In our own words
During this series of videos, actual kidney cancer patients and carers talk frankly about their experiences, emotions and how to live well with a diagnosis of kidney cancer.
Disclaimer: All editorial control was retained by Action Kidney Cancer and the sponsors had no influence over the content of these videos. These videos provide general information only, and none of the information shall be deemed to constitute medical advice in any way. You should seek appropriate medical advice or guidance from your oncologist or health care team in relation to any medical condition.
These videos were produced with support from the Merck-Pfizer alliance and Ipsen (partial funding) who had no input into their content or development. The content of this website was also made possible using the knowledge, experience and kind donations from our community and our fundraisers.
Coping with a diagnosis of kidney cancer
Part 1
During this video, Lynne, Alison, Mick and Andy talk frankly about their thoughts and feelings and what happened when they were first diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Coping with a diagnosis of kidney cancer
Part 2
In this video, Alison, Lynne, Andy and Mick talk about preparing to go into hospital for a nephrectomy, the type of nephrectomy each patient had, and whether they were provided with enough information about the procedure. They also talk about whether they had a biopsy of their tumour.
What can you expect after a nephrectomy
During this video Steve, Andy, and Jon talk about how long they had to stay in hospital following a nephrectomy, what happened when they went home, and how they found out about Action Kidney Cancer and sharing experiences with other patients.
Talking about kidney cancer
Steve, Lynne, and Alison talk emotionally about how they felt when they were told they had kidney cancer, whether they had any support from healthcare professionals to help them deal with the diagnosis, and how they told family and friends of their diagnosis. They also discussed the implications of their diagnosis on their employment and finances.
Living with early stage kidney cancer
Lynne and Andy talk about how long they have been cancer-free and what changes they have had to make to their lifestyles. They also talk about how they have coped emotionally and physically, and what follow-up they have had after surgery.
Managing your kidney cancer treatment
In this video, Mick, Martin and Jon talk about the treatment they have had since having surgery and the changes they have had to make to their lifestyles. They also talk about how they have coped with treatment physically and emotionally and what advice they would give to other kidney cancer patients.
Biopsy results
In this video, Martin, Salena and Rose talk about whether their pathology results had been explained to them. They were also asked whether they had had a discussion about prognosis with their healthcare professionals, what type of kidney cancer they had and the next steps in treatment. They were also asked what advice they would give to newly diagnosed patients who had just received their pathology report.
A carer’s perspective
In this video, Salena, Patrice and Sue talk frankly about their thoughts and feelings when their partner was first diagnosed with kidney cancer. They talk about how they coped with the diagnosis and the advice they would give to other carers/family members.
Ellie’s story: Hair
This very powerful video blog is a poem by Ellie describing her kidney cancer journey and her fear of losing her hair.
