My spouse had renal cell surgery two years ago. We were told that nothing could be done until it comes back?

Question

He had a mass the size of a football that had engulfed the right kidney. A portion of the mass broke off into the cavity. They got all they could see with the naked eye. We were also told the cancer would come back, but it will be in the liver or the lungs. Nothing could be done until it comes back. Is this true?

They did remove the mass and the right kidney. there are two spots on the left kidney that they are watching. He has had no chemo, no treatments. They have done blood work, ct scans and MRI'S.they were doing them every two months for the first two years, now they are waiting a little longer between times. This surgery was done at VA hospital in memphis. the surgeon told me he had done over 5 hundred surgery like his and this was the worse one. all the test have been good. I just wonder if he will always hurt in his back. of course he gets down alot, because they told us it would come back.

Answer 1

I want to say that I am sorry for your situation. My father was just diagnosed with cancer, but it is everywhere already. I think that what they mean is that it is a malignant kind of cancer meaning it will involve other body parts at some time and they probably cannot do anything to prevent that so they can't treat it until it is there. Hope that makes sense. Good luck.

Answer 2

This really depends. What kind of surgery did she have? Did they remove the kidney, or just the mass? What cavity did the mass break off into? I'll be honest, this is much more difficult than answering on this forum. I would advise seeing another doctor. Get as many opinions as you can (see a nephrologist, oncologist and mabey another surgeon). I know this sounds like a bit much, but the best person to get you these appointments is your family practice doc.

Renal cell cancer does like to go to the lung and liver, but it is possible to pick up any issues beforehand by looking for tumor markers in her blood. They may give her a CT as well, because depending on which kidney was involved, they will look for metastasis in different areas. This is why I advise an oncologist. Please do not sit on this though.

Give her our best

Answer 3

It sounds like the cancer had already metastasized, which is not good. Can you specify the type of cancer your husband has? I know you mentioned it affected the right kidney, did your doctors say it was renal carcinoma or something else? Did you husband received any chemotherapy after the surgery?

I don't want to contradict your doctors since they obviously know your husband's condition better than anyone else. I think it is safe to say that you should see a doctor(s) who specializes in hematologist/ oncology, have your husband see the doctor(s) on a regular basis and communicate to your doctor(s) if any new symptoms appear or when present symptoms worsen.

Ask your doctors if chemotherapy would help. In addtion, ask if your husband cancer is in remission or not. You and your husband might also benefit from joining a cancer support group.