The meals and driving and other help from so many of you have been SUCH a blessing. THANK YOU!
I am getting a little better each day..... and trying to "take back" my household and work responsibilities, asap. I find that I still tire very easily and desperately want a NAP many days though! Once I hit the lazy boy chair I want to sleep 2-3 hours then can't go to sleep that night! So, I am trying to wean my toddler self off those nappies. :-)
So, please pray for my patience with recovery, and that I will wisely pace myself. And pray that I would continue to get my strength and stamina back ASAP! (I know, that doesn't sound very patient does it? Hence the prayer request for PATIENCE... ). :-)
I will start seeing a nephrologist soon to monitoring my blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and other kidney function more closely, in efforts to keep my remaining kidney as healthy as possible. Thankful for access to excellent specialists. So thankful for that. The main instruction I have heard over and over is to stay very well hydrated. So a water bottle is my constant companion.
My oncologist says no scans till June. She wants my kidney to heal completely before we expose it to any more of the dye they use for the MRI, as it can damage the kidney. The only known concerns right now are the lung spots, which were just scanned in February, so I am comfortable waiting until June for scans.
Of course the continuing BIG prayer request is that God would grant me a cancer free future. The new kidney tumor was a stage I / grade 2 out of 4 scale for aggressiveness, believed to be a new tumor, not a spread from the other kidney tumor. It would be very curable if it had been the only kidney cancer I had. Thankful it was caught early and removed completely by Dr Uzzo, with minimal loss of kidney tissue (10%).
All the docs say that new metastasis from the stage IV tumor removed in 2007 is still the biggest threat. Kidney cancer can return many years, even decades, after the first occurrence. However since almost 5 years has passed, the hope is that if a new metastasis does occur, it will be a slow growing and treatable location and cell type. Some kidney cancer patients survive many years with 'controlled' metastasis. Not my preference, but, should that be God's plan, I will have to be ready to accept that.
Please pray that I will live each day as it comes, in faith that the God who loves me has all my tomorrows completely figured out, and although I need to follow my doctors' advice and do my best to stay healthy, I need not try to micro-manage, let alone fret, about what I truly cannot control anyway! THIS is a hard lesson for me to learn, that's for sure!
Thank you all for standing with us in this newest challenge. It means so much to us all to be loved and cared for by each of you in so many ways, most especially in prayer.
With love and thankfulness for your continued care and concern for us,
Karen
Matthew 6:27,33,34a
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Busy Day
Started early today with a trip to Fox Chase for an ultrasound of my kidney which looked great. Then Resident MD took out my 30 or so staples, four days early - ouchie but hooray! And then took out my surgical drain - triple capital OUCH :-( but at least it's gone now :-)
Then, saw Dr Uzzo, who could not be more pleased with the results of the surgery. He called it a "home run". I call it God's care for me! The tumor was removed completely with clear margins and I have had an uncomplicated recovery so far. My kidney function took only a 1-2 day hit, (creatinine levels rose but not as high as expected) and dropped to nearly pre-op normal before I even left the hospital five days later, when they could have kept rising for up to five days! I lost only 10% of my kidney and lost little or no kidney function. The results are absolutely as great as could be expected - even better!
My oncologist, Dr Haas, will decide scan recommendations - this episode would call for scans in 6 months - since the tumor was small, less aggressive, and completely removed. But since we are still watching the lung spots and for mets from the 2007 tumor, next scans may be sooner.
So, time for me to rest and heal now, (I hit the nap chair asap after we got home today) and look forward to a cancer free spring and summer... and maybe a cancer-free future!?!?
Thank you all so much for all your love and concern and help and prayers. It means so much to me, has carried me through these last few whirlwind weeks, and will, during the rest of the recovery yet ahead.
Thankful most of all to God, who has upheld me through yet another storm of life, and knowing that whether this surgery had been a success or not, He would have been there beside me. So grateful though, for the grace and healing He has given so far.
Love
Karen
Then, saw Dr Uzzo, who could not be more pleased with the results of the surgery. He called it a "home run". I call it God's care for me! The tumor was removed completely with clear margins and I have had an uncomplicated recovery so far. My kidney function took only a 1-2 day hit, (creatinine levels rose but not as high as expected) and dropped to nearly pre-op normal before I even left the hospital five days later, when they could have kept rising for up to five days! I lost only 10% of my kidney and lost little or no kidney function. The results are absolutely as great as could be expected - even better!
My oncologist, Dr Haas, will decide scan recommendations - this episode would call for scans in 6 months - since the tumor was small, less aggressive, and completely removed. But since we are still watching the lung spots and for mets from the 2007 tumor, next scans may be sooner.
So, time for me to rest and heal now, (I hit the nap chair asap after we got home today) and look forward to a cancer free spring and summer... and maybe a cancer-free future!?!?
Thank you all so much for all your love and concern and help and prayers. It means so much to me, has carried me through these last few whirlwind weeks, and will, during the rest of the recovery yet ahead.
Thankful most of all to God, who has upheld me through yet another storm of life, and knowing that whether this surgery had been a success or not, He would have been there beside me. So grateful though, for the grace and healing He has given so far.
Love
Karen
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Home Sweet Home
Arrived home Sunday afternoon, happy as a clam to be here. Son #1 correctly pointed out that my kidney cancer did not join me at the dining room table this time, as it had been (it was an unwelcome guest anyway). Praising GOD for that!!
Unpacked, set up my resting spots a bit too energetically and once I settled in to our trusty old "healing lazy boy", I am beyond ready for a nap!
Thank you all for all the ways in which you have been and will still be caring for me and my family as I heal. We are so grateful.
Karen and my gang
Unpacked, set up my resting spots a bit too energetically and once I settled in to our trusty old "healing lazy boy", I am beyond ready for a nap!
Thank you all for all the ways in which you have been and will still be caring for me and my family as I heal. We are so grateful.
Karen and my gang
Friday, March 9, 2012
Post-Op Day 3
Finally made progress late this afternoon. Started on oral pain medication, had epidural removed, and am off the heart monitor! Still 3 tubes to go, so keep praying!
Kidney continues to function well, and my creatinine level dropped to 1.25, which is not far above the 1.0 to 1.1 it was before surgery. So far, my blood pressure has been low to normal without any medication, even though I was on a BP med before surgery.
God is showing me these and other glimpses of His hand of care over me, which are very encouraging. Thank you so much for praying! I think even Dr Uzzo is beginning to wonder what this "prayer" thing is all about. He was quite impressed with those creatinine levels.
Still have to make progress digesting "real" food - starting starches with my clear liquid dinner. Exciting, huh? :-)
Karen
Kidney continues to function well, and my creatinine level dropped to 1.25, which is not far above the 1.0 to 1.1 it was before surgery. So far, my blood pressure has been low to normal without any medication, even though I was on a BP med before surgery.
God is showing me these and other glimpses of His hand of care over me, which are very encouraging. Thank you so much for praying! I think even Dr Uzzo is beginning to wonder what this "prayer" thing is all about. He was quite impressed with those creatinine levels.
Still have to make progress digesting "real" food - starting starches with my clear liquid dinner. Exciting, huh? :-)
Karen
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday afternoon quick update
Pain a little worse today as they adjust dose of pain meds, creatinine down a little (that's good news about kidney function) and getting pretty tired of chicken broth and water ice for 3 meals a day. :-)
Post Op Day 2: Recovering slowly but surely
I was out of bed into a chair for several hours a few times yesterday and took 3 walks in the hallway using a walker with IV pole in tow. It's quite a production. The goal for Thursday is 6 walks.
I'm only allowed a clear liquid diet again today, until my digestive tract wakes up from the anesthesia. My mouth is very dry from the anesthesia too - they say it should resolve today.
My kidney is still functioning well, but creatinine elevated yesterday as expected. It might be even higher today, then they expect it will start to drop, we hope. Low creatinine is the goal.
I still have the epidural for pain control, and I am fairly comfortable most of the time. If not I have a magic button to push. I'm not ready yet to do without the epidural.
My temp was up a little bit yesterday, then dropped, now it is up again. Gotta do my deep breathing exercises 10 times an hour to prevent pneumonia.
This all keeps me quite busy as everything I do is in slow motion and takes some effort.
I'm still a little foggy mentally and my vision is blurry, again from anesthesia, so not able to read much yet.
Please pray that today will go well and I will continue to make progress.
Thank you!
Karen
I'm only allowed a clear liquid diet again today, until my digestive tract wakes up from the anesthesia. My mouth is very dry from the anesthesia too - they say it should resolve today.
My kidney is still functioning well, but creatinine elevated yesterday as expected. It might be even higher today, then they expect it will start to drop, we hope. Low creatinine is the goal.
I still have the epidural for pain control, and I am fairly comfortable most of the time. If not I have a magic button to push. I'm not ready yet to do without the epidural.
My temp was up a little bit yesterday, then dropped, now it is up again. Gotta do my deep breathing exercises 10 times an hour to prevent pneumonia.
This all keeps me quite busy as everything I do is in slow motion and takes some effort.
I'm still a little foggy mentally and my vision is blurry, again from anesthesia, so not able to read much yet.
Please pray that today will go well and I will continue to make progress.
Thank you!
Karen
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Good news
Praise the Lord! Karen's surgery went well. They were able to remove all of the cancer and the edges were clear. Her kidney is functioning and the pain isn't too bad right now. Charles is with her in her room.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Karen and the rest of our family. Please keep praying for Karen's recovery over the next few days and weeks.
~Kristen (one of Karen's daughters)
Ephesians 3:14-21
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Karen and the rest of our family. Please keep praying for Karen's recovery over the next few days and weeks.
~Kristen (one of Karen's daughters)
Ephesians 3:14-21
Monday, March 5, 2012
Surgery Eve
Well, it's almost time! We are to arrive tomorrow morning at Fox Chase Cancer Center at 7:30, surgery 9:30, lasting about 3 hours. I'm told I might be in ICU for 24-48 hours, I believe mostly depending on how much shock the kidney experiences from the lack of blood supply during the surgery.
Some prayer requests for me on Tuesday and the days following:
That God would grant that Dr Uzzo's skillful hands are able to remove all of the tumor with clear margins.
That if any other spots of cancer are found in the kidney, they would also be removed successfully.
That my kidney is not damaged in any way and would return to full function asap after the surgery.
That pain would be well controlled and that my recovery would go smoothly, without any complications.
That even if there are complications, or a lot of pain, or any other troubles... that my family and I would trust God!
That God would do GREAT THINGS through this entire experience, in my life, and in the lives of all those we love and meet.
Thank you all so much. I can tell that many are upholding us in prayer and God is granting me a calmness that is not my typical personality (haha!). I know it is from HIM.
Karen
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Some prayer requests for me on Tuesday and the days following:
That God would grant that Dr Uzzo's skillful hands are able to remove all of the tumor with clear margins.
That if any other spots of cancer are found in the kidney, they would also be removed successfully.
That my kidney is not damaged in any way and would return to full function asap after the surgery.
That pain would be well controlled and that my recovery would go smoothly, without any complications.
That even if there are complications, or a lot of pain, or any other troubles... that my family and I would trust God!
That God would do GREAT THINGS through this entire experience, in my life, and in the lives of all those we love and meet.
Thank you all so much. I can tell that many are upholding us in prayer and God is granting me a calmness that is not my typical personality (haha!). I know it is from HIM.
Karen
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dr Uzzo Appointment
God was with us today when we saw Dr Uzzo. We felt very well cared for, heard, and understood. Dr Uzzo took a great deal of time with us, listened well, and explained things very clearly. He even drew some lovely kidney tumor sketches on the paper cover of the exam table! I felt that I was right where God wanted me to be.
So, I am scheduled for an "open partial nephrectomy" on March 6th at Fox Chase Cancer Center (not lapro, not cryo, not RFA). The open surgery has more pain and recovery time but provides the best chance of saving as much of my kidney as possible, and the best chance of removing all of the tumor with adequate margins. I went right from Dr Uzzo's office and got my pre-admission testing completed, so I am good to go!
Below are some ways you can pray for us. I fully realize that God's plans might not be to say "yes" to my desires and requests, but I know that He wants me to ask Him in faith, trusting that He loves me and will work all things together for good whether He does it 'my' way or not:
1 - As I prepare for surgery - there is MUCH for me to accomplish at home and at work before surgery. More than I can do, really. Pray I will not get discouraged about that! So thankful for friends and family who are already surrounding us with love and help.
2 - For my husband and my many children - that they would grow in faith through this, yet another trial in our lives. We are sort of getting used to persevering through trials! We are sure God has a reason for it all.
3 - For the surgery to be successful at removing ALL of the cancer with the least possible damage to my only remaining kidney.
4 - That my recovery would be swift and as comfortable as possible
5 - That God would use this entire situation for His glory, honor, and purpose.
Thank you so much for praying!
Karen
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
So, I am scheduled for an "open partial nephrectomy" on March 6th at Fox Chase Cancer Center (not lapro, not cryo, not RFA). The open surgery has more pain and recovery time but provides the best chance of saving as much of my kidney as possible, and the best chance of removing all of the tumor with adequate margins. I went right from Dr Uzzo's office and got my pre-admission testing completed, so I am good to go!
Below are some ways you can pray for us. I fully realize that God's plans might not be to say "yes" to my desires and requests, but I know that He wants me to ask Him in faith, trusting that He loves me and will work all things together for good whether He does it 'my' way or not:
1 - As I prepare for surgery - there is MUCH for me to accomplish at home and at work before surgery. More than I can do, really. Pray I will not get discouraged about that! So thankful for friends and family who are already surrounding us with love and help.
2 - For my husband and my many children - that they would grow in faith through this, yet another trial in our lives. We are sort of getting used to persevering through trials! We are sure God has a reason for it all.
3 - For the surgery to be successful at removing ALL of the cancer with the least possible damage to my only remaining kidney.
4 - That my recovery would be swift and as comfortable as possible
5 - That God would use this entire situation for His glory, honor, and purpose.
Thank you so much for praying!
Karen
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Prayers answered!
Wow. Thank you so much for praying for an earlier appt with Dr Uzzo. We serve a mighty God who HEARS our prayers! The doctor's office called AGAIN and moved me up another WEEK, so I will see him in just three days - on Monday February 27th!
The Lord brought this verse to mind a few days ago, and it helped me in the wait, (in spite of my control freak tendencies):
Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Thank you all,
Karen
The Lord brought this verse to mind a few days ago, and it helped me in the wait, (in spite of my control freak tendencies):
Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Thank you all,
Karen
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Praise God with Me
Thank you for praying! Dr Uzzo's office called today and moved my appt up to Monday March 5th!! That's three weeks sooner! I am so relieved. Please keep praying, that I would not be anxious, that my husband and children also will feel God's care for us, that Dr Uzzo's advice will be the best option for me and that we will glean valuable information from the appt.
Thank you to all who are already helping us in so many ways as we try to launch our new sign company in the midst of this medical news while trying to tie up other 'loose ends' in preparation for my probable surgery. We appreciate your help SO MUCH.
Karen
Thank you to all who are already helping us in so many ways as we try to launch our new sign company in the midst of this medical news while trying to tie up other 'loose ends' in preparation for my probable surgery. We appreciate your help SO MUCH.
Karen
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Dr Uzzo
Dear Praying Friends
Please pray concerning my appointment with Dr Uzzo at Fox Chase. After 5 calls today to both Dr Uzzo's scheduler and my Lankenau surgeon's office, plus several calls between the two offices, the earliest appt they could give me is the last week of March. I have to admit I had a complete meltdown over this news, it just felt so hopelessly far away and 'too late'. I am on the wait list if a cancellation comes up and would ask you to pray that will happen!
I also contacted my oncologist at Penn, who worked with Dr Uzzo for many years at Fox Chase, to see if she can help me get a sooner appt. I requested my MRI and CT scan discs from Penn so that I will have them in hand should I be able to see Dr Uzzo sooner. All my other records were already faxed to Fox Chase. I suspect my Lankenau surgeon will also go to bat for me, trying to get an earlier appt. I also called the Kidney Cancer Association for recommendations of other specialists comparable to Dr Uzzo. There are very few within a 3-6 hour radius of Philadelphia; one at NIH near Washington DC, one in NYC, and one at the Cleveland Clinic in OH. There is one possible doc at Jefferson but he doesn't sound nearly as experienced as Dr Uzzo.
I downloaded info on all the possible surgical methods as well as freezing (Cryoablation) and heating (RFA) and sought advice on the Kidney Cancer listserve. So... I am doing all I can do right now, and am trying to wait on God. So please pray for my anxiety as I wait. I know God wants to teach me through this, but I am honestly pretty discouraged about it at the moment.
Thank you so much,
Karen
Please pray concerning my appointment with Dr Uzzo at Fox Chase. After 5 calls today to both Dr Uzzo's scheduler and my Lankenau surgeon's office, plus several calls between the two offices, the earliest appt they could give me is the last week of March. I have to admit I had a complete meltdown over this news, it just felt so hopelessly far away and 'too late'. I am on the wait list if a cancellation comes up and would ask you to pray that will happen!
I also contacted my oncologist at Penn, who worked with Dr Uzzo for many years at Fox Chase, to see if she can help me get a sooner appt. I requested my MRI and CT scan discs from Penn so that I will have them in hand should I be able to see Dr Uzzo sooner. All my other records were already faxed to Fox Chase. I suspect my Lankenau surgeon will also go to bat for me, trying to get an earlier appt. I also called the Kidney Cancer Association for recommendations of other specialists comparable to Dr Uzzo. There are very few within a 3-6 hour radius of Philadelphia; one at NIH near Washington DC, one in NYC, and one at the Cleveland Clinic in OH. There is one possible doc at Jefferson but he doesn't sound nearly as experienced as Dr Uzzo.
I downloaded info on all the possible surgical methods as well as freezing (Cryoablation) and heating (RFA) and sought advice on the Kidney Cancer listserve. So... I am doing all I can do right now, and am trying to wait on God. So please pray for my anxiety as I wait. I know God wants to teach me through this, but I am honestly pretty discouraged about it at the moment.
Thank you so much,
Karen
Friday, February 17, 2012
Here we go again
Well, my cancer is back.
Quick summary for those who might not know the background:
In June 2007 I literally woke up one morning and by early that afternoon found out that I had a 15.5 cm (flattened softball) size tumor in my right kidney. Within a few days I had a massive surgery to remove the whole kidney with adrenal gland (and gall bladder since it was nearby!), a rib to get to my lung, and a wedge of my right lower lung, where a 1cm metastasis was located. I took Sutent targeted therapy ('chemo') for almost a year following surgery, in the hopes of killing off any possible remaining cancer cells anywhere they might be lurking.
Since 2007, I had been cancer free, until the spring of 2011 when my regularly scheduled follow-up scans showed 5 tiny spots scattered in my lungs (2-3 mm each). I was quite panicked, but follow up scans several times in the last year have shown no significant change in these spots, even still. My doctors are not convinced that these are cancer, or if they are cancer, they think maybe my immune system is keeping them in check. Benign lung spots in the general population are not uncommon, but often go undiscovered.
But my November 2011 scans showed a new nodule, this time in my left, and my only, kidney. I was advised by both my oncologist and my kidney surgeon to watch it for about 3 months to see if it was growing or my body would keep it in check or what exactly it was going to do. Apparently VERY small nodules like this are actually harder to remove than if they are a little bit bigger, but more importantly, since I only have one kidney, we had to be very sure that we HAD to treat it before doing so, since the risk of damage to my only kidney is no small matter.
Fast forward to February 2012. I had repeat scans. The CT of the lung spots was essentially unchanged, although there are slight variations in the measurements which are a little bit unnerving - still they are very small and both my oncologist and surgeon think there is still a good chance they are not cancer.
But the MRI of the abdomen and pelvis showed that the kidney nodule is growing, albeit ever so slowly. Instead of 1.1x1.2x1.0, it is now 1.3x1.5x1.2 cm or so. Still, this is a very small tumor. If this was my first kidney cancer, I would have a very good chance of complete cure. However, since this is most likely a NEW cancer and not a metastasis, the probability is that I just plain make kidney cancer, and when they get this one out, I am likely to make another kidney cancer in the future. I don't have any spare kidney tissue to waste chopping tumors out of there over and over. Living on dialysis is not a happy thought, and I am not a candidate for transplant unless cancer free for at least 5 years.
All types of removal are some risk to that kidney. Surgical removal (partial nephrectomy) either by open or hand scope or D'Vinci robot all have risk of bleeding and kidney damage - but more chance of complete 'cure' of this tumor (no guarantees about me making another tumor later). More conservative approaches such as 'burning' (RFA) or by 'freezing' (cryoablation) have a lesser chance of damaging the rest of the kidney but also a lesser chance of completely killing the cancer.
SO.... my kidney surgeon at Lankenau is working on getting me in asap to see Dr Uzzo at Fox Chase, a reknown expert in partial nephrectomy. We will see what Dr Uzzo says. I am told he has statistics galore and is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in ALL the options.
Please pray with and for me, and my family. We have been through trial after trial after trial in our lives for the last 6 years and we are WEARY....
But, we know that no matter what happens God is always with us and will NEVER leave us. He is apparently not done teaching us to depend on Him and Him alone. Whether this cancer takes my kidney, or eventually my life, or whether I live to a ripe old age, God is still God. This world is not my home, I am just a passin' through, as the old hymn goes. I want to honor God with my life, and although I would rather live a long time doing that, I just don't know what God has planned for me. Please pray that whatever it is, I am content in His love for me and in His perfect will.
Thank you all!
Karen
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Romans 15:13
Quick summary for those who might not know the background:
In June 2007 I literally woke up one morning and by early that afternoon found out that I had a 15.5 cm (flattened softball) size tumor in my right kidney. Within a few days I had a massive surgery to remove the whole kidney with adrenal gland (and gall bladder since it was nearby!), a rib to get to my lung, and a wedge of my right lower lung, where a 1cm metastasis was located. I took Sutent targeted therapy ('chemo') for almost a year following surgery, in the hopes of killing off any possible remaining cancer cells anywhere they might be lurking.
Since 2007, I had been cancer free, until the spring of 2011 when my regularly scheduled follow-up scans showed 5 tiny spots scattered in my lungs (2-3 mm each). I was quite panicked, but follow up scans several times in the last year have shown no significant change in these spots, even still. My doctors are not convinced that these are cancer, or if they are cancer, they think maybe my immune system is keeping them in check. Benign lung spots in the general population are not uncommon, but often go undiscovered.
But my November 2011 scans showed a new nodule, this time in my left, and my only, kidney. I was advised by both my oncologist and my kidney surgeon to watch it for about 3 months to see if it was growing or my body would keep it in check or what exactly it was going to do. Apparently VERY small nodules like this are actually harder to remove than if they are a little bit bigger, but more importantly, since I only have one kidney, we had to be very sure that we HAD to treat it before doing so, since the risk of damage to my only kidney is no small matter.
Fast forward to February 2012. I had repeat scans. The CT of the lung spots was essentially unchanged, although there are slight variations in the measurements which are a little bit unnerving - still they are very small and both my oncologist and surgeon think there is still a good chance they are not cancer.
But the MRI of the abdomen and pelvis showed that the kidney nodule is growing, albeit ever so slowly. Instead of 1.1x1.2x1.0, it is now 1.3x1.5x1.2 cm or so. Still, this is a very small tumor. If this was my first kidney cancer, I would have a very good chance of complete cure. However, since this is most likely a NEW cancer and not a metastasis, the probability is that I just plain make kidney cancer, and when they get this one out, I am likely to make another kidney cancer in the future. I don't have any spare kidney tissue to waste chopping tumors out of there over and over. Living on dialysis is not a happy thought, and I am not a candidate for transplant unless cancer free for at least 5 years.
All types of removal are some risk to that kidney. Surgical removal (partial nephrectomy) either by open or hand scope or D'Vinci robot all have risk of bleeding and kidney damage - but more chance of complete 'cure' of this tumor (no guarantees about me making another tumor later). More conservative approaches such as 'burning' (RFA) or by 'freezing' (cryoablation) have a lesser chance of damaging the rest of the kidney but also a lesser chance of completely killing the cancer.
SO.... my kidney surgeon at Lankenau is working on getting me in asap to see Dr Uzzo at Fox Chase, a reknown expert in partial nephrectomy. We will see what Dr Uzzo says. I am told he has statistics galore and is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in ALL the options.
Please pray with and for me, and my family. We have been through trial after trial after trial in our lives for the last 6 years and we are WEARY....
But, we know that no matter what happens God is always with us and will NEVER leave us. He is apparently not done teaching us to depend on Him and Him alone. Whether this cancer takes my kidney, or eventually my life, or whether I live to a ripe old age, God is still God. This world is not my home, I am just a passin' through, as the old hymn goes. I want to honor God with my life, and although I would rather live a long time doing that, I just don't know what God has planned for me. Please pray that whatever it is, I am content in His love for me and in His perfect will.
Thank you all!
Karen
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Romans 15:13
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