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

Welcome to KidneyCouch, your trusted resource for kidney cancer and CKD support. Empowering patients and families with reliable information and community care regarding kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. 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. Quick Links KidneyCouch Podcast About the Couch Resource Library The Patient Journey Testing & Diagnosis Treatment Options Surveillance Emotional Support Journey Diagram PURPOSE 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 Smart Patients 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.

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Back Sid Sadler Being diagnosed with kidney cancer at 32 years of age wasn't in my "plan," if we want to call it a plan. I'm 34 now, and approaching another round of scans to ensure the cancer removed from my body is gone. December of 2023, I had an episode of hematuria in my urine, and that led to a CT which revealed a 10.5 cm tumor on my left kidney. A slew of appointments made with Vanderbilt led to a plan of a radical nephrectomy removing my tumor and left kidney. February of 2024 the surgery took place. Surprisingly, I recovered well. I had my surgery on a Monday, and I was home that Wednesday afternoon. Eagerly awaiting my pathology results, while also browsing the internet for others in my situation. I didn't find many, but I found a few, and I leaned on those few very hard. With no other evidence of disease, I hoped for a diagnosis of stage two or three, knowing other factors such as grade and type played a big factor in my outlook. The results come back. Stage 2b, grade two Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. After meeting with my team, a scan schedule was put into place. Hesitant and nervous at first, I learn the rhythm we all learn after cancer enters our lives. Soon thereafter, my wife and I find out she is expecting a baby, and our world goes from one end of the spectrum to another end of emotions. We welcome a beautiful healthy baby girl into the world just short of one year after my surgery. Life is crazy, isn't it? I started as a scared patient, and I still am. However, I'm also equipped with knowledge now, and most importantly perspective. I dove into advocacy, joining the patient family advisory councils at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, and The Kidney Cancer Association. I was recently invited to join the Board of Directors for The Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation. If I could say one thing to you, it's that cancer isn't a period for a lot of us. It's a comma. Once a plan is set in place, things will get better. We have come a long way in treatment for both localized and stage four kidney cancer. I'm confident in my team and the other countless doctors researching this disease. Onward.

Leave no stone unturned. Learn valuable information about kidney stones. Kidney Stones Not all stones are alike. Calcium Oxalate Overview Types Kidney Stone Diet Treatment Options Treat and Prevent Other Links Ten Facts About Kidney Stones What Causes Kidney Stones How to Prevent Kidney Stones Ureteroscopy - Laser Lithotripsy Calcium Oxalate Stones - Stone Relief.com Renal Calculi, Nephrolithiasis FAQ's - Kidney Stones Kidney Stones - Cleveland Clinic Kidney Stones Patient Guide - Urology Care Foundation Kidney Stones - JAMA Network Visual Guide to Kidney Stones - Slideshow Good Food for Kidney Stones Cookbook - AUA © Copyright Best Kidney Stone Procedure for Me - MUSIC Kidney Managing Pain_Urinary Symptoms post-Ureteroscopy Low Oxalate Diet Guidelines for Stone Formers - UMHS Nutrition Guidelines for Preventing Kidney Stones - Mayo Clinic To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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

Visualize your kidney cancer journey with my comprehensive diagram, designed to simplify complex information. Common Patient Journey - Kidney Cancer Testing Diagnosis Treatment Surveillance Emotional Support Signs & Symptoms Imaging CT Scan MRI Bone Scan Biopsy Types and Grades Renal Cell Papillary Chromophobe Surveillance Imaging Ablation Surgery Lab Tests Physician Visit Immunotherapy Collecting Duct Renal Medullary Treatment by Stage Psychotherapy 1-on-1 Support Online Community Reduce Stress Stages Forward Back ? Narrative

Connect with my partner, Imerman Angels, and their personalized one-on-one support with Imerman Angels to navigate your kidney cancer or CKD journey with confidence. 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/

Explore the stages of kidney cancer with clear explanations to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. 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

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Discover accurate online kidney prognostic models to assess outcomes post-nephrectomy. Utilize advanced tools for reliable predictions. Kidney Cancer Prognosis and Outcomes The Basics Understanding Cancer Prognosis Kidney Cancer - MD Anderson Survival Rates for Kidney Cancer Cancer Survival Rate Explained Frequently Asked Questions T1Renal Masses - MUSIC Urology Cancer Survival Rates - What it Means for Your Prognosis Prognostic Models Predicting Outcomes in RCC Kidney Cancer Nomogram - MSK Cancer Prediction Tools - A Few Leibovich 2018 Model Leibovich 2018 Model Calc. Prognostic Factors - EAU Head-to-Head Comparison of Prognostic Models Non-Mets Chromophobe RCC Meet-URO Score Publications Prediction Models After Radical Nephrectomy Postoperative Prognostic Model Surveillance Strategies for RCC Comparison of Prognostic Models Prognostic Model Scoring System Optimal Scoring System? Machine Learning Datasets Cancer Survival: An Overview of Measures, Uses, and Interpretation Validation of the Meet-URO Score Prognostic Models - Comparison of factors included in a few models. Not all prognostic (predictive) models for kidney cancer recurrence or overall survival use the same clinical criteria. The information below builds on the study "Post nephrectomy management of localized renal cell carcinoma. From risk stratification to therapeutic evidence in an evolving clinical scenario.", April 2023, by Dr. Chiara Ciccarese (researcher at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Oncologist at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS. Rome, Italy) and colleagues. Using this work, I build upon the model as well as entered my clinical case through each model for comparison of predicted outcomes. The models included in the analysis are designed for post-nephrectomy (partial or radical) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the three most common subtypes - clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe. As pointed out in the literature, physicians / scientists in the medical field have developed prognostic models to improve the ability to predict accurately the outcome for patients who are treated surgically for RCC since 2001 (or earlier). Prognostic algorithms can be used to counsel patients, determine the need for adjuvant therapy, stratify patients for clinical trials, and develop appropriate postoperative surveillance programs that are tailored to a patient's risk for disease progression. [1] It needs to be stressed that calculations from any prognostic model is an average based on studies conducted to-date, are usually based on data that is at least five years old and does not take into account advances in treatment or changes in general, an individual's overall health, lifestyle, environmental factors, etc. When using a prognostic nomogram, the calculations for your predicted cancer recurrence or overall survival are not specific to you. They are averages based on similar patients that have been included in a database. That being said, many kidney cancer patients like me, want a more informed prediction of RCC recurrence and overall life expectancy rather than none at all. Physicians / medical centers that utilize data from prognostic models that have been validated by research studies in addition to the physicians' ongoing experience in treating patients and their outcomes, helps to inform regarding the ongoing accuracy of the existing prognostic models in the treatment recommendations for a patient's unique clinical presentation. The models will continue to advance as the science in the medical field does - with the discovery of new biomarkers, molecular features, gene and expression profiling, etc.[2] Post Nephrectomy Prognostic Models - Criteria Included in Selected Models Comparison of Predicted Results for My Clinical Situation - Jeff Kallis Details of My Prognostic Results Prognostic Models - Survival Rates Explained - NIH [1] A Review of Prognostic Pathologic Features and Algorithms for Patients Treated Surgically for Renal Cell Carcinoma, Christine M. Lohse MS, John C. Cheville MD, Clinics In Lab Medicine, June 2005, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272271205000144 [2] Prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma, Alessandro Volpe 1 , Jean Jacques Patard , World J Urol, June 2010, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20364259/

Learn about kidney cancer and CKD testing and diagnosis. Find trusted insights to guide you through the process with confidence. Kidney Cancer - Testing and Diagnosis The Basics Kidney Overview What is Kidney Cancer? General Information about RCC Kidney Cancer Patient Guide (UCF) Your Kidneys and Kidney Cancer Tests for Kidney Cancer Types - Illustrations Types and Grades Just Diagnosed Toolkit - KCA What is a Renal Mass? Video What You Need to Know 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 More Info Stages Kidney Cancer Stages Kidney Cancer Staging Staging Illustrated Journey by Stage Case Example Pediatrics von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) Wilms Cancer Foundation Specifics Kidney External Structure Anatomy of the Kidney Kidney Cancer Explained - EAU Anatomy Basics Image by Adobe Stock, July 14, 2023 Kidney Anatomy, Wikipedia Illustration by A. Hoofring, 2007 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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

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

Explore kidney cancer treatment options, from surgery to targeted therapies, and make informed decisions about your care. Kidney Cancer Treatment Options Overview Kidney Cancer Treatments Diagnosis and Treatment Treatment Options - KCA Ablation Treatment Options - Small Tumor Roadmap - T1 Masses - MUSIC Surgery Nephrectomy - EAU Robot-Assisted Partial - EAU Surveillance Immunotherapy NCCN Evidence Blocks (pdf) Advances in Treatment NCCN Treatment Details Stage IV Treatment In 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. Experts agree that targeted therapy is the main treatment for stage IV kidney cancer. Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells or inside them. In some cases, surgery may still be a part of treatment. Surveillance 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) Treatment National Cancer Institute Canadian Cancer Society Healthline City of Hope Learn from the best: MD Anderson Memorial Sloan Kettering Dana-Farber *The Leibovich Model recommends imaging / close follow up for patients classified as Stage IV post-surgery. Based on published Mayo Clinic risk score (Leibovich BC, Cancer 2003;97:1663-1671) National Comprehensive Cancer Network Kidney Cancer Guidelines The most recent Kidney Cancer Treatment Guidelines (January 2026) 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.

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