kidney cancer
 

A couple of weeks ago my dad had two small tumors removed from his bladder. Surgeon saw shadowing in the tubes from the kidneys. MRI shows cancer in the top of both kidneys. Further testing to be done. He is in TN, and I am in VA. I was there for his initial surgery, but have not had an opportunity to talk with his doctors.

I have left a message at the urologist office, asking them to call me to discuss my request to have his test results and pathology report sent to me. My dad has listed me as authorized for medical records. Is this something they are likely to do readily? I will go with for the next round of tests and results.

Any info or experience any of you have for kidney involvement, I'd appreciate. I'll know more when I can talk with someone.

His spirits are good. He is the most positive person you can imagine. Please keep him and my stepmom in your prayers.

Re: kidney cancer
 

So sorry to hear about your dad and this new development. I know a woman who had kidney cancer in her early 50's and has been fine since then, but do not know her cancer details.

Does your dad have a Medical Power of Attorney? This would be separate from Advanced Directives and other legal docs.

If he does not, it would be wise to have that done. Should cost about $200 if an attorney does it. Or you can print them on line for less. Takes very little time and does not need to be filed with the court.

If your name is on such a document, his medical team must share any information with you. The "patient privacy" laws make this document necessary to cut through all the protections for patients, doctors and
treatment centers of all kinds.
We did this for my mother, and will for ourselves in the near future.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy, I have no experience with this so I'm not much help in this area. But I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear this news. I know how hard it is dealing with a parent with cancer. I will keep you Dad in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us updated.

Chelee

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy,
Looks like they are making progresses in the area. Ask your Dad's doctor/nurse if they can get a copy of the full-text of this article for you. I don't really quite understand the title, but I like the tone of the abstract.
Please take good care of yourself while you are trying to take care of your Dad. And do know that we'll be praying for him and your whole family.
Jackie07


Nature Reviews Urology 7, 367-368 (July 2010) | doi:10.1038/nrurol.2010.84

Kidney cancer: Overall survival is an unsuitable primary end point
Giuseppe Di Lorenzo & Carlo Buonerba
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has evolved from being predominantly cytokine-based to being grounded in the use of drugs targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. An improved understanding of the molecular biology underlying mRCC has led to the development of several new targeted drugs, each with convincing evidence that they provide a clinical benefit, in first-line and second-line usage and in different risk groups.

Re: kidney cancer
 

Dear Sassy

I have nothing to add but wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy, I'm sorry for this bad news and dont have much to add either except a friend of mine had one kidney affected three years ago and has made a complete recovery and doing well.
My thoughts will be with you all. x

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy,
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. Prayers and all good wishes are being sent to you.

jean

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy,

I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's diagnosis. Prayers already said and will continue. I'm sorry I don't have information for you--just my very best wishes to you and your family.

Barb A.

Re: kidney cancer
 

Hi Sassy,

Sorry to hear of this development for your father. A close friend of mine's father developed kidney cancer and lived for nearly 20 years after the diagnosis. (He was in his 80s when he passed).

There are many new advances in this area ... keep the faith!

all the best
caya

Re: kidney cancer
 

Sassy,

Sorry to hear about your dad's kidney cancer. I know of someone who had the same and was treated with partial removal of his kidney and has been doing well since 2002. He did not have chemotherapy. Your dad is in my prayers.

Joan