Find emotional support and resources to help you and your loved ones cope with kidney cancer and CKD challenges. Emotional Rollercoaster Ride Dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease can be like a roller coaster ride that you want to get off. Here are some tips on how to deal with the emotional side of kidney disease. Emotions and Cancer Feelings Scanxiety Kidney Cancer Stories Navigating Cancer Tips Coping and Support Cancer Patient Advocate Examining the Relationship Patient Navigator - KCA Coping Effectively - CKD Psychosocial Effects Managing Emotions - Part I Managing Emotions - Part II

Following the proper diet is critical for your kidney health. Learn valuable tips from trusted experts. Kidney Friendly Diets Illustration by wellness.rice.edu Kidney Diet Links Eating healthy benefits you in many ways, one of which is your kidneys. These are just a few eating tips to check out. Mediterranean Diet Best Foods for Kidney Diet Eating Right for Chronic Kidney Disease Kidney Friendly Diet Kidney Diet Recipes Kidney Health Diet - Basics Eat Well Diet Example - Jeff Kallis's Diet Healthy habits include not sitting on the couch all day. Unless you're sitting around the couch with us!

Read press releases from KidneyCouch. PRESS RELEASES 1 / Partnership Announcement with Smart Patients February 13, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KidneyCouch Supports Patients and their Families with an Online Kidney Cancer Community KidneyCouch partners with Smart Patients to create a new online kidney cancer community that will make it easier for patients and families to support and learn from one another. ROCHESTER, MN, February 13, 2026: Today, KidneyCouch is proud to announce a new partnership with Smart Patients, an online peer-to-peer support forum for patients and their families, which allows KidneyCouch to extend its ability to help those impacted by kidney cancer by adding virtual social and emotional support to their outreach programs. Patients and families affected by kidney cancer can join the Smart Patients kidney cancer or chronic kidney disease community for free to share, interact, and learn from each other in a safe, supportive environment. Patients are invited to join the kidney cancer community through the following link: KidneyCouch Smart Patients Community. Individuals can join the community by securely sharing their email addresses and setting up a free personal account. Once the account is confirmed participants will have access to information, and resources, and be able to participate in community conversations on topics of interest. About KidneyCouch KidneyCouch is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative space for kidney cancer patients and those who are also dealing with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It provides resources, stories, and articles to its community members. About Smart Patients: Smart Patients is an online community where patients and caregivers affected by serious illnesses learn from each other. Members share personal experiences, ask and answer questions, and gain knowledge in an ad-free, private space that helps them make better-informed decisions about their care. The platform hosts more than 100 disease-specific communities and is free to join. Learn more at KidneyCouch Smart Patients Community. Contact: Kristi Lynden kristi@smartpatients.com Smart Patient Social Media Handles: Facebook (@smartpatientscommunity) Instagram and Threads (@smart_patients_community) LinkedIn (@Smart Patients) Bluesky (@smartpatients.bsky.social) 2 / Affiliate Partnership Announcement with the Kidney Cancer Association October 20, 2025 KCA Welcomes New Affiliate Partner KidneyCouch Kidney Cancer Association The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) welcomes KidneyCouch as a new Affiliate Partner. KidneyCouch is committed to offering support and information to individuals battling kidney cancer and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a goal to create a community that fosters connection, understanding, and empowerment for patients and their loved ones. Founder Jeff Kallis, 64, was diagnosed with stage 3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 2023 and has since written a book about his journey, has been featured in multiple news stories, and created KidneyCouch to increase awareness, education, and support for patients and family members dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. His personal mission has always been to connect with and support fellow patients so that no one has to walk this journey alone. For more information about Kallis’s full story, visit KidneyCouch – About. Jeff Kallis’ kidney cancer prompted questions. He wanted to help others find answers. “KidneyCouch is proud to create this affiliation with the Kidney Cancer Association,” Kallis said. “There is strength in unity and there is no better partner than the KCA in creating awareness, education, and finding a cure for kidney cancer.” “It’s gratifying to see how Jeff has used his personal experience to create a welcoming space for meaningful connection,” said Gretchen E. Vaughan, KCA’s President and CEO. “With our shared values, we are looking forward to working together!” The KCA’s Affiliate Partners help expand the support available for people impacted by kidney cancer and allows for strategic collaborations that will advance research, advocacy, and education. KidneyCouch joins seven existing KCA Affiliate Partner organizations: the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation, the Chromophobe and Oncocytic Tumor Alliance, HLRCC Foundation, Elevate Childhood Research and Advocacy, Joey’s Wings Foundation, the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation, and the Wilms Cancer Foundation. Media Contact: Radha Chitale Senior Director of Communications 847.332.1051 ext. 113 | rchitale@www.kidneycancer.org 3 / Partnership Announcement with Imerman Angels August 15, 2025 KidneyCouch is pleased to announce that it has formed a partnership with Imerman Angels. Imerman Angels matches a cancer patient with another cancer patient with similar stories and experiences. In addition to the support I received from my wife Cindy, our sons, family, and friends, it would have been very helpful to have a personal connection with someone who had the same diagnosis and story as mine. There are people out there who want to be available to help others navigate their cancer journey – relating to you on a level that others cannot. Now, I want to “give back” to other people diagnosed with kidney cancer and need some emotional / social support as they ride this roller coaster. In July, I became a certified Imerman Angels Mentor Angel to do just that. No one needs to navigate the unknowns alone. Imerman Angles intentionally matches cancer patients according to age, gender, type of cancer, and experience; so, you know you are talking to someone who truly understands what you’re going through, in a supportive and caring connection. Imerman Angels provides this connection free of charge to anyone seeking support, connection and community. If you know of anyone who is dealing with cancer and would like or benefit from a one-on-one connection, please reach out to Imerman Angels at https://imermanangels.org/. If you are cancer survivor and would like to become a Mentor Angel, reach out to Imerman Angels at https://imermanangels.org/give-support/. To learn more about Imerman Angels, visit these links: KidneyCouch / Imerman Angels Partnership: https://www.kidneycouch.com/imermanangels Imerman Angels Resource / Partner Page: https://imermanangels.org/resources/ Imerman Angels – Home Page https://imermanangels.org/

Tune into 'Podcast by the Couch' for inspiring stories, expert interviews, and valuable insights on kidney cancer and CKD. Around the Couch Podcast

Learn about my partnerhsip with the Kidney Cancer Association and its role in advancing research, education, and patient support. KidneyCouch is proud to be an Affiliate Partner with the Kidney Cancer Association. About Kidney Cancer Association The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is an international non-profit organization that promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer. The vision of the KCA is to be the universal leader in finding the cure for kidney cancer. KCA's mission is to be a global community dedicated to serving and empowering patients and caregivers, and leading change through advocacy, research, and education. Knowledge is Power Learning about kidney cancer can feel overwhelming, but gaining knowledge is the first step to feeling more in control. The key is to educate yourself, ensure you understand your diagnosis, and explore your options. Go To Knowledge is Power Patient Stories Check out patient stories from individuals and loved ones who are dealing with kidney cancer. For individuals dealing with kidney cancer, hearing stories from those who have walked a similar path offers a powerful way to connect and feel less alone. Go To Patient Stories Strength in Unity KCA Affiliates / Partners KidneyCouch Podcast Episode Regarding the Affiliation Kidney Cancer Association Contact Information Website kidneycancer.org Email Patient Navigator Programs Donors

Stay informed with our periodic newsletter, featuring the latest updates, tips, and resources for kidney cancer and CKD. Periodic newsletters from KidneyCouch August 2025 Features the new partnership with Imerman Angels. October 2025 Features the new Affiliate Partnership with Kidney Cancer Association February 2026 Features the new partnership with Smart Patients. Join our mailing list Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Understand the kidney biopsy procedure, its importance in diagnosis, and what to expect during this critical step in your healthcare journey. Kidney Biopsy Used with Permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, all rights reserved. A kidney biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the removal and study of small samples of your kidney under microscope by a pathologist. It’s a way for your medical team to collect information to help diagnose or monitor the health of your kidney, such as determining the grade of a kidney tumor or the functioning of the kidney for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Overview of Kidney Biopsies Kidney Biopsy Explained Kidney Biopsy Indications - youtube Kidney Biopsy Basics 4 Things to Know What to Know - Kidney Biopsy Kidney Biopsy Details Overview - What to Expect During a Kidney Biopsy Mayo Clinic Cleveland Clinic Johns Hopkins Medicine NIH - NIDDK American Kidney Fund Indication for Kidney Biopsy YouTube - Dr. A. Kishore Kumar Specifics National Kidney Foundation 4 Things to Know About Kidney Biopsies - MD Anderson Cancer Center Safety and Diagnostic Efficacy Needle Tract Seeding - Study at U of MN MUSIC What is MUSIC Kidney? Renal Mass Biopsy Roadmap for Patients with T1 Renal Masses Risk / Benefit Don't roll the dice. Educate yourself regarding the risks / benefits of having a kidney biopsy prior to a nephrectomy for masses between 3 cm to 7 cm. Every patient is unique. The more informed you are, the better your conversation with your physician regarding treatment options.

Contact Jeff Kallis, KidneyCouch. I'd love to hear from you. Contact Us Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, requests to add a resource to this site, or comments. Email jeff@kidneycouch.com Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Thank You for sitting around the couch with us.

Access a comprehensive library of kidney cancer and CKD resources, including articles, guides, and expert insights. Library Get informed. Find links to educational resources, inspirational stories, and informative articles about kidney cancer, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease. The resources are informational and educational only and not an endorsement of their content. Each patient needs to discuss their individual circumstances with their medical provider. Testing / Diagnosis Kidney Stones Kidney Cancer Treatment Chronic Kidney Disease Prognostic Models Diet

Learn from credible, trusted source publications regarding kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Publications / Statistics Publications Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma National Library of Medicine Diagnostic Imaging for Solid Renal Tumors: A Pictorial Review National Library of Medicine Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer Cancer Research Institute Kidney Cancer Research Results and Study Updates National Cancer Institute, NIH Kidney Cancer Journal - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer - Sage Journals National Comprehensive Kidney Cancer Guidelines for Patients National Comprehensive Cancer Network (pdf) Kidney Cancer: Current Progress in Treatment National Library of Medicine Renal Mass and Localized Cancer American Urological Association Kidney Cancer Research - Kidney Cancer Association Statistics Kidney Cancer Statistics 2025 American Cancer Society Cancer Stats at a Glance Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kidney Cancer Stat Facts - Kidney Cancer National Cancer Institute U.S. - Cancer Profiles by State National Cancer Institute Global Epidemiology of Kidney Cancer Oxford Academic Fast Facts Kidney Cancer Association

Partners and Affiliates of KidneyCouch.com. Affiliates and Partners KidneyCouch is proud to partner with organizations who's mission is to bring awareness, education, support, and resources to patients, friends and family members, and caregivers that experience kidney cancer journeys. Everyone has a story to tell. A unique, personal experience that we want to bring an additional voice to. The affiliations that we have forged share the mission of KidneyCouch to bring support and healing - medically and emotionally - through education and awareness for patients experiencing kidney cancer personally or within their circle of friends and family. We are pleased that the following organizations have joined us around the Couch to advance this mission. Kidney Cancer Association The KCA promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer. KCA's vision is to be the universal leader in finding the cure for kidney cancer. Their mission is to be a global community dedicated to serving and empowering patients and caregivers, and leading change through advocacy, research, and education. Imerman Angels Imerman Angel's mission is to provide comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there. Imerman Angels envisions a world where cancer is not a solitary experience. Smart Patients Smart Patients is an online community for patients and families affected by a variety of illnesses. Here you can learn at your own level about scientific developments related to your condition, share your questions and concerns with other members, and use what you learn in the context of your own life. We believe patients are the most underutilized resource in healthcare. We’ve watched patients become experts in their conditions — and we see that their knowledge improves the care they receive. With the right tools, you and other patients can do the same. Future Partners KidneyCouch is reaching out to other like-minded organizations to form affiliations with. Reach out if interested!

A close up look at Jeff Kallis's journey with kidney cancer - diagnosis, a photo of the right kidney and what stage 3 renal cell carcinoma looks like. Kidney Cancer Example ccRCC Stage T3a, Grade 3 These images are from my personal journey with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. I was diagnosed in January 2023 and had a radical nephrectomy in February 2023. jeff kallis CT Scan Images The CT scan on January 25, 2023 confirmed that I had a kidney stone) and pinpointed where the stone was located. I did have a 6 mm kidney stone from my left kidney, lodged in the ureter at the entrance of the bladder and refusing to move further. In addition, something more sinister was identified. A 5 cm mass in my other (right) kidney. Thank God for that kidney stone. I had no symptoms from the kidney mass itself, in the right kidney. CT scans and MRI's do a lot of slicing and dicing of body parts, and keeps them together in the end. Kidney Stone Kidney Tumor Pathology - Kidney This is my right kidney that was removed during my radical nephrectomy. The highlighted area is the kidney mass. The pathologist at Mayo Clinic, Dr. John Cheville, diagnosed the mass as Stage T3a, Grade 3, with renal vein invasion. The mass was a higher stage and grade and was more invasive than what could be seen with imaging alone. The time from when I was first tested for symptoms (January 20, 2023) until the tumor was removed from my kidney (February 15, 2023) was 27 days. That's one of many benefits from being seen at an integrated medical practice (Mayo Clinic Rochester) that specializes in kidney cancer. Profoundly grateful for the care and compassion I have received.

Back Mike Peterson My father, Mike, was an avid naturalist and outdoorsman who could pretty much run circles uphill around people who were half his age. It was hard to keep up with him! He had always been a muscular, yet petite man. He was a quiet, reserved man, who, despite that, loved to joke and show others a slower pace of life. During the last half of 2024, though, he began to notice he didn't have the same strength and energy he had always had. His appetite, which had always been vigorous, was gone now, too. He thought it was all a part of aging, since he had just retired. The fatigue persisted. He would still climb the steep hills around his house in order to chop firewood and manually haul huge logs down to his house via wheelbarrow, but, now it took extreme effort for him to do so. But still, that man was tough as a pine knot to do the things he did. I, along with other concerned loved ones, thought maybe him slowing down and being more reclusive was depression. By March of 2025, he was sleeping excessively, and he had night sweats. Still, he refused to go to the doctor and he still managed to go up into the woods. Back in his 20s and 30s, he had had reoccurring kidney stones that had resulted in multiple surgeries. It made him fear going back to doctors. "They're just looking for something to be wrong with me." When we went out for lunch for Mother's Day, it was clear to me how much weight he had lost. He didn't eat much at all, and he was irritable, which wasn't like him at all. It was obvious to me something was wrong, because he wasn't acting like his normal self. His voice sounded strained, as well. His wife begged him to go to the doctor, and I did too. This battle with trying to convince my dad went back and forth with him until he finally agreed at the end of May to go to the local Emergency Department to get tests. It started out that they found a tumor on his kidney and his oxygen was low. He was immediately told to go to another local hospital that could perform better imaging. He would be admitted to that hospital. Someone asked him how long he had felt sick, and he told them "too long". More findings. He had tumors in his kidneys, liver and lungs. His diagnosis was stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. Other than the loss of appetite and fatigue, he said he hadn't had kidney pain or any other symptoms. He said he'd fight it like a tiger, no matter what the outcome. He and I discussed the facts of his diagnosis, and he wanted me to know that his prognosis wasn't good. He had worked in a long-term health facility for 32 years and he had seen a lot during that time. He and I knew treatments could bring comfort, and we wanted quality of life. I wanted my daddy cured, but, I knew it wouldn't be. He was sent home with oxygen support. His first immunotherapy was set to start on July 1st. On June 30th, he ended up in the Emergency Department again due to confusion, low oxygen, and blood clots that were discovered in his leg and lungs. He told me that morning he was ready to go home. His last words to me were "I love you." He passed away quietly the next morning, on July 1st, the same day he would have begun his immunotherapy. In his own way, on his own terms, he had received his ultimate healing from kidney cancer. I love and miss you, Daddy, every single day.

How and why KidneyCouch was created and founded by Jeff Kallis, kidney cancer patient and survivor. My Story I published a book about my experience with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Check it out on Amazon KidneyCouch Overview - pdf Welcome to this site. In January 2023 I was diagnosed with kidney cancer (ccRCC, Stage 3, Grade 3). My wife and three boys have been great support and encouragement as I have ridden this roller coaster ride with white knuckles on a few unexpected turns. I found that reaching out to online kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease (CKD) support groups helped me through the first two years of this journey. After sharing my experience and listening to those of others on a few social media sites, it inspired me to create a community that places an emphasis on trusted resources to complement patient experiences. I am a firm believer that your physician should not care more about your medical needs than you do. As a person who is logical to a fault, I need data from reputable medical centers and trusted resources to provide education and understanding of kidney disease. One of the primary goals of this site is a search for the best resources to help patients discuss their healthcare options with their physicians and make informed decisions. It is a daunting task. Having cancer is a new playing field. One that no one trains for. And the goal posts move often, many times farther away. Very few locations around the world offer in-person cancer support groups. Having a coalition of resources at your fingertips - the keyboard and phone - is the next best way to provide that support. Moving the goal posts closer together. A retired administrator from Mayo Clinic Rochester, I have experience providing administrative support and direction for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomic Pathology, Preventive Medicine, and the Emergency Department to name just a few. I never expected to be on this side of the discussion about cancer, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones. Most importantly, I am blessed with a beautiful family. I hope you find the value you are looking for in this community. Jeff Kallis Days Since My Radical Nephrectomy KidneyCouch Overview - Video Introduction to Around the Couch Podcast Purpose of This Site This website was developed and is maintained for the sole purpose of providing a "Library" of resources for patients dealing with kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones. There is no fundraising, sponsors, or business activities of any kind. The information included on this website is for informational purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice.

Navigate your kidney cancer journey with stage-specific guidance and resources tailored to your needs. Top of Page Stage 4 Recurrent Stage 1 & 2 Stage 3 Common Journeys for Patients with ccRCC According to the Cancer Research Institute, 90 percent of kidney cancers are renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Of these, 70 percent have the subtype of "clear cell" renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Staging is a way to describe the cancer in terms of location and how far it has spread. It helps physicians determine the best course of treatment for the patient. The typical journey for each of the 4 stages ( I - IV ) is outlined below. 1 2 3 4 Information from the American Cancer Society, 2024, edited. Stage I and II cancers are confined to the kidney. Stage I is the least aggressive stage and has the highest five-year survival rate. Stage II is more serious than Stage I but still confined to the kidney. Active surveillance Some small (Stage I) cancers might not need to be treated right away. Small tumors often grow slowly, and some might never cause serious problems. Active surveillance might be an option for some people with small kidney tumors. The tumor is monitored closely with regular imaging tests (CT scans or MRI) and other tests. Further treatment may be necessary if the tumor grows or starts to show other concerning signs. Surgery If treatment is needed, the kidney cancer is usually removed with surgery when possible. Partial nephrectomy (removing the part of the kidney containing the cancer) is often the treatment of choice for smaller tumors. This is especially true for people who have reduced kidney function (or who might have it in the future). Radical nephrectomy (removing the entire kidney) is often favored if the tumor is larger, if it’s in the central part of the kidney, or if there’s more than one tumor in the kidney. Some lymph nodes near the kidney are often removed as well. More lymph nodes might need to be removed if any of them look enlarged on imaging tests, or if there’s a higher risk that the cancer might spread to the nodes. Most often, no further treatment is needed after surgery. If, after surgery, the cancer cells are found to have troubling features when evaluated in the lab (such as being very high grade), one option might be to get adjuvant (additional) treatment to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Other treatment options For people who aren’t healthy enough to have surgery or who don't want surgery, other local treatments such as cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can sometimes be used to destroy (ablate) the kidney tumor. Radiation therapy (particularly stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT) may be another option. Although these types of treatments can have outcomes similar to surgery as far as the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, some studies show the cancer might be more likely to come back in the same area. 1 and 2 Stage 1 & 2 Stage 3 3 Stage III kidney cancers have grown into nearby large veins or tissues around the kidney, and/or they have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery Surgery is typically the treatment for Stage III. Most often, this is a radical nephrectomy, in which the entire kidney is removed. A partial nephrectomy (removing the part of the kidney containing the tumor) might also be an option if it’s possible, especially in people with reduced kidney function or who have tumors in both kidneys. Some lymph nodes near the kidney are often removed as well. More lymph nodes might need to be removed if any of them look enlarged on imaging tests , or if there’s a higher risk that the cancer might spread to the nodes. If the cancer has grown into the inferior vena cava (the large vein that brings blood from the lower part of the body back up to the heart), your surgeon may need to cut open this vein to remove all of the cancer. For clear cell RCC, an option after surgery is to get adjuvant (additional) treatment to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back (recurrence). Other treatment options For people who can’t have surgery for some reason, radiation therapy or ano ther type of local treatment might be options. Some stage III cancers can’t be removed completely by surgery or destroyed with other treatments. These cancers might get the same treatment as stage IV cancers, with t argeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy , or a combination of these. Stage 4 4 With Stage IV kidney cancer, the main tumor has grown outside the kidney, or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as distant lymph nodes or other organs. Treatment of Stage IV kidney cancer depends mainly on how extensive the cancer is and on a person’s general health. For most people with Stage IV kidney cancer, medicines such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs are the main treatments (see below). But in some cases, surgery may still be a part of treatment. While it’s not common, sometimes the main tumor appears to be removable and there is only limited spread to another area (such as to one or a few spots in the lungs). In these situations, surgery to remove both the kidney and the metastasis (the outside area of cancer spread) may be an option if a person is in good enough health. Other options to treat the metastatic tumors might include ablative treatments or radiation therapy . If all of the tumors are removed (or destroyed), additional (adjuvant) treatment with the immunotherapy drug(s) might be considered. If the kidney tumor can be removed but the cancer has spread extensively elsewhere, treatment options might include: Removing kidney with the tumor first. This type of surgery (known as a cytoreductive nephrectomy) isn’t recommended for most people, but it might be an option for otherwise healthy people in a low-risk group . Surgery is then followed by drug treatments for most people. Giving drug treatments (immunotherapy and/or targeted drugs) first. This is likely to be preferred for most people, even if it looks like the cancer in the kidney can be removed. For some people, if the cancer shrinks a lot with this treatment, surgery, ablative treatments , or radiation therapy might be options to try to remove or destroy any remaining tumors. If the kidney tumor isn’t removable If the kidney tumor can’t be removed, the first treatment is usually with medicines such as immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy drugs. Often, one of each type of drug is part of the first treatment. Which ones are used depends to some extent on if the cancer is a clear cell RCC or a non-clear cell RCC. If one treatment doesn’t work (or stops working), another one can often be tried. For some less common types of non-clear cell RCC, such as collecting duct RCC or renal medullary carcinoma, chemotherapy is often the first treatment. While it’s not common, sometimes the first treatment might shrink the tumors enough so that surgery , ablative treatments , or radiation , might be options to try to get rid of any remaining tumors. In other situations, surgery or other treatments might be used to help relieve symptoms from the cancer, such as pain or bleeding, rather than trying to get rid of the cancer completely. This type of treatment is called palliative therapy. If you have advanced kidney cancer (stage IV) and your doctor suggests surgery, ablation, or radiation, be sure you understand what the goal of the treatment is. No matter what type of treatment you’re getting, having your pain controlled can help you maintain your quality of life. Treating the cancer itself can often help with this. Medicines to relieve pain can also be helpful, and they will not interfere with your other treatments. Controlling any pain you have can often help you be more active and continue your daily activities. Because advanced kidney cancer is very hard to cure, clinical trials of new combinations of targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy, or other new treatments are also options. Treating Recurrent Kidney Cancer Cancer is called recurrent when it comes back after treatment. Recurrence can be local (near the area of the original tumor), or it may be in distant parts of the body. Treatment of kidney cancer that comes back (recurs) after initial treatment depends on where it recurs and what treatments have been used, as well as a person’s health and wishes for further treatment. Local recurrence For cancers that recur near the area of the original kidney tumor after surgery, further surgery, other localized treatments, or radiation might be options. Even if not all of the cancer can be removed or destroyed, these treatments might still help relieve symptoms in some people. Other treatment options will most likely include immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy drugs. Clinical trials of new treatments are an option as well. Distant recurrence Kidney cancer that recurs in distant parts of the body is treated like stage IV cancer (see above). Your options will depend on where the cancer is; if it’s thought to be removable or not; which, if any, drugs you received as part of your first treatment (and how long ago you got them); and on your overall health and preferences. For cancers that continue to grow or spread during treatment with immunotherapy or targeted therapy drugs, different drugs still might be helpful. Recurrent cancers can sometimes be hard to treat, so you might also want to ask your doctor about clinical trials. For some people with recurrent kidney cancer, palliative treatments may be the best option. These treatments are intended to help control the cancer and relieve any symptoms it is causing. Options might include radiation therapy, ablative treatments, or even some type of surgery, if a person is healthy enough. Controlling symptoms such as pain is also an important part of treatment at any stage of the disease. Recurrent

Join the 'Orange Up' movement to raise awareness and support for kidney cancer and CKD patients worldwide. March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month The color ribbon for Kidney Cancer is orange. For Chronic Kidney Disease, it is green. ORANGE UP! The month of March is Kidney Cancer Awareness month. Light up the outside lights of your house, ask City leaders to light up a prominent structure, or simply wear an orange ribbon to bring awareness to kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Awareness Association - Orange Up 81K Challenge Plummer Building The Plummer Building, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, lit up in orange in March every year. Friends of Stonehedge Waterfall The Friends of Stonehedge Waterfall, Rochester, MN, was lit up in orange in the month of March 2024 to bring awareness to kidney cancer. Each March going forward the waterfall will be glowing orange. Throughout the year, the Stonehedge Waterfall is lit up in different colors for cancer awareness and other causes. In April, the colors are green and blue for National Donate Life Month, honoring individuals who donate organs to others. What a great way to bring awareness and honor to these causes and menaces. There are 57 common cancer ribbon colors. Shout out to the Orange and Green! GREEN UP! March is also Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Awareness month. Green is the ribbon color to bring awareness. University of New Mexico Celebrates Green