Sallie shares her cancer journey that started with finding a “hijacker” on her kidney.
In November of 2018, my legs went out from under me when I received a call from my doctor. He told me that the CT scan for my tummy was fine, however they had found RCC on my left kidney. I was buying groceries for Thanksgiving at the time, and I will never forget that moment. I pulled myself together, looked at my husband and told him.
My first thought, I have a hijacker on my kidney!
The first doctor I went to suggested a biopsy, but his demeanor was not one that I felt would be beneficial to me. I immediately contacted UT Southwest in Dallas. I was given the suggestion of Dr. Gahan and when I met him I knew he was the doctor I needed. He also mentioned a biopsy.
I did my research and the medical evidence said that the risk of spread from a biopsy was rare. But on all the websites people were saying not to, if I had a biopsy it would spread. I spoke with Dr Gahan and he explained how the procedure was done. After that I thought this is a small tumor, 1.4 cm. I do not want a major surgery if this is benign. The doctor agreed. So I opted for the biopsy.
My biopsy came back Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, and I knew now I had more knowledge, but believe it or not, I was still not that keen on having the surgery. I talked with Dr Gahan. I asked him, “What would you tell your mom to do?” He stopped, looked at me and said, “take it out”. So with the knowledge that it is Clear Cell, I am getting this hijacker out robotically at UTSW on March 28th.
In addition to having the knowledge that this is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, I found out also that I have the BAP1 mutation. This gives valuable information to my family.
Do I regret the biopsy? Absolutely not. I prayed very hard before making either decision. I feel that this was the best option for me. I still am at peace, I know that I will get through this and hopefully help someone else. My family is my rock, my husband, son, and daughters. I love my grand-babies, they are my heart. I have a lot to fight for! Just look around, we all do!
KCCure thanks Sallie for sharing her cancer story with us!
