Renal Cell Carcinoma

andreacha

UPDATE - Yesterday was not a good day. I was getting ready to go to my Podiatrist when I received a call from the hospital where my lung biopsy was to have been done today. The nurse said that the Interventional Radiologist who was to handle the biopsy took another look at the CT and PET scan. Since the area in question was "centralized", he decided not to perform the procedure. The nurse said that he felt that I was at high risk for a collapsed lung. Ordinarily that wouldn't have cancelled the biopsy as she said they would just put in a chest tube and admit me. The problem was that the hospital was overflowing with most of the cases involving COVID19. I got conflicting calls from my oncologist. One telling me of a Consult with a Pulmonologist they had scheduled for next Tuesday.in a town about an hour from me. The other call said to be sure to remain on my Lovenox, no Warfarin, as I would probably be scheduled a few days after the consult. I knew this was wrong.. To be continued....

Bug

Oh, andreacha, I'm sorry to hear this. It's disappointing and frustrating for sure. I'm thinking the good news is that the Interventional Radiologist took another look and gave the procedure his careful consideration. You hang in there. Please keep us posted. We're right here with you.

andreacha

I called my Cardiologist's office and was told not to follow those instructions. I was to continue with the Lovenox along with 5 mgs of Warfarin last night and have the home health nurse check my INR when she came with the Lovenox shot this morning. I was 1.1. The ideal INR result for me should be between 2-3. Along with my nightly shot tonight would be 7,5mgs and tomorrow night 5mg with a re-check on Friday morning. When it rises to 2 I am to stop the Lovenox shots and she will give me new dosing. This has been such a trip. It wiped me out completely. The Pulmonologist I am to see is going to perform a Bronchoscopy Biopsy. I am told that this tube down my throat to snip a sample will be much safer. I hope so.
The worst part of this ordeal is that I must start all over again. Go off Warfarin for 5 days before procedure when it is scheduled and start bridging with Lovenox for 3 days before procedure. and continue with both after for several days. I'm told that they are certain that it is lung cancer. They want to determine whether it is a met from my Renal Cell or is there another primary we are not aware of.
This is a time when I, too, miss Greg. He would have said something funny about the whole situation. I'm extremely disappointed that we have been left hung out to dry without a Moderator's presence. I guess that since we can no longer have Greg, at least we continue to have each other and that's a wonderful thing. I want to say a big "Thank You" for prayers and encouragement to Marcie B, Jane A, JustForToday, Robin W, Bug, KB2013, beachbum5817, LiveWithCancer, and Buckeye Shelby. Buckeye Shelby, you have been through the wringer for so long. You put my fear to shame. Let's just hope and pray that it all remains behind you and nothing rears its' ugly head. Thank you all for allowing me to vent. I'll let you know what this new Pulmonologist says.

Carool

andreacha, I hadn’t looked at WN recently. I’m sorry you’re going through this very tough time. I hope you’re able to have the biopsy soon.

I was thinking of Greg this afternoon. As you said, we’ll all have to continue to have each other.

BuckeyeShelby

Jezzopete! That is WAY too complicated! And I've had lots of crap, but my crap isn't life threatening. Like I'm due in the wound clinic this afternoon to check the staph infection in my leg, which is healing well, and the crater the stupid podiatrist put in my heel (long story -- short version, he cut away some callus and found a deep blister that hadn't surfaced, so he lanced the thing and damn does my heel hurt). But life threatening, nope. And I think my CT was really good, but I haven't talked to my oncologist yet. If I'm reading the report correctly, the radiologist was watching 2 spots and both got smaller. But I'm better at reading orthopedic CTs and MRIs from my years in Workers Comp.

2943

I had that type of biopsy. Woke up and no issues. My lung cancer was a primary and not related with my renal nor breast. Yep, three primaries. There is so much that has happened in treating lung cancer. Just so they do the genetic testing and have all the info to kick its butt! Hang in there. This is one crazy journey. Hugs!

andreacha

2943 = That's encouraging. I thank you.

legaljen1969

Andreacha, so sorry you are having to go through all of this. My prayers are with you. I certainly have great concern for those going through COVID, but it saddens me that other people are having to forego treatment or wait for treatment because hospitals have so many beds filled with COVID patients. I absolutely don't understand why hospitals are not making a place for other people who need lifesaving treatments.
I hope they are able to get to you soon and that you can have whatever tests and treatments you need.
I will be thinking about you and giving lots of prayers.

beachbum5817

You sure had one heck of a day, Adreacha, That is awful that you couldn't get a room in the hospital. I know what you mean about missing Greg. A comment from him made everything seem better. I am glad that you were able to get in touch with your cardiologist to tell what you really need to do with your meds. I will continue to remember you in my prayers. I know that it is easier said than done, but try not to worry. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.

Teachertina

Hey girl! I hate to hear you are going through such a complicated situation! I have a new spot to scan soon to see what it’s doing, so I know you are anxious. Hope you can get this treated and have less invasive methods in play. My renal cell has been recurring over the past 15 years and I keep getting the advantages of new treatments coming out. I don’t know if this new spot is a inflammatory lesion or a new kind of cancer, don’t really care , just want it gone. I asked my oncologist about just zapping it with radiation if it looks like it’s gotten bigger. We will see. Wishing you well and sending you hugs! Keep us posted!

Jayne

Ugh, so sorry to hear this! It's bad enough having to deal with cancer without having to compete for resources. I hope you can feel the hugs from this community for you!