Large Tumor on the Kidney - cancerous...?

**Kitty** · 03-20-2011, 05:16 PM

Just yesterday we had a family member of ours diagnosed with cancer. Male, 62 years old (stepdad), and it is cancer. But it has not yet spread to other parts of his system. He went to a Veteran's hospital (because he's a veteran) and they told him they want to operate in 6 weeks to remove it.

Is it normal for doctors to wait 6 weeks before removing it?

His doctor told him he wanted to consult with other doctors to make sure they are doing the right thing. His doctor did tell him that chemo is not an option, it would not touch a tumor that size.

The doctor said it could have been there for 10+ years.

I think he should get a second opinion, like.. tomorrow.

I thought I'd reach out to the community here and see if anyone out there has any first hand knowledge, or other knowledge, of this type of situation?

This is why we closed early today, so we could spend time with family and at least help bounce ideas around, coordinate who is going with him, where, when, to be there, etc.

Thanks,
Kitty

**Cardiac** · 03-20-2011, 06:34 PM

Going through that right now with my mother in law. She is 78. Found out today she has lung cancer that has already spread to her liver. Having a consult (second opinion) tomorrow. Never hurts... Her lung tumor is inoperable due to where it is.. Prayers for your step-dad....

Sent from a Gingerbread Incredible ...

**tmason68** · 03-20-2011, 08:38 PM

I would suggest getting a second opinion asap. Can't hurt and no sense in waiting.

Best wishes Kitty.

**Micallen** · 03-20-2011, 09:14 PM

Agree with them. I too would suggest a second opinion.

**OD2274** · 03-20-2011, 10:27 PM

One thing I've noticed with the VA (I'm a vet, too) is that some of the doctors always do staff consults before making a decision. This seems to occur when something comes along that is not cut and dry, by the book, routine. You actually have two options. You can ask for a second opinion within the VA (a different doctor will examine the data and x-rays and give an opinion) and you can go to another doctor outside the VA system, especially if he has access to Medicare or good insurance.

Our prayers are with you and your family.

-O. D.-

**pdxgirl** · 03-21-2011, 12:20 PM

So sorry Kitty. My thoughts are with you and family...I do want to add that my brother was in the VA hospital in Seattle where they discovered a lung cancer. Due to his other health issues they could not operate. I feel that his treatment was very good. The staff was kind supportive and knowledgeable. They were willing to help in any way they could. I am saying this because the VA has in past taken a bad rap.

**FullThrottle** · 03-21-2011, 12:23 PM

Prayers are with you Kitty. (hug)

Same goes for you Cardiac. Prayers are with you. (hug)

**bullet** · 03-21-2011, 02:06 PM

Kitty,
Get at least one more opinion. I have a brother-in-law who went to VA in Salem, VA to have old hernias checked. The Drs there cut him open/sewed him back up then he excremented internally for several days. Then they removed a large portion of his intestine to eliminate the infection. That was 6 weeks ago. They have had him comatose ever since. I know things can go wrong, but I also question the competence of many working for the government.

I always admire the Drs who practice "Do no harm". It sounds promising that they want to wait and watch before doing anything right away.

Prayers.

**Kitty** · 03-21-2011, 02:20 PM

I would hate to think that ANY doctor would intentionally not do their best, but I suppose there are cases. We have opted for a 2nd opinion, so we'll see what the next doctor says. It just boils down to.. why wait if we do not have to, or is there an advantage to waiting? That's all we're trying to figure out...

It's a scary thought that the tumor could have been there a long time and gone undetected... thank you everyone for your thoughts, support & prayers

I'll keep everyone updated here as we know more.

Kitty