Stephen Goldberger

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Journal

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 2:00 PM CDT

Results of Post-Op Check up.

I had my post-op checkup today, June 1st, which included a round of "flat" x-rays to evaluate my recovery from surgery, kidney function, (there were radiographs shot at intervals of 1, 5, 10, and 20 minutes following the IV introduction of a contrast agent) and perhaps to look for leftover parts. Later, following a brief check of my incision, Dr. Novick said I should "consider myself cured", although there will need to be a vigil of yearly scans (first one in 6 months, then yearly). We asked about the incidence of recurrence, as we have seen described on the Kidney-ONC list. Dr. Novick reiterated that with "low stage" tumors the recurrence rate is very low. Norma pointed out that my tumor was "Furman Grade 2" and that "Grade 1" would be better. The Doc smiled and said "Or Grade 0 (healthy kidney tissue) is better still, but it’s still considered a low stage tumor." It's certainly been a tumultuous couple of months, but I'm well on the mend from my surgery and have an excellent prognosis.

Steve is allowed to scuba dive 3 months post op. The Dr explained that the internal burning-pressure sensation was due to pain referral from the operated kidney. This pain is diminishing as time progresses.

While we were talking to Dr Novick who was facing us with his back against the window, 10th floor of the Crile building I, (Norma), exclaimed that I saw a falcon swoop right in front of the window. Then a second falcon swooped by and the Dr explained that there was a nest of peregrine falcons on their building. For bird watchers, it was a thrilling sight.

An x-ray film viewing station was just outside the exam room door, and while waiting for Dr. Novick we could see the Cat Scan of another patient. The kidney tumor was so large, it all but obliterated the left kidney. The grey circle eclipsed the kidney leaving only the narrowest shred of a light line. We were discreet enough not to get up and look at the measurements. By comparison, my kidney was virtually intact, with a small mass growing on and pressing into the lower end. Kidney cancer is so often a-symptomatic the other person's Cat Scan showed how bad it can get before it's diagnosed. The couple exiting the patient room looked visibly shaken and the woman was crying. It was a very sad picture of how bad it could have been.

There's been good progress in identifying urine tests that distinguish those with kidney cancer. We can all hope that it can "bundled" with a number of other tests to provide a form of routine screening for cancers such as mine which are hard to catch early but which are successfully treated if caught in time.

Just as an aside, violent thunderstorms cut us off from electricity for 40 hours. Then our next door neighbor hired a gas line contractor who ripped up our phone line during the SBC ( our phone company) strike. That took 10 days to be repaired. It's been an interesting spring.

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: 28 ( floor H 71)

Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave
Cleveland OH 44195
Home 330-497-0346

Email address  : ngoldber@neo.rr.com

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