Hi all- I am 39 and about to have part or all of my left kidney removed due to suspected papillary renal cell carcinoma. Mass is 4.7x4.5x4.5, on the top lingering near the artery. I’m scheduled for April 13. Anyone had this done or knew someone who has? It’s my first surgery beyond a tonsillectomy so I’m scared. All advice and intel is much appreciated. I know this has been asked before in a similar fashion but I’m hoping to find some recent info and make active contacts. For those who have experienced- how did you find out? For me it was fatigue, low back pain radiating to left flank, and occasional night sweats. When nothing was helping, I got an ultrasound which led to a MRI and a CT. Oh what fun!

Thanks for your replies!