I have spoken with my doctor's and it has been decided that I will have surgery.  The surgery has not yet been scheduled, but will hopefully be soon after I get back from my MI vacation.  I will post the information once I know.  The surgery will most likely remove my right kidney.  If there is a way to remove the tumor and save the kidney, my sugeon will, but because of the location and size, he is 90% sure that the entire kidney will be removed.  I am trying to prepare for that, but it is difficult thinking about losing a kidney.  I am lucky that the tumor is confined to one kidney and that my left is a healthy, fully functioning kidney.  I have been told that most people live a long and healthy life without limitations with one kidney.  I know all of this, but this is my body, my life and as happy as I'll be to have the unhealthy kidney removed,  I will mourn the loss.  Don't get me wrong, I am good emotionally, I'm optimistic and I am strong.  It's just a strange feeling knowing that one of your organs will be removed.

Teya and I are currently in MI with my family and we are having a great time.  Todd will join us in a week and a half.  I look forward to the rest of the vacation for relaxation and fun.

Results

Good news first - my MRI results are clean and clear.  All lymph nodes and organs, with the exception of my right kidney is clean and clear.  All great news!

Bad news - docs believe there is a 3cm tumor on my right kidney.  The follow up PET did not give them a definite answer.  I am seeing a kidney specialist on July 12th.  I'm hoping there is another test or two that can be done to determine what the spot is before having surgery.

I had a hard time hearing the news, but today I am at peace and optimistic.  I haven't really thought about it until I got on Face Book and realized that I better write something before everyone thinks I am under a rock or something :)  This isn't the best news, but it is also a time to evaluate where I am at emotionally and physically with my healing and make any adjustments I need to remain healthy.  I am optimistic that regardless of the final diagnosis that I will be fine.  I feel strong and that I will make it though this next challenge of my journey. 

I want to thank all of you who have reached out to me and my family with your prayers and well wishes.  It means a lot to me to have your support.

We are patiently waiting for the arrival of my parents who have been delayed in Detroit for 3 1/2 hours!  I look forward to seeing them soon.  Todd, Teya and I are traveling to MD to see Todd's family this Tuesday and I look forward to all the relaxing that will be had on that vacation.  Just what I need right now.  We get back to AZ the day before I see the kidney guy.  I'll update everyone then.

Again, thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Scans

It is that time of year for my 6 month scans - CT - organs and MRI - brain.  I had my CT on Tuesday and something showed on my kidney, so I am doing a follow up PET Scan on Friday which will provide a better look.  My MRI is tomorrow, Thursday.  I'll have all results on Tuesday the 22nd. 

I ask for any prayers and any good vibes you can send my way for good results.  I'll post on Tuesday to let everyone know my results.

Thanks!

Tanning Beds - seriously, people are still using these things!

Here is a great article regarding a recent study regarding tanning beds and increased risk of melanoma.

www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Study_Links_Tanning_Bed_Use_to_Increased_Risk_of_Melanoma.asp

Summer - It's Time for Sunscreen

It is almost summer time - well, for AZ it is summer - so it is time to start thinking about sunscreen.  I wear sunscreen all year around, but I'm sure most people do not, so this is my reminder to you to lather up.  It is recommended that we use a broadband (UVA and UVB protectant) of at least SPF 30.  You need to apply 10 - 15 minutes BEFORE going into the sun.  Your sunscreen will have the recommended time.  You will then need to re-apply EVERY 2 hours.  There is no sunscreen that will protect all day. The highest UV times are 10am - 4pm. During these times it is important to either find shade (clothing, umbrella, tree, etc.  you get the picture) or put on sunscreen and re-apply.  It is very important to re-apply so I am saying it twice.

Also, there is a lot of talk about Vitamin D lately and I believe we are in a state of low Vitamin D levels as we as a society have gotten good at applying sunscreen and finding shade - Good for Us!  After my diagnosis, my primary doc tested my level and I was extremely low.  I am now taking a high level of supplements.  I do try to get some Vitamin D from the sun, but it makes me nervous so I normally rely on my supplements.  I came across an article that I thought was really informative about Vitamin D.  Read here: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/skintype/15911/the-new-recommendations-for-sun-exposure/ .

So have fun this summer, just please try to be safe and protect your skin, body and health.