Hi

Sorry to hear of your situation.  Do you know yet which Ward you are going onto etc? If so could you phone through and tell a nurse or Doctor about your fears of going in? Or possibly seek some support through your GP practice.  It would be good if somebody could go with you to the Hospital but if that's not possible then I guess you have to go it alone.  If money is going to be.an issue for the trip, you could contact Social Services to see if they can assist.  Maybe also discuss with them that you may need support organised for when you go home.  Good luck.  Keep us posted.

Hi

I cant advise from the financial side but I had kidney cancer diagnosed early November 2020 and the kideny taken out 3 months ago. Mine was 6cm. Did you have a CT Scan to see if there was any signs of spread ? This should of been near to when you were diagnosed. I did in November and thankfully for now it showed no spread. I have another CT Scan in early May to check again.

All I can say is i was too very worried and can relate to your fears medically but the operation went very well I was told and I was out of hospital in 3 days and back home. It would have 2 days had I been able to pee without the Kafeter that day. I get daily niggles and feeling where the kidney used to be and were they pulled out the kidney but I believe this is normal. Medical care today is way ahead of where it was, even 5 years ago so this is on your side. You also have two kidneys ... some people are born with one and live normal lives. You will also be checked after surgery regualry for 5 to 7 years so at least they will checking you.

Try and be as positive as you can, I know its difficult.

Take Care.    

Hello Bryn

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the difficult place that you find yourself in at the moment. It sounds like it's an incredibly difficult time for you. 

I can see that you've already had a couple of replies to your post but wanted to just post a reply with some suggestions for where you may be able to get some help and support. 

In terms of benefits and what you may be entitled to claim, have a look at the Macmillan website and get in touch with them. They can offer advice on that area. Also, speak to your GP or the hospital and let them know that you need transport to get to the hospital on the day of your surgery and probably to get home as well. Many hospitals have transport services available that can help with this. 

It's good to hear that you have a friend who has offered to look after your dog whilst you're in the hospital. I'm sure that was a relief. If for any reason things change you can try getting in touch with The Cinnamon Trust to see if they are able to help with a short-term foster placement. If you have contact with a Social Worker, probation officer, or parole officer then you can also mention this to them as I know in some areas of the country, social services will support people who need to go into hospital with care for their pets. It's worth bearing in mind if you need help on that front. 

In terms of all the other things that you have going on in your life at the moment, you could give the Samaritans a call. I know that there would be someone there who would listen and try to offer you some support. 

I wish you well for your surgery next week. Keep talking to those around you Bryn and reach out to some of the organisations I've mentioned above for support. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator