"Kidney cancer 2017"

A question mark was raised at my pilots medical in mid July about a trace of blood in my urine and I was referred back to my GP for a further check. They confirmed and fast tracked me to Urology at Folkestone where Ultrasound found a 6.5cm x 6.5cm lump on my left kidney. I was experiencing no symptoms of pain or discomfort. I was sent for a CT scan at the William Harvey which took less than 30 minutes and then saw a Consultant at Kent and Canterbury Urology Dept on 24th August. They confirmed that the growth was cancerous, but they were of the opinion that it was only attached to the kidney and therefore could be totally removed by surgery and there should be no need for further treatment. They considered speed to be of the essence and I was booked for surgery on 4th Sept at K and C. Hospital.

I was on Clarke Ward where the staff were all very friendly and helpful, The anaesthetist came round and talked through their side of the procedure and then the Consultant saw me at about 1.30 and said all set for 15 minutes time. It all happened very quickly from then on and I do not remember much more until lying in recovery and then back to the ward. The pain control was excellent and I slept well and the nurses helped me to get up mid morning and begin to move around. The target was to be discharged that evening which depended on bladder activity, which was slow to get started. However it was decided to discharge me with a catheter after only 36hrs in hospital

The fist few days at home were spent resting and gradually reducing pain control, also some walking .every day. By day 6 I was off medication and walking 1.5-2miles per day, I felt this was a very important part of the mending process. I was back on office work in the second week and gently rebuilding stomach muscles, the wounds had healed very well.

I was fully back at work in week 3 but very careful about lifting.

My consultation on 5th October with the Consultant confirmed their initial thoughts that they had fully contained and removed the offending tumour. They consider that I should make a full recovery and will be monitored by CT scan at 6mths and intervals after that.

I cannot praise the whole NHS staff enough for the speed and efficiency with which they have dealt with my cancer.

Full marks !

All I need now is to revalidate my Pilots licence.