My Journey Post-Kidney Cancer Surgery
Three weeks have passed since my radical nephrectomy, where my right kidney was removed due to kidney cancer. Recovery, as we know, is not a linear path. Some days are filled with progress and light, while others remind me of the challenges that come with such a significant surgery. Despite this, I am focusing intently on healing, embracing art, and taking things one day at a time.
During this journey, I have realized the importance of staying informed and sharing knowledge. Here are some key facts about kidney cancer that I’ve learned and want to share with you all:
Kidney Cancer Facts
- Definition and Function of Kidneys: Kidney cancer is a broad term for cancers originating in the kidney cells. The kidneys are vital organs located behind the abdominal cavity, responsible for removing waste from the blood, stimulating red blood cell production through a specific protein, and regulating blood pressure.
- Types of Kidney Cancer: The most common type is renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 90% of cases. This includes several subtypes, with clear cell renal cell carcinoma being the most prevalent. Identifying the specific subtype is crucial for determining the best treatment and long-term care plan.
- Early Symptoms and Diagnosis: Kidney cancer often lacks early symptoms, and there are no current screening protocols. Consequently, in developed countries, 25-30% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, often with metastasis. This percentage is significantly higher in developing regions.
- Global Statistics: In 2020, an estimated 431,000 new cases of kidney cancer were diagnosed worldwide, making up 2.4% of all new cancer cases. Although the incidence has risen since the 1970s, the global mortality rate has remained stable since the 1990s.
Factors Contributing to Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer arises from mutations in kidney cells over time. However, several factors can increase the risk:
- Smoking: Increases the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.
- Sex: Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed as women.
- Body Measurements: Obesity and greater height independently raise the risk.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a significant risk factor.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Increases susceptibility to kidney cancer.
- Toxic Exposure: Regular contact with certain carcinogenic chemicals heightens the risk.
Genetics and Kidney Cancer
- Family History: Approximately 5% of cases are linked to family genetics, with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome being the most common related genetic syndrome.
- Research: Ongoing studies on the genomic markers of kidney cancer tumors aim to improve disease understanding and develop screening protocols for high-risk individuals.
Embracing Art in Healing
Art has been my sanctuary during this recovery phase. Each brushstroke and colour choice offers a form of therapy, helping me process the emotional and physical journey I am on. My choice of art depends on my ability and mindset, sometimes I am colouring, If I’m able to sit up I am painting water colour postcards to send all over the world. On days that I am not able to sit up and reclined in my recovery chair I am learning to crochet from patterns and doing some embroidery.
You are welcome to ask any questions about my diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. Please feel free to ask in the comments section , and I’ll do my best to share my experiences and insights. Together, we can foster a supportive and informed community.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
With gratitude,
Freda
Freda so sorry to hear of your medical problems. Blrssinfs for a swift and complete recovery.
Thank you
Hope you are getting all the rest you can handle and are on the road to recovery without issue. Big hugs! Wishing you the best 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Freda! Finding an outlet during recovery is so vital, isn’t it. I’m very active and lost my mobility for 5 months last year due to melanoma surgery in the instep of my foot. Cross stitching, sewing, and then painting with you helped so much while I was unable to walk and hike. Thank you for sharing your journey. I hope sharing provides you some healing and peace- it does me! Prayers for your continued recovery and healing!
Hi Freda, so happy to see that you are recovering well. Glad you have your love for art as good company during your recovery. I wanted to ask you, what was your first sign in realizing their is a potential problem?
Hi Lynette,
It was discovered by accident. I went to see the doctor for something completely different, and he sent me for a CT scan. Normally, I’m on the table for about 5 minutes (I’ve had a few scans over the last couple of years). However, this time, the technician had me on the table for much longer, and her whole demeanor changed during the scan. I knew she had found something.
Two days later, I received a call to come in and see the doctor. He sent me for further tests and more bloodwork. The only symptom I had was fatigue, which could be linked to the cancer. This type of cancer is very slow-growing and has very few symptoms at the stage I was at. I’ve been experiencing mood and fatigue issues since 2021 and thought the pandemic and burnout were the reasons I wasn’t feeling like myself.
Glad you are on your road to recovery. Please continue to go slow. Were they able to do it laparoscopically? I crocheted Barbie doll clothes while recovering as I knew a baby granddaughter was on the way. It gave me the positive to strive for. Keep thinking positive 🙏
Hi Rita, yes it was done laparascopically. I have 4 scars, they vary from 1 inch to the biggest being 5 inches. I met an older gentleman that had the surgery 26 years ago and he told a very different scar story. He is doing fantastic and I have met many other that are doing just as great after this surgery. I feel really good amd glad the surgery is not as invasive as it was 20 years ago.
I’m just sitting here going through my emails and staring at my newly uncluttered painting area in my bedroom and I came across your post. I haven’t been painting for a few years now because of my husband going through unsuccessful cancer treatments. It’s been a year since he passed away and it feels like only a month has gone by. I’m hoping that you can conquer this and have many more years of wellness ahead of you.
Hi Mavis, I am so sorry for your loss and what you guys went through. Thank you for the well wishes, I received some great news yesterday. The doctor confirmed that the pathology report shows that the cancer was successfully removed when they removed my kidney. It also indicates that it wasn’t an invasive cancer and no further treatments are required. There is also a very low risk of this cancer returning. I am so glad you are painting again and wish you many happy painting sessions. Be kind to yourself and give yourself all the grace and time you need to recover from what you have gone through <3 ~freda
Hi Freda. I’m so happy to hear your news. Your attitude is inspiring! It’s definitely an amazing testament to art as a therapy. Sending much love and light as you continue to rest and recover.