Thank you ! All of the comments, support, advice, and prayers have been invaluable. I am going to the hospital and it should be 12:30 surgery start time. I feel confident and positive that this too, shall pass. Down to one hour at a time. Lol. Take care everyone.
I just lost my job. My health insurance is ACA so it is separate. I get a check Tues. And 1 more 15th of July. My surgery is the 6th. I dont care. I feel like everything has just crashed on me the last 2 months. I will figure something out. My self esteem is crushed. I am 60 with renal cancer and was forced to resign. No job protections in TX.
I have had two abdominal surgeries-same vertical 6-7 inch scar below belly button A Hell-ish oral surgery, other dental pain. Most all when I was 25 and younger. Bounced back easily, except the oral was the worst.
Then I broke my bones in ankle in 3 places 6 yrs ago in my 50s. It hurt, but came back.
Now at 60 F, full nephrectomy. I read about the CO2 pain, and incision pain. The abdominal pain. Which I believe is real and I will have.
Questions: Age at time of surgery?
Gender? Any past surgeries?
I feel like most on here are younger than 70. Most are men, which this happens to more than women. Maybe not a lot of experience with surgeries due age. Research says men tolerate pain better. Testosterone and endorphins. ANY perspective from Middle age women with radical nephrectomy?
Depending on the scan findings, I will know next steps on Tues. June 9th. If there is no metastasis then surgery. I think I am going to ask for 2nd opinion. My consult Dr. And surgeon said a nephrectomy. That would be the easiest thing to do, guaranteeing to get all cancer removed. However, I have Chronic Kidney disease 3a now. With only one kidney that may send me quicker to dialysis. Especially, on Keytruda afterwards. The hospital I go to has a bigger campus in network that has specialized oncology urologist surgeons that may understand and have the ability to save my kidney. Im a 60 yo female. I need a nephrologist referral too. Plus, I have to work. Im not on Medicare or disability. I don't have the luxury to be sick in kidney failure. Anyway, I can ask for a 2nd opinion in Dallas. I don't have the most faith and trust in doctors. I don't know what to do.