Hi Everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself, so I can help and offer information and encouragement to people affected by this terrible affliction. I am 50yr old male, and in November of 2017, I decided it was time to give myself the once over health check. I was perfectly healthy, no symptoms whatsoever. I had my bloods done as part of my routine health check, then a few days later my very attentative and excellent GP called me to say all bloods came back just fine, but I happened to mention that I had a slight sensation in my right groin ( I just thought I'd mention it whilst I was there ) which was not causing me any discomfort at all. It was this that made him suggest I go for an ultrasound just to be sure. So fast forward early January 18, I go for the ultrasound, and he called me again 3 days later. He said that something was showing in my left kidney but was not sure, so we scheduled a CT a couple of weeks later. He called me back just as quick to tell me that there was a 3CM mass in the upper pole of my left kidney. This is when my whole world collapsed around me. Remeber I had no symptoms, happily plodding along and then this, I was devastated, and it jettisoned me into a state of anxiety, stress and hopelessness. I had to wait a full month before my GP's urgent referral to a urologist happened. Now this month wait nearly killed me with anxiety never mind the tumour :) all joking aside, I will never forget that wait, as it was the unknown, you can't help but think the very worst possible scenario. No matter what people say, you too will think the same, it is just a natural reaction. On March 12th this year I had a partial open nephrectomy in Dublin's Mater hospital. My surgeon had origonally said that he will be doing a laproscopic surgery, however he felt that he needed more access. This initially disappointed me because the recovery times are quite significant between open and laproscopic. The surgery was successful and he took 40% of my left kidney containing my tumour. I won't lie beacause it's not fair, but it is a big op and the initial first 2 weeks recovery are tough, but you will get through it. You just feel alien, like WTF just happened type of feeling. After the morphine feed is removed along with the catheter and drain, you will be ready to go home, I was 6 days in hospital because I simply could not do bowel monement but would have been released sooner if I did..Chances are you will be given Paracetemol which is a joke, go to your GP and get Tramodol for 8 weeks. I find these are effective, as you will need them for the muscle and nerve pain post op. You will slowly begin to fell YOU again, but rest up as much as you can and do not lift anything first 4 weeks as you will risk hernia, and you don't want that. Start walking around the house after 2 weeks, keep moving as much as you can. I am now 6 weeks post op, and I am feeling like me again within reason. I returned to work last week ( office job ) and I did half days as I was feeling tired. It's all about building up your energy and strength 4 weeks post op but do not push it your body will let you know, all in good time. I have just received a latter saying that my follow up is 15th May 2018 so I am hoping for the best like everyone else. If you feel I left something out that might help you more, please ping me. I just wanted to contribute to the forum, because I would have been lost without it during diagnosis and post op. Good luck to anyone heading for surgery, you will be fine, just think on the day, it'll be done soon and think ahead.