Kidney Cancer Surgery

Question: What happens after surgery for kidney cancer? I am having a tumor removed from my kidney, possibly the whole kidney removed. What happens after? Will I be "normal" again? Will I feel sick, weak, ?????? Anyone know?

Answer: Well. if it's a small tumor, they could do a Ablation.. I have had two of them in the past 3 years. And if they do remove the whole kidney your will be very uncomfortable for awhile.. I spare you nothing. And the pain medication you will probably go home with .. causes constipation. So, the faster you get off it , the faster you will feel better, Because adding constipation. and the gas that goes with it. Make for a lot of pain in the abdomen..and you have undoubtly had a lot of muscle cut to get to the kidney. I did not have a kidney removed 5 years ago. I has a 12cm cancer ( Partial nephrectomy. I was born with only one kidney.

Question: My mother has to have her kidney removed due to kidney cancer, how long does the surgery take? My mother found out 2 weeks ago she's got kidney cancer, it has spread to her renal vein, liver and lungs. She has a 12 centimeter tumor on her left kidney and has to have her left kidney removed by open surgery, How long does this surgery usually take? My husband and I have agreed that I would stay and take care of her when she got out of the hospital. I would also like to know if its possibly that she will be in icu for a day or so? if anyone can help I would appreciate it.

Answer: It all depends on what the docs are gonna do. I had a partial nephrectomy in Dec, 2005, the cancer hadnt spread to their knowledge(still checking) but the surgery took almost six hours, they did it laproscopically, and they wanted to make sure they got it all out. I never spent time in ICU, but was in the hospital for 4 days. It was pretty miserable, but I made it. i would assume no more than a couple of hours in surgery if they do it open. I wish her the best of luck! Feel free to email me at dmckinner@yahoo.com, if I can offer you the name of a great renal cancer specialist, or be of assistance.

Question: When does one need a ct scan after kidney cancer surgery? How soon after surgery is a CT Scan recommended?

Answer: This is totally up to your doctor. However, my oncologist has been following me every three months since!

Question: How to get fit after a surgery for kidney cancer?And what type of job should the person persue?

Answer: gentle walks plenty water to drink deal with anger issues charity worker? cleaner?

Question: What do you think? I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Surgery may be in 3 weeks.? My brother thinks my adult children should be supportive and take me to the hospital. My brother is being difficult now. Thank you to all of you that have responded; you are appreciated. My brother is being difficult now. Thank you to all who have responded; you are appreciated.

Answer: I'm sorry you have to deal with a frightening medical condition. It happens to almost all of us eventually, but everyone's stress is unique, and it's good that you're expressing yours. I think your adult children should be supportive, too, but life is full of very many "shoulds" that, when they don't happen, only serve to disappoint us. In the face of a scary illlness, the scariest part can sometimes be how little control we seem to have over our lives, which is why you see really sick people telling you that "I can do it myself..." etc. I want to convey to you two things: First, an effective way to ask for help from your adult children, and second, how to feel a little bit more in control of your life. I feel as though conquering those two issues would leave you in the right mindset to deal with your illness. With your kids...make very specific requests of them, rather than vague ones. "I want you to be supportive" is very hard to fulfill, while "I want you to take me to the hospital and be there when I come out of surgery" is more concrete. Particularly with male children, you'll find that specific requests make more sense to them, and they'll move heaven and earth to make good on what Mom asks of them. Remembering that the kids have their own lives, now, validate the requests. "I know you work very hard where you work, and I'm very proud of you for that, but I need you to take the day off for my surgery..." conveys that you've taken their lives into account and leaves them feeling needed, rather than commanded. If you level with the kids and tell them what you really need, they're going to surprise you. To feel more in control of things, get on the internet, go to the library, do whatever you're comfortable with, but research the heck out of your condition. Knowledge is power, here. Imagine the conversations you'll be able to have with your doctors if you understand what your condition does or could entail. Imagine how nice it will be when everything isn't a surprise. Imagine how grateful you'll feel when the worst-case-scenarios DON'T develop for you. I wish you the best during this trying time.

Question: which is best for secondary kidney cancer, surgery or radio-frequency treatment? Hi my mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer in Dec 2007 and had her right kidney removed Jan 08, it was a stage 3 tumor and though they said it was very advanced they did not remove the lymph-nodes as they thought they were ok. In Nov 08 her ct scan was clear and in March 09 they scan showed a spot on her liver which was 1.5cm, she had a MRI and they referred her back to the oncologist who told us the cancer had spread. At present she is awaiting to see the surgeon in L'pool regarding having the left half of her liver removed, which we have been told is major op. My mum is not sure if she wants the op, for a few reasons 1 because she feels removing half the liver will not cure the cancer and as they feel its probably spread through the blood or lymph-nodes and she feels it will only be matter of time before it reappears. 2 because she has been told its a minimum of a 3 month recovery. Is it true that the cancer is likely to reappear even if the current spot is removed? And does anyone know about radiofrequeny treatment as she is very keen to try that as compared to major sugery it only takes about a wks recovery. Which has the best results, and if she had surery how long would the cancer stay away? Are we talking it could stay away years amd years, as the oncologest said kidney cancer is an aggesive cancer.

Answer: Your mom has been through so much surgery including already losing one kidney & now with potential loss of half of the liver that I would suggest you also get a second opinion before she has to undergo more treatments that may cause her to decline despite good intentions. Go to another oncologist & see if he agrees.She should also get an MRI of her lungs, brain & intestines to make sure there has not already been any spread. I'd hate for her to go through something causing such stress & pain for it not to be of any help in the long run. If there is no mets to any other system, then go ahead & try. If there is mets, please plan on enjoying life with your family without having to endure painful treatments, esp. enduring the nausea & vomiting chemo & other treatments may cause. Her quality of living is very important. Would she rather have 6 months of surgeries & treatments (poss. sick as a dog almost all the time) or 4 months with pain management going to family events & being with family. Unfortunately with cancer there is no guarantee, so beware of people who will give you one.Yesterday is but a memory & tomorrow but a hope, so live for today. God bless.

Question: Lung Cancer Surgery and Kidney failure? If a person has lung cancer in both lungs and goes through surgery comes out of surgery with kidney failure. Whats can be done or is the time near?

Answer: jo, I think it would all depend on what the status of the lung cancer is. Dialysis can handle the kidney failure for the time being but the question can't be answered without knowing more about the lungs.

Question: Who's the best doctor of kidney cancer in the Philippines and in the US? Is it better to have surgery in US? Husband diagnosed with tumor and reco from doctor is to surgically remove kidney. Want to get the best doctor in the Philippines and US. Want to know if there are new options about partial removal of kidney through laser. What are the best hospitals in the US that specializes in this? Is the survival rate better if done in the US?

Answer: Its not a matter of country but the skills of the individual surgeon. Due to the way the doctors specialize in the US, it is more likely to find a more experienced kidney surgeon in the US than in the Philippines. As far as I know, somtimes it is possible to remove only a part of the kidney (but not neccesarily via laser)

Question: kidney cancer? Does anyone who has had surgery for cancer ever have a problem with their kidney shutting down ? My Nephrologist is aware of the problem but she hasn't adressed it yet. I generally happens if I'm away from the house, and it takes several days to lose the fluid I gain at these times. I do drink water, but I some times wonder if it's just adding to the problem. I am also dealing with diabetes. Blood pressure seems to be fine but have to take several meds. I've been trying to get the diabete fasting numbers down by diet, have lost 16 lbs and blood pressure is generally around 106/65 which I consider low. fasting averages around 140, not the greatest, but I'm working on it, Dr. App. yesterday, and my primary was trying to get ahold of my Nephrologist , but she seems to be on vacation. So I may get a call Monday. if it doesn't get for gotten. there is a lot of unhappiness going on in the family and somedays I' just seem to fall apart. But I try to stay strong,sometimes even that weares you out,

Answer: Hey - I am recovering from kidney cancer - had surgery just over a month ago - only a partial removal, but all is working fine. Maybe the diabetes is having more of an impact - what I found was lack of information - just lots of "do everything in moderation"......hmmmmm........yep, i too drink lots of water, but havent had the issues of retaining fluid. Push push push for answers kiddo - you have the right to get this information - it IS all about you. How are you anyway?

Question: Has anyone heard of kidney cancer moving to the esophagus? My friend is having surgery for his kidney cancer on Monday. He mentioned that the surgeons were going to work on his esophagus after the kidney. At the moment, I was too upset to ask if the two were related. My online research would indicate this is possible. Does anyone out there have information about this? I know that cancer in general can spread. My question is likelyhood of KIDNEY cancer and the esphagus.

Answer: My wife has stage IV kidney cancer and it has spread thought out her body,but not her esophagus,however it is possible.

Question: How long is the surgery and recuperation time for removing a kidney due to cancer?

Answer: My father in law just had this done. He was home in in 3 days. Slow for a couple of weeks but amazingly quick recovery. The procedure was much more simple than expected. Now going through chemo and handling that very well too!

Question: Cancer surgery? Does anyone know how long roughly it would take for someone to have surgery to have kidney cancer and Urethral cancer? the Urethral cancer is spreading and my husband went into surgery around 1:30 today. I hope someone can help and give me rough idea on how long he will be in surgery. Thank you. P.S. I am sorry if i misspelt anything but i am not worried about my spelling i am worried about my husband being in surgery, And to anyone that is wondering why i am on here and not at the hospital it is because i have 3 kids to look after. I have called the stupid hospital several times and no one can give me a straight answer. One person says 12 hours, another says a few hours. I have called the recovery section and they too won't give me a straight answer, they said that he should have been out by now and something must have went wrong in surgery.

Answer: My friend I wish I knew the answer to your question but I don't. My heart goes out to you and your kids. I have been praying for you and your husband. I have been thinking about you so much and I hope all goes well. I am here for you. (( HUGS))

Question: My husband has kidney cancer. He is having a partial nephrectomy on Monday, is there a good pre-surgery diet?

Answer: No diet change necessary. My 6 yr old son had a radical nephrectomy in July of 05 due to kidney cancer. His diet did not change before or after surgery. Best of luck to you and your husband.

Question: My father just had his kidney taken out(cancer), what will chemotherapy do after surgery? dr said he still has some cancer left, that it was too dangerous to take away. also, does chemotherapy mean losing your hair. he still has 1 kidney left.

Answer: I'm sorry to hear that. Chemotherapy is the process of putting chemicals in the body to try to destroy the remaining cancerous cells. But in many cases, it only slows down the growth of the cancerous cells. Not everyone loses hair during chemotherapy; it depends on the drugs being taken and how the person's body responds to it. There are usually many other side effects, like a weakened immune system (prone to potentially fatal infections), dry mouth, ulcers etc. There's a detailed explanation of cancer treatment at http://www.cancerdoubts.com It's written for patients and caregivers, so you might find it useful.

Question: I have a 5yr old female shepard w/kidney cancer,any sug.? Had a sana gram done & the right kidney is loaded with cancer,surgery isn't an option but am wondering about diet change,or anti biotecs,or any other sugestions.She is not showing any heavy signs of rectal bleeding yet,but the vet did say she has or had blood in her urine,we are treating her with antibiotecs for now but will be out in 4 days.Our current Vet says that an anti biotic treatment really won't do much,any sugs. would be greatly apreciated. Thankyou in advance

Answer: Many vets are familiar with a product called Naltrexone. This is a pharma drug that is normally used for drug/alcohol addiction in people, but given in low doses (LDN) it is doing some wonderful things for pets and cancer. Many people are also starting to use it to fight their own cancers, myself included. It is very inexpensive and boosts the immune system. I have included a link where you can read about it. Its not a cure, but is stabalizing many patients with auto immune diseases.

Question: What foods are beneficial for post kidney surgery? and what to avoid? one kidney has already been removed due to renal cancer six months back. how to save the other?

Answer: This is a serious issue you should be discussing with your physician.