Join my partner, Smart Patients, and their welcoming and supportive online community to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others facing similar challenges. KidneyCouch is proud to partner with Smart Patients, an online community for patients and families affected by kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. The Smart Patients kidney community's online support complements KidneyCouch's belief that accessing valuable resources, stories, and articles can make a difference in your journey. You are not alone. Sunlight through the trees. You are surrounded by others who would love to connect and support you. Go To KidneyCouch Community on Smart Patients About Smart Patients Smart Patients is an online community for patients and families affected by a variety of illnesses. Connect with others and learn at your own pace 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. With the right tools, you and other patients can do the same. Communities At Smart Patients, they have over 100 communities covering oncology, autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s and lupus), neurodegenerative diseases and their symptoms (like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia). They also have several communities where caregivers share tips for coping while caring for a child, parent or spouse. Smart Patients Community Home Kidney Cancer Conversations At Smart Patients, they believe patients are the most underutilized resource in healthcare. They’ve watched patients become experts in their conditions — and see that their knowledge improves the care they receive. Go To Conversations Strength in Unity Smart Patients Partners Smart Patients - Contact Information Website https://www.smartpatients.com/site Email Info@smartpatients.com

Locate experienced physicians specializing in kidney cancer and CKD care to guide your treatment and recovery. U.S. News creates a list of the top hospitals in the United States, by specialty, on an annual basis. The report is usually published in the month of July each year. Here is the list of hospitals / medical centers for Kidney Cancer and Kidney Disease. U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Overall Best for Kidney Cancer Best for Kidney Disease (Failure) Last 5-Year Rankings 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Find a Physician These are several links about providers or where to seek care for kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment. The sources are provided for informational and educational purposes only and not a recommendation from KidneyCouch. Finding Cancer Care - National Cancer Institute Treatment Center Finder - Kidney Cancer Association Best Hospitals for Cancer - U.S. News & World Report

Read inspirational stories from kidney cancer and CKD survivors, offering hope and motivation for your journey. Inspirational Stories Boy With Umbrella It's No Problem for God Darla Noble, Daily Bible Inspirations, 2023 "There was once a small village, which was suffering from a severe drought. The crops were dying, and the villagers and their animals had very little water to drink. One day, to try to find a solution to the drought, the village priest called the villagers to gather at the village square to pray together for rain. He told them to bring along a token of their faith, so the prayer would be done in sincere faith. And so, the villagers gathered at the square bringing with them tokens of their faith. Some brought the Holy Bible while others carried small crosses. They all prayed aloud with great faith and hope. Sure enough, within a few minutes it began to rain. The whole crowd was overjoyed and danced happily. The priest noticed that among the joyous crowd was a nine-year-old boy, clutching an umbrella as a token of faith. The priest admired this little boy, who had brought an umbrella in total faith that God would surely hear his prayers and send rain." Comment by Jeff Kallis: That’s faith. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes. They hear and see the obvious that adults often take for granted or walk past and don’t even notice. I must admit, I haven’t been carrying an umbrella as I deal with cancer. I’ve wondered why God let this happen to me, why me? Kidney Cancer Association Honor Wall Check out these stories from the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA). Add yourself to the Honor Wall. Kidney Cancer Association Honor Wall One of my favorite quotes, by Erv Miller, Rochester, MN A shout out to urology surgeons everywhere. click on image to enlarge Kidney Cancer Stories Enjoy these patient stories at The Patient Story

Celebrate the achievements and honors of individuals and organizations making a difference in kidney cancer care. Kidney Cancer - Honors The Laurel Wreath represents victory over cancer and honors those who have been impacted by kidney cancer. Individuals listed on this page are recognized and lifted up as a member of the kidney cancer community. Mike Peterson An avid naturalist and outdoorsman, Mike quietly lived life. Soon after retiring, things he enjoyed most created fatigue. A stubborn man, his son finally convinced him to go to the Emergency Department to be evaluated. The doctors discovered a mass in his kidney, liver, and lungs. Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. Mike passed away quietly on July 1, 2025. The same way he lived. God Bless his memory. Sid Sadler A husband and father, Sid Sadler was diagnosed with kidney cancer in December 2023. Sid was just 32 years of age at the time of the unexpected news that a 10.5 cm mass was growing in his kidney. Since a complete nephrectomy of his left kidney, Sid has been running full speed ahead. Sid set out to learn everything he could about renal cell carcinoma and how he can be a supportive voice for others walking a similar journey. Read More Read More 1 Page 1 Share Your Story Share your kidney cancer story with us. Submit your name, a brief story, and a photo. Name Email Kidney Cancer Story Upload Photo (Max 15MB) Submit

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.

Read the Privacy Policy expectations for using KidneyCouch.com. Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. 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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

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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.

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!

Engage with Kidney Couch Interactive for personalized tools and resources to support your kidney cancer journey. KidneyCouch Interactive © Copyright Are you or a loved one currently dealing with kidney disease and in need of support and connection to interactive tools and engagement? Forums for discussion can facilitate deeper engagement among individuals dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease, fostering a sense of belonging within the community of patients dealing with similar issues. Kidney Cancer Support Groups KidneyCouch Community - Smart Patients Kidney Cancer Information and Support Community - Kidney Cancer Association Patient Perspectives - Virtual Support Group - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer Unfiltered - Podcasts - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer Support Group - Mayo Clinic Stages1-2-3 Kidney Cancer Support Community - KCCure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group Go To KidneyCouch Community One-on-One Connection One-on-One Cancer Support Community Resource Partners Imerman Angels provides free, personalized one-on-one cancer support for cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers. The purpose of the matches made by Imerman Angels is to provide one-on-one cancer support from someone who has been there. To reach out to Imerman Angels to find a mentor for one-on-one support, go to https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ Imerman Angels – Certification 🎉 Proud to be part of Imerman Angels! 🌟 I completed the Mentor training at Imerman Angels in June 2025 and am officially a Mentor Angel. Imerman Angels provides free one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors, previvors, and caregivers to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Sign up to be a Mentor or Mentee and learn more at @imermanangels or visit their website imermanangels.org Patient-Focused Tools Recent Trends in SEER Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates, 2000-2022 By Sex, Delay-adjusted SEER Incidence Rate, All Races / Ethnicities, All Ages, All Stages Quick Quiz: Kidney Cancer Take the Quiz Cancer Survivors Network Kidney Cancer cBioPortal - Cancer Genomic Data Kidney Cancer

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

Review the terms and conditions for using KidneyCouch.com. Terms and Conditions KidneyCouch.com Last updated: June 3, 2025 Read and agree to these terms and conditions before using this Site. Table of Contents Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation Definitions Acknowledgment WE DO NOT PRACTICE MEDICINE User Accounts Creating an Account, Passwords, Security Your account on Our Service. 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The KidneyCouch has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that the KidneyCouch shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on or through any such web sites or services. We strongly advise You to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that You visit. Termination We may terminate or suspend Your Account immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if You breach these Terms and Conditions. Upon termination, Your right to use the Service will cease immediately. If You wish to terminate Your Account, You may simply discontinue using the Service. Limitation of Liability Notwithstanding any damages that You might incur, the entire liability of the KidneyCouch and any of its suppliers under any provision of this Terms and Your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to the amount actually paid by You through the Service or 100 USD if You haven’t purchased anything through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the KidneyCouch or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, loss of data or other information, for business interruption, for personal injury, loss of privacy arising out of or in any way related to the use of or inability to use the Service, third-party software and/or third-party hardware used with the Service, or otherwise in connection with any provision of this Terms), even if the KidneyCouch or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if the remedy fails of its essential purpose. Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, which means that some of the above limitations may not apply. In these states, each party’s liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law. “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer The Service is provided to You “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” and with all faults and defects without warranty of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, the KidneyCouch, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates and its and their respective licensors and service providers, expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Service, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement, and warranties that may arise out of course of dealing, course of performance, usage or trade practice. 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Without limiting the foregoing, neither the KidneyCouch nor any of the KidneyCouch’s provider makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied: (i) as to the operation or availability of the Service, or the information, content, and materials or products included thereon; (ii) that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free; (iii) as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information or content provided through the Service; or (iv) that the Service, its servers, the content, or e-mails sent from or on behalf of the KidneyCouch are free of viruses, scripts, trojan horses, worms, malware, timebombs or other harmful components. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain types of warranties or limitations on applicable statutory rights of a consumer, so some or all the above exclusions and limitations may not apply to You. 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Translation Interpretation These Terms and Conditions may have been translated if We have made them available to You on our Service. You agree that the original English text shall prevail in the case of a dispute. Changes to These Terms and Conditions We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days’ notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at Our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use Our Service after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the website and the Service. Contact Us If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact us: By email: kidneycouch@gmail.com By visiting this page on our website: https://www.kidneycouch.com/ Last Updated: June 3, 2025 Terms and Conditions pdf

Discover the role of surveillance in kidney cancer care, including monitoring strategies and what they mean for your health. Surveillance Clear cell, renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patient's that have a partial or radical nephrectomy are usually followed up under a surveillance program based on their individual case. General guidelines, such as those outlined by Dr. Brad Leibovich, Mayo Clinic, serve as recommendations for physicians to follow patients who have had a nephrectomy, monitoring the patient for any recurrence of renal cancer. Dr. Leibovich and his team developed the Progression-Free Survival Score to classify patient's as low, medium, and high risk for recurrence. Active Surveillance Follow Up for Kidney Cancer Predicting Outcomes in RCC Prognostic Models Patient Classification* The Leibovich Model recommends imaging / follow up for all patient classifications at 3 months post-surgery to check for recurrence as well as establish a new baseline for the patient for comparison against future imaging / testing. The higher the risk a patient is for recurrence, the more frequent are the intervals for ongoing testing. Stage I and II (Low Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen Chest x-ray Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, Annually for 5 years after surgery (same testing as above) then, > 5 years Renal ultrasound Chest x-ray at clinical discretion Stage III (Intermediate Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen/pelvis Chest x-ray or CT Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, 6 month intervals for 3 years (same testing as above) then, >3 years - Annually (same testing as above) then, > 5 years - Patient Specific Based on individual patient's case / history Stage IV (High Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen/pelvis Chest x-ray or CT Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, 4 month intervals for 2 years (same testing as above) then, >2 years at 6 month intervals (years 3 to 5 after surgery) (same testing as above) then, > 5 years - Annually (same testing as above) *Based on published Mayo Clinic risk score (Leibovich BC, Cancer 2003;97:1663-1671) National Comprehensive Cancer Network Kidney Cancer Guidelines The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 33 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. The NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to stakeholders in health care. Part of their mission is creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. One of the guidelines is the recommended treatment for patients with kidney cancer. The most recent Kidney Cancer Treatment Guidelines (March 2025) can be viewed on the NCCN website in pdf format. These guidelines are detailed and extensive. Well worth your time and attention if you want to understand the details of the management and treatment guidelines for kidney cancer at all stages. An important note is that the guidelines are just that - guidelines. No single follow-up plan is appropriate (fits) all patients. Management should be individualized based on each patient's unique medical condition and other contributing factors.

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.

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!