Kidney Cancer Patient Stories

Eleven years ago, I went in for a routine ultrasound to evaluate my pregnancy. I had no idea that the test would completely change my life and lead to a diagnosis of kidney cancer.

My kidney cancer was discovered at the worst time: right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m 58 years old and live in Sicklerville, New Jersey. In normal times, summer is my favorite time of year.

I have always enjoyed being social and keeping busy with a handful of hobbies. At 68, I spent most of my time cycling with my husband Tom, going on walks, reading whatever I could find, and socializing with friends. Up until recently, those things had always been a regular part of my life. However, after being diagnosed with kidney cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, those activities had to take a back seat.

When the urologist did an MRI, he found that instead of a cyst, it was a tumor on the kidney and he suggested I have my kidney removed. I was not too sure about having it completely removed and a cousin who had been working for Fox Chase for over 40 years suggested I get a second opinion with a doctor there.