Rosie’s Story
On the 17th April 2025, the Thursday before Easter, I was diagnosed with cancer of the left kidney. This is my story so far…
In May 2024 I was taken to A&E by ambulance with stomach pains. Blood and urine tests were done, and I was discharged with the diagnosis of biliary colic. A discharge report was sent to my GP asking them to do follow up action. In this report it stated there was moderate blood in my urine, a red flag sign for many things including urological cancer. I have recently been informed that this was not looked at by a GP and was just filed, hence I missed out on a potential earlier diagnosis.
In March 2025 I was again diagnosed with invisible haematuria (blood in urine) which means it is not seen by the naked eye. This time my GP referred me for further tests, which resulted in a two week referral for potential urological cancer.
All blood tests were normal but an ultrasound detected a mass, and a CT scan confirmed cancer of the kidney. This I was told on the 17th April.
I thought I was attending the appointment to discuss a benign mass on my adrenal gland. So when I was told it was the kidney, and it would need to be removed, along with the adrenal gland, and possibly my spleen I went into shock. I don't remember a lot about the subsequent discussion with the Consultant.
I was assigned an oncologist cancer nurse as a means of direct contact, but after the initial shock I had so many thoughts, emotions, questions. I spent hours on "Dr Google" which just made things far worse. I contacted McMillan who were wonderful, but then I found Kidney Cancer UK, and The Kidney Cancer UK Support Group.
I think my second post on the UK Support Group illustrates where I was at, and what this wonderful group did for me...
I promise I won't be posting everyday! Yesterday was my first post on here asking for advice.
I really was all over the place after the diagnosis of kidney cancer on Thursday, then I found this group.
Probably like many before me, and many to come I didn't eat, or sleep. Basically spent all night on Dr Google. Oh my life, quite the worst thing to do, but couldn't help myself. In short, probably the worst night of my life.
The chink of light began to appear when I posted on here the next day and got some replies with sensible advice, good wishes etc etc. Didn't immediately calm me down, but initially did make me realise I wasn't alone. Well in fact I'm not alone, I have a lovely family, and supportive friends. BUT like many things unless you have "walked in the shoes" you don't understand.
Woke up this morning, and for a few seconds you forget, and then reality hits. Started to spiral a bit, still hadn't eaten since Thursday which probably didn't help. However, I came back onto this group and read, way way way back.
Seriously, what an impact it had. My glass half empty, changed to half full. Don't get me wrong I am still seriously scared, but my attitude ( of which I have plenty🤣) changed.
Out I went for a walk, am lucky to live in a beautiful area, photos attached. Came back and ate, not a lot, but at least something. Went and watched my 32 year old, who is old enough to know better, play football. Saw my 5 week grandaughter watching Daddy 😅
For anyone coming after me and joining this group. "When the world whispers give up, hope whispers give it one more try"
I live in Sussex, near to the Ashdown Forest, " Winnie The Pooh Land" . There are many Winnie The Pooh quotes, but this is the one I am going to use.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude."
My gratitude goes to all those in Kidney Cancer UK, The Kidney Cancer UK Support Group, McMillan, The Oncology Cancer and Surgery Team at East Surrey, some of the lovely Nurses I have met so far. A special mention for the Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead who have helped me immensely this last week.
So my journey goes forward, my operation is scheduled for 21st May. I am scared and apprehensive, but know I will be supported well.
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye!
Rosie