Leslie Said:

What do you think? I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Surgery may be in 3 weeks.?

We Answered:

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.

Cecil Said:

What happens after surgery for kidney cancer?

We Answered:

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.

Troy Said:

My mother has to have her kidney removed due to kidney cancer, how long does the surgery take?

We Answered:

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.

Bob Said:

is their financial assistance for kidney cancer surgery?

We Answered:

Contact American Cancer Society

Heather Said:

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

We Answered:

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