Have just been diagnosed with kidney cancer - due for partial nephrectory in 1 week. What is recovery like?

I'm afraid that I don't know the answer to your question, as it isn't a cancer that I am familiar with... I suspect that it won't be easy to answer the question until they can tell you the type and classification for the tumour (they 'grade' cancers according to size and amount of progression).

If you google on "cancer bacup" (a UK based cancer charity that offers support and a great forum) then you may find more answers, but bear in mind that searching online may well cause more anxiety than you need right now... every case is individual and, if you are like me, the worst case scenarios are the ones that will stick with you.

I am a cancer survivor myself (4 years clear now), so I just wanted to offer you a huge (((((HUG))))) and to let you know that you are not alone.

My mom had her total kidney removed.It was done laproscopically which is much less invasive. She only had 3 small incisions,no pain,and a drain for 1 day.Total hospital stay was 24hrs.If they are not doing it laproscopically,your recovery time will be longer as it is much more invasive.

My dad was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma on both kidneys last october 2005. He underwent partial nephrectomy last december 2005. He underwent surgery and 50% of his right kidney & 25% of his left kidney was taken out. Last january 2007, based on CT scan of his abdomen, it was found out that kidney tumor recurred and has metastasized to the lungs. He is in HK now and was taking Sutent (sunitinib malate).

Partial nephrectomy can also lead to cancer metastasis in the future. Why not take the Pfizer wonderdrug Sutent? Sometimes, undergoing surgery can just spread the cancer cells all over other neighboring organs.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me @ rob_qua@yahoo.com

-R. Qua
Manila, Philippines