We took C into urgent care over the weekend for another ear infection. While we were there, the doctor felt something unusual in his abdomen. She thought it could be an enlarged spleen, so they did an X-ray and some blood work that both came back inconclusive. She sent us away with antibiotics for the EI, and instructions to follow up with our primary care doctor on Monday.
You guys, what she felt was a tumor on C's kidney. His pediatrician got him in for more blood work and an u/s yesterday morning, and when they saw the results of the ultrasound they immediately transferred us to the Children's wing of the big local hospital.
He had a CT scan yesterday evening so they can get a better look at the exact size and extent of the tumor. We'll know more in a few hours when his primary team comes back on shift. He will probably have surgery today to remove the tumor and his kidney.
We're terrified.
Update: the CT results were not great. The tumor metastasized to C's lungs. It doesn't change the plan though -- C will have surgery to remove the kidney and the main tumor (8cm!) then follow up with chemo and possibly radiation to shrink the nodules on his lungs. His medical team is awesome and very optimistic. We're waiting to see if they will do the surgery here or move us to the Big City an hour away. Thanks for your support. It means so much!!!
Update 2: C's surgery is scheduled for 7:30 tomorrow morning. They're doing it here, not transferring him. The surgeon here has done TONS of these surgeries. Overall the medical team is cautiously optimistic. We'll know a little bit more in the morning, but won't have full details on the exact type of tumor for several days. My husband and I are holding up okay. We actually have a great support network considering we just moved here. Gotta love the Air Force for pulling together and helping people in times like this. My new work family is brining us meals, taking care of the house, etc until our families can fly out. I've tried to read all of the responses, but haven't had time to get to all of them. I really appreciate those of you who have shared encouraging stories or words of advice, and I thank ALL of you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, and internet hugs.
Update 3: Surgery pushed back a few hours to accommodate an emergency case. Will post more updates when we have them.
Oh no, VillainV !! I know you must be so scared, but if they do have to remove a kidney, the human body can function perfectly well with 1 kidney alone. Your doctors seem really proactive and ready to take care of C, so I hope that gives you some comfort.
Bravo to the Dr in urgent care for finding the tumour, I hope that catching it earlier rather than later will prevent further problems and that the new team of doctors can get you a good plan of action really quickly.