My Miracle
Friday, October 9, 2009
By: Kimberley Arnold

How I Found Out About My Kidney Cancer

My story takes me back just 8 weeks to the beginning of August 2009. My Husband & I were packing up the house ready to move. I felt so tired and had some discomfort in my upper right rib area and thought great my gallbladder is acting up. Just what I need right now more added stress. After suffering for about a week with this discomfort, I finally had enough to go up to the ER to see what was going on. The doctor that night was my first angel in this journey I was about to undertake... she had some blood work run and returned to tell me that my blood was very low and that she thought it would be a great idea for me to stay the night and receive 2 units of blood… I did not argue with her, because I thought, that's why I'm feeling so tired.

In the morning the Doctor sent me down to CT to have a look at all my upper organs. I thought gallbladder. I later was taken down to ultra sound to look at the same things; upper organs. It seemed like forever; finally the Doctor arrived and went over my tests.... We need you to see a specialist, it seems you have a tumour on your left Kidney and it is important for you to get professional care very soon. I didn't even think about the word cancer. I thought "ok" tumour; we can just get that out and I'll be fine.
I started to think far more drastic things when I got a call right away to see a specialist. Once again I thought this is moving very fast. It must be something very wrong.

I sat in a chair with my husband right next to me as the Doctor explained that most likely my tumour on my Kidney was cancer and the whole Kidney would have to be removed. I felt like someone had just zapped me of all my being... Cancer I hate that word... Cancer, that sick disease that stole my Grandmother away from me when I was only 10 years old & now, I have it growing in my own body.
Only a few weeks later from the time I found out. I had my left Kidney removed. Everything went fine and I am healing each and everyday. This past week I sat before my Doctor and went through my pathology report on my tumour, yes it was cancer (clear cell) and I was told that the cancer did not go into my Lymph Nodes nor did it invade my blood vessels. Am I lucky, I would say at this point? Yes, I am very lucky and thankful. I am thankful to so many people and to God himself for giving me this special opportunity to go on with my life. To live & to give.
I have always appreciated life, but now it is so much more special.
I pray that someday there will be a cure and that people will not have to endure the painful procedures to survive this sad disease.
Never lose your faith in God; he is always with you no matter what.

Kim