations, and ongoing oral chemo, I am well controlled even though the cancer is now stage 4. I am not interested in prognosis. Today is day of celebration for you. The news could have been a great deal worse. It sounds positive to me. Go and do something you enjoy, may be a meal out, or a cinema trip. Live for the moment and not for the future. Put the C to one side for now, it all looks positive at the moment so celebrate that. I have had cancer for almost 20 years. It started with bladder cancer in 2000! Do keep in touch.
