Search Results

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

KidneyCouch Podcast - Around the Couch

Partners and Affiliates of the 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. Future Partners KidneyCouch is reaching out to other likeminded organizations to form affiliations with. Reach out to us if interested!

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. Communications Between KidneyCouch and You Content Your Right to Post Content Content Restrictions Content Backups Copyright Policy Intellectual Property Infringement DMCA Notice and DMCA Procedure for Copyright Infringement Claims Intellectual Property Your Feedback to Us Links to Other Websites Termination Limitation of Liability “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” Disclaimer Governing Law Disputes Resolution For European Union (EU) Users United States Legal Compliance Severability and Waiver Severability Waiver Translation Interpretation Changes to These Terms and Conditions Contact Us Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions: Affiliate means an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party, where “control” means ownership of 50% or more of the shares, equity interest or other securities entitled to vote for election of directors or other managing authority. Account means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service. Country refers to: Minnesota, United States Naming (“We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to KidneyCouch, Rochester, Minnesota. Content refers to content such as text, images, or other information that can be posted, uploaded, linked to or otherwise made available by You, regardless of the form of that content. Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet. Feedback means feedback, innovations or suggestions sent by You regarding the attributes, performance or features of our Service. Service refers to the Application or the Website or both. Terms and Conditions (also referred as “Terms”) mean these Terms and Conditions that form the entire agreement between You and KidneyCouch regarding the use of the Service. Third-party Social Media Service means any services or content (including data, information, products or services) provided by a third-party that may be displayed, included or made available by the Service. Website refers to KidneyCouch, accessible from https://www.kidneycouch.com/ You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the KidneyCouch, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Acknowledgment These are the Terms and Conditions governing the use of this Service and the agreement that operates between You and the KidneyCouch. These Terms and Conditions set out the rights and obligations of all users regarding the use of the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If You disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, then You may not access the Service. You represent that you are over the age of 18. The KidneyCouch does not permit those under 18 to use the Service. Your access to and use of the Service is also conditioned on Your acceptance of and compliance with the Privacy Policy of the KidneyCouch. Our Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your personal information when You use the Application or the Website and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. Please read Our Privacy Policy carefully before using Our Service. WE DO NOT PRACTICE MEDICINE You understand and agree that we are not engaged in the practice of medicine, either through the Site or any associated communications or services, and that the Site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are encouraged to seek professional diagnosis and treatment for medical conditions. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, You acknowledge that KidneyCouch has no responsibility, in any way, to provide You with medical advice or take any medically related action in response to information that You provide on this Site or to the Site administrator of KidneyCouch. We do not recommend or endorse any specific studies, treatments, tests, procedures, physicians, opinions, products, or other information that may appear on the Site or on links reached through the Site. User Accounts Creating an Account, Passwords, Security When You create an account or register with Us, You must provide Us information that is accurate, complete, and current at all times. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the Terms, which may result in immediate termination of Your account on Our Service. You choose a password. You are responsible for safeguarding the password that You use to access the Service and for any activities or actions under Your password, whether Your password is with Our Service or a Third-Party Social Media Service. You agree not to disclose or share Your password to any third party. You must notify Us immediately upon becoming aware of any breach of security or unauthorized use of Your account. You may not use as a username the name of another person or entity or that is not lawfully available for use, a name or trademark that is subject to any rights of another person or entity other than You without appropriate authorization, or a name that is otherwise offensive, vulgar or obscene. We will not be liable for any loss you or others may incur because of someone else using your account, either with or without your consent. You may not use anyone else's account. You may choose to post information on the Site about yourself or about someone else. If you post about someone else, you must have that person’s permission prior to doing so. If you choose to post information, whether about yourself or any other person: • You understand and agree that all current and future users participating in Community Discussion will be able to view the information you share. • You understand that current or future users participating in Community Discussion might save or disclose your information in other places without your knowledge or consent. You agree that if that were to occur, neither you nor anyone else would have a remedy or claim against KidneyCouch. Communications Between KidneyCouch and You You consent to receive all communications from us in electronic form via your account in the Site or via the email address you provided when you registered with KidneyCouch. You agree that all Terms and Conditions, agreements, notices, disclosures and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications would satisfy if they were in writing. Content Your Right to Post Content Our Service allows You to post Content. You are responsible for the Content that You post to the Service, including its legality, reliability, and appropriateness. By posting Content to the Service, You grant Us the right and license to use, modify, publicly perform, publicly display, reproduce, and distribute such Content on and through the Service. You retain any and all of Your rights to any Content You submit, post or display on or through the Service and You are responsible for protecting those rights. You agree that this license includes the right for Us to make Your Content available to other users of the Service, who may also use Your Content subject to these Terms. You represent and warrant that: (i) the Content is Yours (You own it) or You have the right to use it and grant Us the rights and license as provided in these Terms, and (ii) the posting of Your Content on or through the Service does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, contract rights or any other rights of any person. Content Restrictions The KidneyCouch is not responsible for the content of the Service’s users. You expressly understand and agree that You are solely responsible for the Content and for all activity that occurs under your account, whether done so by You or any third person using Your account. You may not transmit any Content that is unlawful, offensive, upsetting, intended to disgust, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene or otherwise objectionable. Examples of objectionable Content includes, but is not limited to, the following: Unlawful or promoting unlawful activity. Defamatory, discriminatory, or mean-spirited content, including references or commentary about religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, national/ethnic origin, or other targeted groups. Spam, machine or randomly generated, constituting unauthorized or unsolicited advertising, chain letters, any other form of unauthorized solicitation, or any form of lottery or gambling. Containing or installing any viruses, worms, malware, trojan horses, or other content that is designed or intended to disrupt, damage, or limit the functioning of any software, hardware or telecommunications equipment or to damage or obtain unauthorized access to any data or other information of a third person. Infringing on any proprietary rights of any party, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, right of publicity or other rights. Impersonating any person or entity including KidneyCouch. Violating the privacy of any third person. False information and features. The KidneyCouch reserves the right, but not the obligation, to, in its sole discretion, determine whether any Content is appropriate and complies with this Terms, refuse or remove this Content. The KidneyCouch further reserves the right to make formatting and edits and change the manner of any Content. The KidneyCouch can also limit or revoke the use of the Service if You post such objectionable Content. As the KidneyCouch cannot control all content posted by users and/or third parties on the Service, you agree to use the Service at your own risk. You understand that by using the Service You may be exposed to content that You may find offensive, indecent, incorrect or objectionable, and You agree that under no circumstances will the KidneyCouch be liable in any way for any content, including any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of your use of any content. Content Backups Although regular backups of Content are performed, the KidneyCouch does not guarantee there will be no loss or corruption of data. Corrupt or invalid backup points may be caused by, without limitation, Content that is corrupted prior to being backed up or that changes during the time a backup is performed. The KidneyCouch will provide support and attempt to troubleshoot any known or discovered issues that may affect the backups of Content. But You acknowledge that the KidneyCouch has no liability related to the integrity of Content or the failure to successfully restore Content to a usable state. You agree to maintain a complete and accurate copy of any Content in a location independent of the Service. Copyright Policy Intellectual Property Infringement We respect the intellectual property rights of others. It is Our policy to respond to any claim that Content posted on the Service infringes a copyright or other intellectual property infringement of any person. If You are a copyright owner, or authorized on behalf of one, and You believe that the copyrighted work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement that is taking place through the Service, You must submit Your notice in writing to the attention of kidneycouch@gmail.com and include in Your notice a detailed description of the alleged infringement. You may be held accountable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) for misrepresenting that any Content is infringing Your copyright. DMCA Notice and DMCA Procedure for Copyright Infringement Claims You may submit a notification pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by providing our Copyright Agent with the following information in writing (see 17 U.S.C 512(c)(3) for further detail): An electronic or physical signature of the person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright’s interest. A description of the copyrighted work that You claim has been infringed, including the URL (i.e., web page address) of the location where the copyrighted work exists or a copy of the copyrighted work. Identification of the URL or other specific location on the Service where the material that You claim is infringing is located. Your address, telephone number, and email address. A statement by You that You have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law. A statement by You, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in Your notice is accurate and that You are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf. You can contact KidneyCouch via email at kidneycouch@gmail.com . Upon receipt of a notification, the KidneyCouch will take whatever action, in its sole discretion, it deems appropriate, including removal of the challenged content from the Service. Intellectual Property The Service and its original content (excluding Content provided by You or other users), features and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of the KidneyCouch and its licensors. The Service is protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws of both the Country and foreign countries. Our trademarks and trade dress may not be used in connection with any product or service without the prior written consent of the KidneyCouch. Your Feedback to Us You assign all rights, title and interest in any Feedback You provide the KidneyCouch. If for any reason such assignment is ineffective, You agree to grant the KidneyCouch a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty free, worldwide right and license to use, reproduce, disclose, sub-license, distribute, modify and exploit such Feedback without restriction. Links to Other Websites Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by the KidneyCouch. 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. Without limitation to the foregoing, the KidneyCouch provides no warranty or undertaking, and makes no representation of any kind that the Service will meet Your requirements, achieve any intended results, be compatible or work with any other software, applications, systems or services, operate without interruption, meet any performance or reliability standards or be error free or that any errors or defects can or will be corrected. 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. But in such a case the exclusions and limitations set forth in this section shall be applied to the greatest extent enforceable under applicable law. Governing Law The laws of the Country, excluding its conflicts of law rules, shall govern this Terms and Your use of the Service. Your use of the Application may also be subject to other local, state, national, or international laws. Disputes Resolution If You have any concern or dispute about the Service, You agree to first try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting the KidneyCouch. For European Union (EU) Users If You are a European Union consumer, you will benefit from any mandatory provisions of the law of the country in which you are resident in. United States Legal Compliance You represent and warrant that You are not located in a country that is subject to the United States government embargo, or that has been designated by the United States government as a “terrorist supporting” country, and You are not listed on any United States government list of prohibited or restricted parties. Severability and Waiver Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Waiver Except as provided herein, the failure to exercise a right or to require performance of an obligation under these Terms shall not affect a party’s ability to exercise such right or require such performance at any time thereafter nor shall the waiver of a breach constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach. 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

KidneyCouch is an online support group for kidney cancer patients and/or patients with chronic kidney disease. KidneyCouch website is a library of related links and educational material for patients and family members. KidneyCouch © Copyright STRENGTH in UNITY At KidneyCouch, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and informative space for kidney cancer patients and those who are also dealing with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Access valuable resources, stories, and articles that can make a difference in your journey. CONNECTIONS KidneyCouch Podcast Resource Library About the Couch ABOUT KidneyCouch KidneyCouch is committed to offering support and information to individuals battling kidney cancer and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our goal is to create a community that fosters connection, understanding, and empowerment for patients and their loved ones. Through resource links, stories, and articles, we aim to provide helpful insights and education so that you are better informed in discussing your kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease with your physician. Always consult your physician before making any medical decisions. Friends Around the Couch KidneyCouch gives recognition and appreciation to the following organizations and their efforts to address kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Urology Care Foundation Kidney Cancer Association National Kidney Foundation American Cancer Society Imerman Angels The Patient Story Cancer Interviews INSPIRING STORIES Read Now 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.

Get one-on-one support with a mentor at Imerman Angels. One-on-One Support for patients and family members KidneyCouch and Imerman Angels are committed to providing patients and family members with the resources and connections so that no one walks alone as they deal with a kidney cancer diagnosis. One-on-One support is at the heart of the mission of Imerman Angels. KidneyCouch is proud to partner with Imerman Angels to ensure that patients and family members with kidney cancer have access to one-on-one support. Whether you are a patient who is newly diagnosed with kidney cancer; are in the early stages of treatment; need a shoulder to lean on in dealing with cancer; or you are a family member and need support, Imerman Angels has a network of mentors that would love to connect with you. Individuals with kidney cancer who would like to receive one-on-one support will undergo a personalized matching process and be paired up with someone who has a similar diagnosis and experiences. Our hope is that peer-to-peer exchanges will facilitate positive relationships between individuals affected by kidney cancer so that they may share emotional support, encouragement, and information. Also, if you are a kidney cancer patient and would like to become an Imerman Mentor Angel, Imerman Angels would love to visit with you about joining their mentor angels team. How to Partner with Imerman Angels Find a Mentor If you are interested in finding a one-on-one support mentor, you will be asked to fill out an initial registration application and select the type of mentor you would like to be matched up with. Imerman Angels will match you and a mentor according to age, gender, cancer type and experience; so you know you are talking to someone who truly understands what you’re going through, in a supportive and empathetic environment. Any information shared will be kept confidential between Imerman Angels and the assigned mentor. Become a Mentor If you are a kidney cancer patient and would like to become a mentor, you must complete a profile detailing your cancer experiences. After initial screening and training, Imerman Angels will add your name to the list of mentors in their database network and contact you when someone with your shared experiences registers to request a one-on-0ne support mentor. This a great opportunity to "give back" to the kidney cancer community by helping others navigate the cancer journey. Find A Mentor Angel Become A Mentor Angel About Imerman Angels Imerman Angels was created on the belief that no one should have to face cancer alone and without the necessary support. Their mission is to provide personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and previvors. Through their unique matching process, Imerman Angels partners anyone, any age, anywhere, and any cancer type seeking support from someone with a similar diagnosis and experiences—a “Mentor Angel.” Get in touch with the Imerman Angels to connect you with a one-on-one mentor: https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ Imerman Angels - Contact Information https://imermanangels.org/contact/

Check out the top kidney cancer hospitals / medical centers in the United States. 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 of the Best Best Hospitals Overall Best for Kidney Cancer Best for Kidney Disease (Failure) Last 5-Year Rankings 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020

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. Kidney Biopsy 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 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.

Kidney Cancer The Basics Kidney Overview What is Kidney Cancer? General Information about RCC NCCN Patient Guide Kidney Cancer Patient Guide Your Kidneys and Kidney Cancer Types - Illustrations Types and Grades Kidney Cancer Stages Kidney Cancer Staging What is a Renal Mass? Video What You Need to Know Specifics Kidney External Structure Anatomy of the Kidney Kidney Cancer Explained - EAU Kidney Cancer Treatments How is Kidney Cancer Treated? Treatment Options - Small Tumor NCCN Treatment Guidelines Advances in Treatment Roadmap - T1 Masses - MUSIC Genetic Testing Nephrectomy - EAU Robot-Assisted Partial - EAU Combination Immunotherapy Immunotherapy Infographic Statistics Kidney Cancer Statistics 2025 Cancer Stats at a Glance Kidney Cancer Stat Facts U.S. - Cancer Profiles by State Global Epidemiology Fast Facts Publications Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer Kidney Cancer Research - NCI Kidney Cancer Journal - KCA Kidney Cancer - Sage NCCN Guidelines (pdf) Kidney Cancer - Progress in Treating Renal Mass and Localized Cancer Kidney Cancer Research - KCA General Topics Emotions and Cancer Find a Kidney Cancer Specialist Just Diagnosed Toolkit - KCA Treatment Center Finder - KCA Healthy Living Cookbook - Urology What You Should Know Renal Cell Cancer Treatment Kidney Cancer Resources Kidney Biopsy 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

Tips for dealing with the emotional side of kidney cancer, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease. 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

Educational links and resources for patients and family members who are dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. 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? Look no further than KidneyCouch Interactive. To further enrich the user experience on kidneycouch.com, interactive features such as forums for discussions are planned in the future. These tools 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 Kidney Cancer Support Group - Mayo Clinic 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 Community - Smart Patients Stages1-2-3 Kidney Cancer Support Community - KCCure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group 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 Pending Interactions This section / area of interest under development...

Four common journeys for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). 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

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 Image This is an image from the CT scan I had on January 25, 2023. The reason for the CT Urogram was to confirm that I had a kidney stone(s) and pinpoint where the stone(s) 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. 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.

Enjoy periodic newsletters from KidneyCouch August 2025 Features the new partnership with Imerman Angels. October 2025 Features the new Affiliate Partnership with Kidney Cancer Association Join our mailing list Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

My Story I published a book about my experience with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Check it out on Amazon Also, see my guest post on the Kidney Cancer Association website. Follow up post - Survivorship guest post - Kidney Cancer Association. Interview with The Patient Story . 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. 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 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.

Stages of kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Staging The staging system most often used for kidney cancer is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. The TNM system is based on 3 key pieces of information: The size and extent of the main (primary) tumor (T): How large is the tumor? Has it has grown into nearby areas? The spread to nearby lymph nodes (N): Has the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes? The spread (metastasis) to distant sites (M): Has the cancer spread to other organs such as the bones, brain, or lungs? The stages of kidney cancer range from I (1) through IV (4). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, such as stage IV, means cancer has spread more. [1] T1 T2 T3 T4 Kidney Purpose The main functions of the kidneys are to clean the blood, balance fluids, remove waste through urine, keep chemicals and electrolytes in balance, make hormones for a stable blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep our bones strong. [2] © Copyright © Copyright Kidney Cancer Stages Descriptions by American Urological Association and American Cancer Society The "T" in the TNM system is the size of the main (primary) tumor and whether it has grown into nearby areas. © Copyright T1 Tumor Stage I tumors include cancers of any size that are confined to the kidney. Characteristics of T1 tumors: • T1: Tumor 7.0 cm (about 2.8 inches) or less, confined to the kidney • T1a: Tumor 4.0 cm (about 1.6 inches) or less, confined to the kidney • T1b: Tumor 4.0 to 7.0 cm, confined to the kidney © Copyright T2 Tumor Stage II tumors include cancers of any size that are confined to the kidney. Characteristics of T2 tumors: • T2: Tumor greater than 7.0 cm, confined to kidney • T2a: Tumor greater than 7.0 cm and less than 10.0 cm, confined to the kidney • T2b: Tumor greater than 10 cm (about 3.9 inches), confined to the kidney © Copyright T3 Tumor Stage III tumors are either locally invasive (T3) or involve lymph nodes. Characteristics of T3 tumors: The tumor can be any size, but it has not grown outside the kidney. The cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant lymph nodes or other organs. Tumor grows into major veins (renal vein or the inferior vena cava) or into tissue around the kidney, but not into the adrenal gland and not beyond Gerota’s fascia © Copyright T4 Tumor Stage IV tumors have spread beyond the kidney into organs nearby (T4) or distant (beyond the kidney) metastases. Characteristics of T4 tumors: • The tumor can be any size and may have grown outside the kidney. The tumor may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor has spread to distant lymph nodes and/or other organs. Tumor reaches beyond Gerota’s fascia (including the adrenal gland). This is not a localized tumor. Kidney Cancer Close Up © Copyright Credits - To the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society for the descriptions on this page. All of the information is copyright protected. [1] Kidney Cancer Stages American Cancer Society [2] Kidney Cancer Patient Guide American Urological Association (pdf) Kidney Health Basics Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Association (pdf) [3] Kidney Illustrations by iStock See also: Stages of Renal Cell Cancer - Includes Illustrations from the National Cancer Institute