Kidney Cancer Awareness Month - My Story

Happy Friday!

 

Yes....here we are...another Friday on the books!  Yippee!

 

 

The month of March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.

 

I have my story to share about this.  Four years ago I went to my primary care physician with a feeling of just not feeling well....had a work up....and then had x-rays because I had pain in my abdominal area (around that area)...I had costochondritis which is basically a strain in the muscles around the ribs (probably from lots of snow shoveling that year).  On that x-ray a mass was found in my kidney....to everyone's surprise (including mine). I was then sent for an ultrasound for further examination...and yes...there was a mass...not knowing what it was.  Was referred to a kidney specialist...so again, more testing a CAT scan of the abdominal area including contrast (which is horrible to drink by the way) which confirmed the mass. It was encapsulated which means it basically was a mass in the kidney about the size of a lemon and the mass was actually enclosed in the kidney.

 

My kidney doctor then told me it was unknown if it was malignant or just a mass....so in order to play it safe.....my left kidney would have to be removed. Once removed, they would do a pathology examination to find out what it was...and what to do further after that  - like WHAT?  In a phone call, within one month...my life changed.....and who knew? 

 

I did have the mass removed....and yes, it was cancer, but I feel so lucky....as this mass being encapsulated is the "best kind of cancer to have"...so the doctor stated.  The mass was large enough that the entire kidney had to be removed.  Yes...he could have left a part of it...but it was just not worth it as it would be non functional anyhow.

 

I recovered well...it was a hard surgery as the incision goes from the back along your side and layers of muscle had to be cut but I was back to work about six weeks afterwards. 

 

I have been followed up since and to date, cancer free.

 

So...there is a reason I am sharing this....this month (March) is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.

I just want to stress.....if you feel something is wrong....please have it checked.  Something like what I experienced, I would have never known that this was going on.  There were no signs...the pain I experienced had nothing to do with the mass in the kidney.  The only signs I had was being so tired which was my body trying to fight off something that wasn't suppose to be there!

 

So...with this in mind...today I have to share with  you today a stamp set close to my heart

 

Ribbon of Courage

 

 

Ribbon Of Courage Clear-Mount Bundle 145342 Price: $36.75 Stamp and cut a support ribbon for your favorite cause. Die includes additional pieces to embellish your ribbon. Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 10%. Ribbon of Courage Clear-Mount Stamp Set Courage means so much to those who have it, and possibly even more to those who need it. Partner these encouraging phrases with an adaptable awareness ribbon for truly courageous message. This stamp set was inspired by Million Sales Achiever, Patty Bennett. * Quantity: 5 rubber stamps * Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): d, g Support Ribbon Framelits Dies Create die-cut accents in seconds with Framelits dies and the Big Shot. Framelits’ open design allows you to place them where you want for precise cutting. * 6 dies * Largest image: 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" (8.3 x 5.7 cm)

 

Have a SUper Stampin' Day!

 

Glimmer Hugs!

 

Susan