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May 28, 2009
15 pounds lighter
I learned earlier this month that my right kidney had been highjacked by a 12-centimeter tumor. On top of that, my gall bladder was failing, too. Fun times.
A week later, both organs were removed during a four-hour surgery. Less than a week after that, I'd dropped 15 pounds on a diet of broth, Jello and apple juice. Take that, Valerie Bertinelli. I have 6-8 weeks of recovery ahead and barring any complications, that should be it. The physical ordeal is over. I'm not so sure about the mental and spiritual ordeal. All in due time.
If you're curious about renal cell carcinoma, or kidney cancer, here are the highlights: The disease grows stealthily. It doesn't show up in standard check-up blood tests. Symptoms often do not appear until after it has spread beyond the kidney. Unchecked, RCC can spread to the lungs, liver or lymph nodes. When that happens, life gets tougher. Like my diagnosis, it's often discovered in unrelated CT scans or x-rays. My RCC was caught before it spread, but that meant sacrificing my right kidney, a not uncommon treatment. Inexplicably, RCC afflicts men more than women. That's bad news for doctor-averse men. I've been semi-averse for the past 10 years; the only defense I can offer is that I've been healthy my entire life; no surgeries, no health problems. I can't remember the last time I had the flu. For the past two years, I exercised 4-5 times a week. Am I doctor-averse now? No way. Life is too short.
Twelve days after surgery, life isn't much different with one kidney. All functions are normal. That's one of the amazing aspects of our blood-cleansing kidneys: even one by itself works like a part-time consultant, at just 60-70% percent capacity. The bright side of life without a gall bladder is that my body no longer produces bile, which helps break down food. Bile is that bitter taste that sometimes seeps up from the stomach after eating too much. Without a gall bladder, the liver simply takes over. That means I'm free to eat and drink whatever I'd like. As one of my surgeons told me, "As far as I'm concerned, you can eat cheeseburgers dipped in Crisco." Not that I will; I don't want a heart surgeon. (My gall bladder was removed at the same time as my kidney because a CT scan showed it was filled with gall stones and was about a week away from causing a major attack. If there's such a thing as fortuitous timing with expendable, failing organs, I nailed it.)
My prognosis is great. The pathologists have been engaged in a spirited debate on whether my kidney was overtaken by a simple mass or a more aggressive, yet benign, mass. Either way, my primary surgeon, Dr. David Phillips, said on the day of my discharge from the hospital, "My gut tells me you're cured." I could tell it was gratifying for him to say that as gratifying as it was to hear it. It may sound like hyperbole, but the highly skilled and personable Drs. Phillips, Peter Ruff and Bob Markus saved my life. I can't think of a better recommendation.
Also gratifying, and humbling, was how my family and loved ones stepped up unselfishly in my time of need. I'm forever thankful and grateful to them; I have no idea how to repay their love, concern and kindness. I was astounded by the many blog post comments, emails and tweets of well wishes, prayers, offers of help, as well as the flowers and gifts from friends old and new. It's remarkable how all of that gave me strength and courage by making me feel less alone. Any form of outreach for someone who's ill is an act of healing. Thank you.
Because everything happened so quickly, I haven't fully processed this brush with mortality. Writing about it is cathartic, so I hope you'll forgive this indulgence. I do know that if my recent experience proves anything, it's how quickly things can change. How quickly things will change.
It's just a matter of when.
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Was reading into your posts after following a recommendation about your blog from http://www.bazaarblog.com and noticed that your surgery was on the same date as my 40th birthday.
I was very happy to read that you were re-born and with great success.
I wish you all the best health and well being,
Yuval Kaplan
Hey Ben, so glad you are on the mend.
When my appendix exploded a few years ago I lost 15 pounds in 1 week too,it was bizarre.
Be well! Stay healthy!!And keep encouraging people (particularly men) to take care of themselves.
Jeff Flemings
Ben, I just saw this so I apologize for commenting on a May post in July but since I missed the "physical ordeal" and you mentioned that "the spiritual and mental ordeal" lay ahead I wanted to wish you the best and note that my mother had RCC and had that kidney removed and lived until she was 95 without a return visit.
Hope you continue to mend!
Ben, how are you feeling? Haven't seen any related posts in a while. We miss you guys in Chicago. Let me know when you're in town and up for a game of Tennis.
-Igor
guys your work is great please keep it up
