"What does a kidney mass feel like before cancer surgery?"

Hi Tammie, I had a 4cm mass on my left kidney. My surgeon couldnt determine by Pet scan, Ct scan and MRI just how deep the mass had penetrated the veins, lymph nodes, and tissue, etc. until the actual surgery. In my case, the kidney needed to be removed. I feel he made the right decision. Your surgeon may be able to remove the cancer from the affected area, and preserve the kidney. Hope that helps explain the process…

Thanks that helps.That's my plan...

How are feeling now?

I’m feeling great, my first 3 month Ct scan and MRI came back clear, have another next month. The recovery process after surgery went well, not too much pain.

I pray that's me too..thanks

You will do great! God is good! 🙏

Yes,he is..

Hi, I am also facing surgery for removal of my left kidney. Biopsy confirmed cancer and the mass is now 5 centimeters. I am really nervous about surgery.

I am too,but they say as long it's not went any were else.we are going to be ok..

Darrell, did they remove your kidney from back or front. My surgeon said mine would be from the front. There are a lot of organs there that could be affected.

Hi Christine it was the front, with 4 small incisions. Largest was 1.5 inches just below my belly button, where the removal took place. The others were used for instruments to observe, etc.

I'm praying for you

Mine surgery went well,I'm doing good stage one .get a scan every 3mt.or so but I feel better .

Hard to sit still.

That’s great news Tammie! 😊

They have to remove mine through my side/back area ...

Im her doin ok.stage one. just have to have a scan every 3 thscams

Thanks Darrell. I just underwent robotic surgery for blockage in my small intestine. I'll just add those little scars to the rest

As part of my pre-surgery screening, I had a lung CT. They found 2 suspicious spots. I am absolutely terrified and don't know where to turn.. My urologist sent me an email saying "found 2 suspicious lesions in upper right lobe of the lung ... Nephrectomy will continue as scheduled." I understand he's a urologist and not a pulmonologist, but to just leave me hanging with no advice on what to do next feels very cold. What would you do if you were me?

Hi Christine H, I had my left Kidney removed and during PET Scan they saw a couple small nodules in my lungs. I’m told they are a normal occurrence for someone my age, but my Oncologist will monitor them in case they increase in size. I am a non-smoker. I am getting a upper chest CT Scan and lower abdominal MRI and bloodwork every 3 months as part of monitoring post Kidney removal. You can ask your Urologist and Oncologist if you need to see a lung specialist for piece of mind.

Thank you, Tammie. Sometimes I feel like all I do is sit and wait. I wish I could be more proactive. I battled breast cancer in 2020. Now I have renal cell Carcinoma. I have never had a PET Scan. Is this something I should ask about?

Many people experience uncertainty and anxiety while waiting for surgery to determine the nature of a kidney mass. The waiting period between discovery and surgery can feel overwhelming, but having a clear surgical plan is a positive step forward. Others in this community may share their experiences with similar situations, so this could be a helpful place to connect with people who understand this journey.