Brad Edstrom - the story of a single kidney.

Brad Edstrom was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer (Left Kidney-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma) on May 7th, 2022.

The large size of the cancerous tumor discovered on May 7th would have typically required immediate kidney removal. However, Brad's right kidney was removed at age twelve because it failed to grow and function properly. To avoid immediate dialysis, the cancer team needed to be creative.

The plan was for Brad to undergo 12 weeks of chemo and immunotherapy with the hope that the tumor would shrink enough that it could be surgically removed without removing his only kidney.

At his six-week check-in, the Edstroms received the much-needed good news that the tumor had shrunk by twenty percent. To date, Brad has finished the second half of treatment and will undergo surgery on October 17th, 2022. During surgery, his cancer team will decide if they can remove the tumor only or if the entire kidney needs to be removed. If the whole kidney is removed, Brad will be immediately placed on dialysis and continue dialysis for the three to five-year cancer-free period required for transplant eligibility.

Although modern medicine has come a long way, chemo and immunotherapy made Brad quite sick. He was also hospitalized multiple times during treatment for various complications. The complications and illness resulted in many missed weeks of work for Brad.

Unfortunately, regardless of the outcome on October 17th, 2022, the Edstroms have a long battle ahead of them. With mounting medical bills and an inability to work at times, he and Michelle need any financial support anyone can offer. Anything is appreciated if you have it in your heart and means to donate!