How It Started

Hanging out in the hospital waiting on his kidney biopsy

October 4, 2023, we found ourselves unexpectedly at the ER due to abnormal lab values for Kelly on a recent blood draw that showed worsening kidney function without known cause. We thought while at the ER, we might get some fluids, a non-contrast CT Scan, and a consult with a kidney doctor - the nephrologist. Instead, we were admitted.

Kelly’s blood pressure was elevated, a new happening. Nephrology suggested admission for a kidney biopsy and blood pressure control. Kelly spent 2 nights in the hospital. The CT showed a lesion on his right kidney and a mass within the mesentery of the gut with the radiologist’s recommendation to follow up by outpatient MRI.

Oct 19 MRI showed the lesion on the right kidney was a blood or protein filled cyst, but suggested further concern regarding the masses within the mesentery.

Nov 1, diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease, unknown cause and no known history to put Kelly “at risk” of developing chronic kidney disease (no diabetes, no hypertension, no cardiac disease, etc). Plus, we learned at this time that the kidney biopsy in October was inconclusive.

Nov 28, surgical oncology performed a surgical biopsy of the masses within the mesentery.

Dec 1, pathology report confirmed what the surgical oncologist had suspected while in the mesentery on 11/28, we heard the official word, cancer. Follicular Lymphoma, Stage 2 Bulky at best. It was time to await a PET Scan and begin discussing plan of care options.

( Pics below from that Oct4-6 Hospitalization in Kalispell, MT )