Urothelial cancer in the left kidney

Anita, first words of encouragement. Having my kidney removed was not that bad of a surgery pain was not bad and was up and going pretty well in a few weeks. Tell Doug to take it easy and make you wait on him hand and foot...not lol make him get up and and walking as soon as they give you the red light. I think I was in three or four days and not on a lot of pain meds when I got out.
I hear what you say you feel like you are being unfaithful going out with a new Surgeon but send you old one flowers or candy and all will be forgiven. You are right to go with experience so don't feel guilty for doing the right thing.
Both of you take it easy. We will be here and you will be in my heart and mind. Let us know how wonderfully he does as soon as you can.

Doug's surgery will be Monday at Vanderbilt. His local doctor only does one or two nephroureterectomy surgeries per year, so I really pushed him to go to someone who does more. Doug has been with his urologist for 15 years, so we felt almost like two timers going elsewhere. I think we made the right decision. Doug will be in the hospital 3 -5 days. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Anita

Well, I know that this wasn't exactly what you wanted to hear. BUT you and Doug, better than anyone else, are strong enough to beat this!!

I will keep thinking good thoughts

Sara Anne

I'm so sorry, Anita. I hope further tests show the bladder is just temporarily irritated from the treatments. Will be thinking of you and Doug...

The Gemzar did not get rid of the tumor; it did shrink it a bit. There were also a couple of questionable places in the bladder that the doctor biopsied. We are hoping that those places were irritation from the stent and/or Gemzar. The left kidney will have to be removed along with the ureter. We have an appointment with the doctor next week. The good news is that the right kidney looks great.