So I mentioned yesterday, ever-so-briefly, that there was some news about the pathology report from my Mom’s kidney, which was removed. This morning my father sent me an updated and elaborated diagnosis, and more information. This may prove useful to someone, and is definitely useful to family and friends who would like an update.
First off, a link about staging Kidney Cancer from the American Cancer Society: Detailed Guide: How Is Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Staged?.
Next, here’s the deal on my Mom’s cancer, straight from my Dad this morning. My annotations are enclosed in (((triple-parentheses))):
Mom is Stage 4 — based on the fact she has mets to lung and brain. Under TNM system (((American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), sometimes also known as the TNM system))) she is T1B (((Tumor is larger than 4 cm but smaller than 7 cm (about 2¾ inches) and is limited to the kidney))), NX (((Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed (information not available).))), M1 (((Distant metastasis present; includes metastasis to nonregional (not near the kidney) lymph nodes and/or to other organs (such as the lungs, bones, or brain).))) — which means the tumor was not locally invasive, that the nodes (N) are unknown, and M1 which means metastasis has occurred. Her Karnovsky score (((More about Karnovsky Performance Status))) is perfect — her overall health, and her Furhman grade (((The most widely used and most predictive grading system for renal cell cancer is the “Fuhrman Nuclear Grade”. Your pathology report should use the Fuhrman Grade. Fuhrman grade is on a scale of I-IV, where grade I carries the best prognosis and grade IV the worst. Nuclear grade means that the system is based on just the appearance of the nuclei of the cancer cells, rather than the appearance or structure of the cells as a whole. Nuclear characteristics used in the Fuhrman Grade particularly indicate how actively the cells are making protein. Source.))) — how aggressive tumor looks microscopically — number of mitotic figures, is grade 2 — putting it all together survival should be 80% or better for 5 years. Of course new chemo drugs may improve on this. Dad
This is terrific news, and given my Mother’s amazing attitude, on full display back in this article, I have great hope.
ten comments so far...
I’m sorry you know so much about cancer now…. it is amazing though how Cancer is not the diagnosis it was 20 years ago. Between the development of new and better drugs and other treatment options (like gamma knive) and all the research they are doing on cells (the genome project and all the outcomes) to study the genetic markers, on-off switches and such… Stage 4… where my sister also is… they call it manageable. Like a chronic disease. Your mom and my sis will probably outlive us all!! xoxoxo
PS I dig the new layout “Joe’s Cafe” where’s my coffee??
Heh. Thanks for the kind words, and yes, may our familial cancer havers be long lived!
Coffee’s up here in Moorpark. Leah will make you a cup if you like. 🙂
thanks for the update – I’ve been wondering how she’s doing. I’m so glad it’s positive news! Hugs to all…
xoxoxoxoxo
That sounds promising! I was also wondering what was goin’ on. Glad it’s good news. As far as I can tell practically NO ONE is more positive than yer mom. That’s a real good thing.
love to all your family,
e
great news!
susan, erin, ping:
Thanks for the thoughts! We’re hoping for the best!
I’m glad to hear things are looking promising. I am keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the update. Let her know her support base is far and wide. 🙂
[…] you have asked more about my Mom—really, the latest info I have is pretty much contained in this post over here. And for more background on my Mom, check out the magazine […]
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