Kidney cancer after breast cancer

Kassy54

A breast cancer survivor for ten years, I had all sorts of symptoms over the last year, including 23 lb unintentional weight loss in six months, increasing fatigue, and was very concerned about recurrence. After being told by countless doctors that I was just anxious like many breast cancer survivors (how appalling is that attitude???!!!), the Mayo Clinic diagnosed me with renal cancer. Tumor is small but location in kidney is concerning; won’t know whether it is stage I or III until after surgery next week.

So I was wondering if anyone else here has been diagnosed with kidney cancer after breast cancer? And if so, what have you learned? And of course, I hope you are doing well

AliceBastable

Mine last year was simultaneous. I had a pre-op CT before the lumpectomy, and it showed the upper part of my kidney with a 7cm growth. Because of the size (although just barely still Stage 1 in kidney cancer staging), it had probably been there longer than the breast cancer. So I had July lumpectomy, August re-excision, and September nephrectomy, then finally started radiation for the breast in late October. I had lost a lot of weight (although some was intentional), but I actually felt great. Now I've gained it all back, plus some, thanks to quitting smoking before the nephrectomy.

Good luck on your surgery! May I suggest, besides the usual things like pillows and loose clothes, some soft, folded socks to pad the main incision area if you wear pants instead of dresses. And the one thing I wished I'd had was a pair of men's overalls during recovery, for comfort. Oh, those soft suede-covered sponges used to wash cars are nice. I keep one in the car to keep the seat belt off my breast, but I used it last fall for extra cushioning on the incision area when needed.

And if you're interested in some kidney cancer support groups online, pm me and I'll give you the links. Unfortunately, none that I've found are as good as this place.

Kassy54

Oh wow, both at once must have been overwhelming! What a physical and emotional hit. Did they find any connection between the two cancers in pathology?

Thank you for the practical suggestions. I didn’t even think about the pressure from the car’s seatbelt. It’s a ten hour drive, so coming home that will be a real issue.

I hope you are well. I love this community and find the support invaluable. Thank you

AliceBastable

I swear I had made another response. Guess I hit the wrong button.

This sounds weird, but before your surgery, check out different brands of gas stations and convenience stores for bathrooms, checking the cleanliness and structure. If you're in the Midwest, I recommend Casey's; most are immaculately clean and the seat is high enough to not need help getting up beyond the installed bars. And I hope you'll stay at a hotel a few days after discharge but before heading home. I was only in the hospital one night, but that second day included catheter removal, getting up to sit, and a few walks down the hall - and drinking water so I could pee on my own. So I didn't get discharged until late afternoon. The first few days are rough; I could hardly eat. My urologist explained that they have to shove our guts to the side to access the kidney, then rearrange everything when they're done. He said there's a lot of bruising inside. So be gentle with yourself. When you're on the way back, remember to keep drinking, and stop every hour to pee and walk around so you don't get blood clots.

Kassy54

No it doesn’t sound weird at all—just very practical, and things I hadn’t thought of!!! You are right—I should check out the bathrooms on the way down! Thanks!!

AliceBastable

👍

Let me know if you think of any questions, on here or pm me.

Yoxter123

Hi, just found this thread and wanted to add my experience! I was diagnosed with IDC and ILC R breast with node involvement ..2015 Went on to have DMX and chemo.. On the third of the AI's .. 2017 scan for rib pain picked up something r kidney .. Kidney surgeon was reluctant to do partial nephrectomy but I insisted as that was only way to tell what it was .... Came in at 0600 today's later and whispered in my ear that I was right to insist. It was a RCCC..recovery was easy I have 6monthly scans to keep an eye on a few cysts that are growing nicely !! Also since BC diagnosis had five colonic ploys removed that were all pre cancerous !

I'm great ..feel so lucky to have my life , my countless medical teams and my beautiful family and grandchildren ... Still standing !! Good luck to you !

Kassy54

So glad you are doing well! Kidney cancer is one of those cancers that if you find it early, you can be cured, but most people don't find it early because it is usually asymptomatic. I guess this is one of those times that the hyper-vigilance that comes from having had breast cancer pays off!