Laura Loughlin is a stage 4 survivor of renal cell carcinoma. Following a nephrectomy and radiation to her thyroid, she’s now under regular surveillance for her kidney cancer. This is her story.
My cancer story began in June 2016.
At diagnosis I was a 53 year old divorced mom with two children. I was proud of my kids and happy at work. I noticed at my daughter’s high school graduation ceremony that something was wrong. I was so tired I had trouble walking up to the higher seats. Luckily an usher found us seats I could get to. Later in the week I was sure something was wrong, I went to the bathroom and the toilet bowl was filled with blood and clots.
My primary doctor quickly ruled out a UTI and sent me for a CT. I went to work after the CT as I had a presentation to give. I was called by the doctor minutes before the presentation with the results. She asked if I was sure I wanted to know over the phone, as the results were alarming. I said yes. She said they found a tumor around my right kidney, over 20 cm in size. Amazingly after that call my presentation went well, even through I was crying inside.
I saw a local urologist. He explained the tumor was very large and had spread into the vena cava. As a result, the surgery was too complex for him to do and I needed to prepare for a “bad outcome”. The urologist did give me the number of a surgeon who took on cases like mine. I called, and they were wonderful, they got me in fast. I was setup for pre-surgery scans. I had the first scan and a doctor came running to find me after. They found a large pulmonary embolism. I had no idea I had one. I was admitted and was started on blood thinners. This delayed my surgery until August 4, 2016. During this time, I got my affairs in order and had some difficult talks with my family in the event I didn’t survive.
The surgery went well, the tumor and my right kidney removed. Pathology report showed stage 3, clear margins. Was hopeful for a good outcome! Twelve weeks later I returned to work. Shortly after my return a tumor was diagnosed in my thyroid. A thyroid biopsy confirmed it was a spread of RCC. I landed in the hospital at the same time as I had a major bleed in my leg from the blood thinners. While hospitalized I started high dose radiation for the thyroid. Radiation to the thyroid was rough, by the end I could not talk or breathe well and was hospitalized for pain management. Doctors thought I would never speak again, but while my voice is rough it works! My swallowing is not perfect, but I get by.
I have not been able to return to work since that brief try after my surgery. Long term effects from radiation and surgery continue; major fatigue and pain. It was very difficult at first, but I am working hard on embracing my new normal.
I am now stage 4 ccRCC in active surveillance. I have had no treatment since the radiation. We are monitoring seven slow growing nodules in my lungs. I don’t know what the future will bring. I know I will need further treatment, but don’t know when. Since I became sick I have become much closer to my family and made some amazing friends. I look at life differently now, I am very focused on making the most of each day. I make sure I do the things I enjoy now and don’t put them off. Thank you to my family, friends and everyone involved in helping cancer patients. I’m so grateful for my life, and excited to see what tomorrow brings.
