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Posted 3/19/2015 1:13 PM (GMT -5)
Well I have been saddled with Soft Tissue Sarcoma many years ago, then five years ago Prostate Cancer, two years ago Skin Cancer and last Monday was informed I will have my left kidney an it's ureter removed. Oh boy, can't wait for that to happen on April 14th. Seems a small cancerous mass is hiding in my ureter, too close to the left kidney's renal pelvis to only remove the section holding the mass, so the entire kidney will be ripped out of my old carcass. Will be accomplished by a Laproscopic Surgeon down at the Albuquerque VA but he has been doing this successfully for 20+ years. The "possible" SE's have me more concerned than the actual procedure itself. Keep me in mind guys as this fourth encounter with the Big C is making me just a wee bit nervous. Thanks for any "thoughts" (prayers) you can spare for this old coot.
Posted 3/19/2015 1:31 PM (GMT -5)
Saying a little prayer for you right this minute, Bob!
Bill in MS
Posted 3/19/2015 1:31 PM (GMT -5)
You got it Bob. You seem to be tough and will do fine in this next procedure. Best to you.
Posted 3/19/2015 1:44 PM (GMT -5)
Sorry to hear this Bob. Going for advanced blood work and ultrasound on my kidneys in the morning, my doctor found something suspicious going on, hope I am not following your path. I don't need a 5th cancer event in my life either.

Sounds like you got a good surgeon to deal with this. The body can work fine with just one kidney, so with a good recovery (hopefully), you should do fine.

David
Posted 3/19/2015 1:52 PM (GMT -5)
Bob, good luck with operation and recovery.
Posted 3/19/2015 1:52 PM (GMT -5)
Well the great thing about kidneys is that you can live quite happily on just one.

My stepson has been living with just one transplanted kidney for 20 years now and is doing just fine.

Hang in there Bob, another 20 years coming up.

Best of luck

Chas
Posted 3/19/2015 1:56 PM (GMT -5)
Sorry you have to go through this. It's got to be scary.

You're on my prayer list,

Andrew
Posted 3/19/2015 2:42 PM (GMT -5)
Thoughts and prayers headed your way for sure - hang in there, stay strong!
Posted 3/19/2015 3:02 PM (GMT -5)
Good luck Bob, keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well
Posted 3/19/2015 5:40 PM (GMT -5)
From one old coot to another, sorry you have to deal the evil beast again. Hope all goes well. You are in my prayers.
Posted 3/19/2015 8:37 PM (GMT -5)
Bob,

We are with you...thoughts...prayers...and best wishes,

Jack
Posted 3/19/2015 8:53 PM (GMT -5)
Thinking of you Bob! If its any consolation, I have been a RN in a few of these cases. A major surgery but a very smooth one. Hoping all goes perfectly.
Posted 3/20/2015 7:11 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the well wishes and encouragements, they ALL mean a lot to me.
Posted 3/20/2015 7:27 PM (GMT -5)
Bob, if you don't mind. How about posting some details on the kidney removal op. I may have a vested interest in your particulars. Depending how the blood work and ultra sound checks out today at the VA.

The thought of having another major abdominal operation freaks me out, I have had 3 so far as an adult, and each time, the recovery gets harder and harder on me. Hoping its not in the cards for me.

How much hospital stay time are they telling you at this point?

David
Posted 3/20/2015 7:40 PM (GMT -5)
David, the Uro Surgeon has me scheduled for the Laproscopic ("key hole") procedure. I was told that the procedure will probably take about three hours, more or less and will be accomplished by four small "holes" around the belly button area. Also, was advised that it should begin early on a Tuesday and should be heading for home on the immediately following Friday. This procedure is to take about the same amount of time as the "open surgery" procedure but recovery time is MUCH shorter, much less blood loss, much less pain and quicker back to "normal". Any more question David, please do not hesitate to ask. I have been doing a ton of computer research on this subject, like I did on PC info.
Oh, I neglected to mention that this will the very first time in my 78 years that I have ever been even close to being "opened up" for anything.
Bob

Post Edited (erbob) : 3/20/2015 6:43:56 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/20/2015 7:51 PM (GMT -5)
That sounds encouraging, Bob, especially for you. Didn't realize they could do a kidney removal that way, would seem like it would be too big to fit through holes, but I am not a surgeon, lol.

Wow, to have this done at 78, my hat is off to you. I will be 63 this year. Had my first major open surgery at age 28 (Pancreatitis), then my open RP in 2008 at age 56, then my Ileal Conduit Surgery (Urostomy) in 2010 at age 60. Sure doesn't get easier.

Hoping to dodge the bullet this time. Fingers crossed.

Thanks, in case I am heading down the same path, would appreciate any comments or advice on your first hand experience. Will be thinking of you in the weeks ahead. At least it won't be until after Easter has passed for you.

BTW, the scan operator today remarked about the almost 12" jagged scar she saw on me, and I told her that was from the gall bladder that was removed in 1981, she was shocked. At the time, it cost me 10 days in the hospital. Now they do it with 2-3 holes and you usually come home the same day. My, how times have changed.
Posted 3/21/2015 11:20 AM (GMT -5)
David. One of the "holes" may need to be enlarged somewhat to accommodate the size of the kidney on it's removal from the abdominal cavity. Believe it or not, they will most likely insert a plastic draw string bag, insert the kidney in that bag and then pull it out of the "hole". I have been checking out numerous videos showing almost the complete Laproscopic process and after watching how they go about the procedure, I am now much more relaxed about having to go through it. Just do a search on "Videos of Laproscopic kidney removal". I am hoping that you will not have to go through the procedure but I'll certainly keep you posted. I find it difficult to believe just how EXTREMELY nice and accommodating ALL the VA folks are in the Albuquerque VA system.
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