Erin's Kidney Cancer Support

So I went to the doctor due to a long term pain.  A CT scan was given and to everyone's surprise, there was a moderately large mass found on the kidney.  While this mass was on the opposite side of where the pain occurs, it never would have been found had there not been a scan.  Kidney cancer is almost always found while looking for something else or when it is too late.  Kidney cancer is also not treatable by chemo.  So over the next few weeks there were doctors appointments, labs, trips to Fargo for appointments, all kinds of tests ran and obviously unable to work very much.  On August 6th we met with the surgeon and went over all the options and decided the best option was to do the partial nephrectomy which would remove tumor and any part of the kidney necessary. On August 28th surgery was scheduled.  Had a few weeks of appointments and tests and plenty of time to worry about what the future could be.  During this time due to medical tests and life I was unable to work as normal.  If anyone has gone through this, it is a challenge emotionally, no matter how positive your attitude is. I was lucky to have some helpful supports by my side so Ronnie could work.  Reality is setting in...fears are setting in...and as much as one fears the results medically, there is a great amount of stress not being able to work and bring in income, expenses have increased greatly, medical bills are starting to pile in...no matter how good your insurance, there is still a large amount out of pocket.  Most people who have gone through this can understand well, the stress of everything.  So surgery was on the 28th and fortunately they were able to remove all of the cancer.  Pathology report came back as Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Stage 2.  Typical stay was a night or two, however I ended up staying 4 nights due to pain and an additional medical issue discovered.  Minimum time off for recover is supposed to be 6 weeks and no lifting anything over 10 pounds.  I happen to not have vacation or sick time and that means no income.  In the work I do, I work with kids who are 2 years old to 18 years old and they don't always understand that we have to be very careful.  I have medical follow ups, I have a new found diagnosis and battle to face with my liver, am having a really hard time getting my diabetes under control and am recovering the best I can.  It is hard to focus on recovery when trying to figure out how long until I can work.  Bills and life aren't going to pay for themselves.  I have people ask if there is anything they can do.  Here is what you can do to help us...even a few dollars makes a difference when your tribe of friends and family come together.  It is a scary time and by no means do I want pity.  I am simply letting you know how you can help and I would hope and pray that we would give the gift back to those in need in turn.  My journey has been less complicated than some and my outcome has been good as far as future treatments.  I almost feel guilty as so many don't get the results I do.  I can tell you I am still scared, not knowing how long the cancer was in my body, fears of when and where it will return, the additional issues that were found.  I'm still scared.  I'm optimistic and will take each day as it comes.  Just because the cancer itself has been removed, I am in the beginning of healing and dealing with my liver and diabetes complications.  I'm in control.  I am still going through a lot of different emotions, but I am strong.  It has been more than a trying year, but I will rise up.  I will rise up and in turn, if you ever need...I will help YOU rise up.  Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions, I'm an open book and just a girl trying to get through this thing called life.