You always hope that when you go in to see a doctor that they are going to say – It’s not a toomah {said in my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice} but in my case, my doctor said, it IS a tumor. In my case, it’s a tumor on my left kidney that looks to be renal cell carcinoma. When I first heard the doctor tell me, I was a little dumbfounded and to be honest, I still don’t think I have completely processed it.
I’ve been sick on and off for the past year – nothing too serious but symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, enlarged lymph nodes and numbness and tingling. After some abnormal lab work, my doctor had me do a bone marrow biopsy to rule out leukemia or lymphoma since my white blood cell count was high and some other numbers were off. Thankfully, that was ruled out butt we did discover I had iron deficiency anemia. So after iron infusions, CT and MRI scans, vascular tests and numerous visits to the lab for blood work, they finally think they have discovered what is going on – renal cell carcinoma a.k.a kidney cancer.
The good news is that my doctor is extremely positive therefore making me extremely positive. It’s not often that you find kidney cancer in a 30 year old and in my case, it’s small {a little over 1cm} and completely encapsulated to my kidney. That means no radiation and hopefully no additional treatment. I’m a good candidate for a Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy which means that it’s less recovery time and my doctor is able to leave behind as much of my left kidney as he can – he’s taking out the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. Of course, I heard robotic and after watching a video, I thought it will be my luck that that is the day Skynet will take over. Okay, I’m done with the Arnold Schwarzenegger references. But how often can you make two in one post?
I’m headed to the hospital tomorrow for a 4 hour surgery and a 2 night stay. I’m not too worried about the surgery – in the last few years I’ve had my gallbladder and an enlarged lymph node removed not to mention my c-section. I think my biggest concern is my recovery time. No lifting over 10 pounds for at least a month and I know Olivia and Evie aren’t going to understand that! Surgery is also the week before school starts so I’ve been rushing to get everything ready for Hayden and I’m hoping that I’ll be well enough to get up to school for Meet the Teacher night and his first day of school! But with all these worries and the bad timing, I’m also looking forward to feeling better and selfishly 2 nights in the hospital by myself!
Luckily, I’ve got a great support system with my friends and family so I know I have nothing to worry about. I’ve finally got doctors on top of this and will be following up with hem after the surgery for scans to make sure nothing reoccurs.
* My husband wrote a post over on Sippy Cup Dad on his perspective of what is going on!
So please bear with me as things might be a little slow over here on Sippy Cup Mom as I recover!
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Lots of love your way! Prayers for you, your family, and your doctors tomorrow! Take care of yourself and follow orders to REST!
Wishing you a smooth procedure and speedy recovery, Melissa! Will keep you in my prayers. xo
Please let me know if you need anything. I am just a call away. I will keep you in my T&P.
Melissa, I’m wishing you a quick recovery and sending you all the good vibes, thoughts, and prayers! I’m so glad they were able to figure out what was going on. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help, even from afar! Take care!
Sending lots of love and healing prayers your way. I hope this is the end of it and you are finally able to move forward to a happier, healthier you. Love you friend!! <3
Sending you love and prayers for peace and comfort! Glad that you hopefully have found an answer even if it isn’t the best answer!
Dear God,
Place your healing hands upon Melissa. Guide the hands of all medical professionals as they bring your healing to her body. Bring peace, love, understanding, and healing to the entire family.
Amen
Melissa,
I wish you a quick recovery! Much love and hugs from my family and team!
Edna Myers
Thinking good thoughts for you and your family!
Oh my gosh! Praying for you! Speedy recovery as well.
I hope you heal as fast as a T-1000. 😉
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Praying for quick speedy recovery!
Sending good wishes and a fast and speedy recover *hugs*
Wow, that must have been a blow to hear, the good news is that they know what it is and that we are far enough along to know that you can live with only one kidney and they know how to get it out easily. My mom had her kidney removed at 34 and had a scar 12 inches long. She lived her whole life without another issue. I know you are worried about your babies, but know that they will be ok. This is one of those times where you must be selfish for the greater good. They need their mommy so take care of this and recover well. I will be praying for you and your family and I wish you happiness and sunshine in the coming days!
I’m praying for you Melissa! Be strong 🙂
So happy that it all looks optimistic!! Enjoy your 2 night hospital stay by yourself. Happy thoughts coming your way 🙂
Sending happy thoughts and healing vibes your way!!
Melissa, Love Love Love you so much! I know you’ve been fighting with the doctors for some time about this. So glad you got a final answer. I adore your positive outlook on this, that is what fighters are made of. I know you got this, there is so much support behind you and I wish you the best and easiest recovery. *hugs*
I wish you well and for a fast recovery. Get well-rested up before you leave the hospital. I am so glad that you have the support of family and friends because it will be much needed for at least the first 3-4 weeks if not a bit longer. You take care.
My thoughts are with you. I hope you get well soon.
I am so sorry you have to go through this, get better soon : )
So sorry you are going through this but glad they found it now rather than later. Wishing you a speedy recovery and praying for you and your family!
Wishing you a quick recovery. Good luck to you. Glad to hear the doctors are moving quickly to help get you better!
Prayers to you and your family for a healthy outcome and a speedy recovery.
I’ll be thinking of you over here.
I am sending thoughts and prayers your way that the surgery went well.
I pray for you my dear.
I’m still trying to find a diagnosis for me and it’s SO frustrating.
I am praying for a speedy recovery, and am so glad that this is getting taken care of and will be thinking of you during this time!
So glad it was caught early, and you had a doctor that listens. Its goood too that it is small and you wont need radiation.
Radiation isnt fun my hubby is in week 3 of it and its a rough go he has 3 more weeks to do.
Prayers for you and a speedy recovery!
Wishing you a fast recovery.