Transported my brother to his appointment with the Medical Oncologist. He went over the results of his recent CAT Scans and Blood Work. It was not good news.
My brother has a tumor on his left kidney the size of a nickel. He has been referred to a Urologist. The Oncologist said that they usually just keep an eye on this type of tumor and if it grows then they would do surgery to remove the tumor and not the whole kidney. This is a much easier surgery to do on the patient. Solid kidney tumors can be benign, but most often are found to be cancer. About 90 percent of kidney cancers are a type called renal cell carcinoma.
There are four stages: Stages 1 and 2 describe cancers in which the tumor is still in the kidney. Stage 2 means that the tumor is growing and is larger than seven centimeters across (2.7 inches). Stages 3 and 4 mean the cancer has spread either into a major vein, to lymph nodes, or to other organs. My brother would be considered in Stage 1 as his tumor is about an inch in size.
His blood work showed that he is dehydrated, malnourished, and anemic. He is not getting enough protein. He has ordered 3 infusions a week for the next month. I was glad to hear him say that.
He also encouraged my brother to begin eating and teaching his taste buds to taste again. He also said to increase his water intake between tube feedings.
He mentioned something about his lungs but did not elaborate on this.
I always felt that his weakness was due to his diet not being sufficient. Now if we can get this rectified he will have the strength to continue with his physical therapy and build up his muscle strength.
My brother feels that he will not survive a major surgery on his kidney. He is so run down and weak and has so many other health issues so I can understand his fear.
He will be seeing Dr. Alexander for his tumor on the kidney.
