Just wanted to say hello and let you all know that I made it through the surgery. They removed my left kidney along with the cancerous tumor. The pathology report showed cancer contained to the tumor and clear margins. I am so grateful. The doctor says that I have a 90% chance that I will never have to deal with this again. I will be followed with CT scans and pray it never returns. He was able to do it laprascopically. So, I only have a 3 inch incision and a few 1 inch incisions. I did well with the Sjogrens thru the surgery. The anesthesiologist put some type of ointment in my eyes and when I woke my eyes felt really good. Wish I knew exactly what it was he used, I'd try to buy some to use at night. I only had to skip one dose of Evoxac and did ok with my dry mouth. My doctor was top notch and a very nice man. My worst experience was the intolerance to pain meds. I threw up for four days. Also, the nurses acted like I was a pain for asking for my water glass to be filled, even though they knew I had Sjogrens. Boy, for a kind, compassionate nurse. Anyway, just wanted update you and thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Anna
Hi Anna :)
I'm so glad your surgery went well and you've come through it. It sounds like they've 'got it all' too - which is great. In the UK they use Lacrilube in patients eyes during operations. (It says so on the box!) Being sick sucks - especially dealing with an op scar! That must have hurt!
I'm glad you're back with us. Rest up and I hope the healing goes well.
Take care - Scottie :)
Great news Anna! I am sorry that the nurses weren't sympathetic to your need for hydration, but so relieved that the margins were clear. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Lana
Hi Anna, this is great news that the cancer was contained to the tumour and that you don't have to have any other treatment. I'm so glad you had that abdominal scan :)
Take care and all the best for a speedy recovery,
Lesley (NZ)
Anna , Thank you for reporting. So good to hear everything went well.
I am glad that you were given great news of no returns.
kimbo
Anna
It's wonderful to hear from you. You've been in my thoughts and I'm so pleased to hear that the outcome is just about as good as it could be.
I hope it isn't annoying to tell you a story of 'a friend' but I really DO have a friend who had a similar experience to you 23 years ago when she was 56, and she's doing fine. Her prognosis wasn't good because her general health was very poor (she's a child survivor of the Holocaust so was severely malnourished through her early years) but she's done brilliantly with no return of any form of cancer.
It's good to hear that you only have small scars because that should help your recovery time. But how awful about the sickness because of pain meds ... and the unsympathetic nurses. You really have to wonder why!
Take good care of yourself and rest lots.
Chana xxx
This is the first i have read from you Anna, hello and so happy for you. I too have an Ann, she's my mother, she too has kidney cancer, she too had her left kidney removed, she too has had CT scans every 6 months now every 3 months. But mom's cancer was bilateral, she still has a small tumor on her right kidney and the tumor was so large that it had broken through and within about a year or so spots began to show on her lungs. Mom was 75 when she was diagnosed and is 79 on Monday next. She has never stopped moving from the time of her nephrectomy....well til' Dec of this year when she got pnuemonia....totally unrelated to the cancer, so my point again I am so happy for you, and wish you all the best and if mom can do so well with her situation I think you are just going to do great. Sandra
Nice to hear something good for a change, I hope I am as lucky as you!
Anna, that is great news. What relief you must feel now that it is over.
We've been thinking of you and wondering how you are. I'm so glad your prognosis is so good. Now just take care of yourself, I hope your recovery goes well and quickly.
quiger
Anna - I'm glad things went well with your surgery - I know you were concerned with having Sjogren's and surgery. Good news that they got the cancer.
May you have a speedy recovery.
Take care.
Bucky
I am glad the chances of it not recurring is in your favor. Hang in there Gal! Lots of positive thoughts and prayers being sent your way!
Take Care!
Vicky
Anna
That is wonderful news. I'm so glad to hear that it went well. Rest and recover now.
God bless.
Kathyx
What a relief Anna, It's so good to hear a success story, I hope your thread gives Epsom renewed hope. well done and keep well. Not nice to hear about the nurse tho'.. Luckily here in UK the majority of nursing staff are held in very high regard and I have the utmost thanks to those angel's that have attended me while being in hospital.. Best Wishes Dolly
Anna,
Glad to hear everything went well for you, I hope to find out what is wrong with my kidney and if I have a new tumor in my bladder.
Wow, 90% chance of not coming back is a lot better then a 60% that a bladder tumor WILL come back. :'( I wish you a speedy recovery.
Epson
Fabulous news Anna. I am so happy for you. A 90% chance, WOW! :o
Pooh
Anna-
Everyone else has said everything I thought to say, but I still wanted to add my congratulations at the good news. Take good care now and get plenty of rest. I pushed myself too hard after a surgery in October and am still fighting with the flare that caused. You need to take time and rest, relax and give your body some pampering.
I'm SO happy for you,
Tracy