Renal cell carcinoma

Hi

I am a 51 year old woman. My kidney tumor was found accidentally whilst having scans for a gynae problem, which I have read is how tumors in the kidney are often discovered. 

My gynae problems were put on hold and I was lucky enough to have health insurance through my husbands work. I used the insurance to have a partial nephrectomy by robot-assisted laproscopy 7on 29th April 2021. I had to wait almost 6 weeks for the biopsy results, which was a worrying time. I was told that it was a 2.75cm rcc which they had managed to remove successfully, even though it was deep inside the kidney. 

No further treatment is needed, but they are going to monitor me by 6 monthly CT scans and blood tests.  

I have returned to work on a phased return but I am feeling very tired still. I am now having to plan a hysterectomy for my ongoing gynae issues. I have a large clear ovarian cyst  and fibroids that are causing heavy and prolonged bleeds. I am desperate to have relief from these symptoms, but at the same time, worried its too soon after the kidney operation. 

I suppose the surgeon would not operate if he thinks I am not fully recovered. What would you do?

  • Hello MazP, 

    It was indeed lucky that you had health insurance through your husband's work and that you were able to use it to have your surgery in April. It's great that despite it being deep inside the kidney, they managed to remove the tumour. It must be a huge relief to you that no further treatment is needed and they are going to monitor you every six months. 

    It does sound like you need surgery to sort your current gynaecological issues and I can understand why you would want to have relief from these debilitating symptoms. I agree that the surgeon would not offer you surgery if they didn't think enough time had passed and you were fit enough to have another surgery but if you are worried about it or still feel like you haven't fully recovered, do give your doctor a call and mention it. It might be a good idea to make completely sure  that you can have this operation so soon after your kidney operation. 

    I do hope you are rid of all these issues soon and that your symptoms disappear completely after you have had the surgery. 

    I hope that you will meet others on the forum who have had renal cell carcinoma before and that they will be along shortly to share their experiences with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator