Diagnosed with Kidney Cancer—Then I Became My Mom’s Cancer Caregiver

Sonia shares her journey of being diagnosed with kidney cancer and the ensuing challenges she faced. She endured fatigue and persistent symptoms before her gastroenterologist finally ordered a CT scan. In December 2021, doctors discovered a suspicious tumor, and by January 2022, Duke Cancer Institute confirmed it as renal cell carcinoma. Despite significant complications, she underwent a successful partial nephrectomy in April 2022.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

As a cancer survivor, Sonia struggled to identify as one, feeling that her experience was possibly not severe enough. Her mom’s stage 4B ovarian cancer diagnosis shifted her role to both survivor and caregiver. Sonia highlights the importance of hope in fighting cancer and believes that it significantly impacts one’s ability to cope with challenges.

Sonia emphasizes the importance of advocacy and not hesitating to seek different medical opinions when necessary. She expresses gratitude for her supportive employer and highlights her youth, as kidney cancer typically affects older individuals.

Sonia advises others to prioritize finding the best care available, noting that the level of care directly affects cancer outcomes. She stresses the importance of support, both from healthcare providers and charitable organizations. Financial concerns also emerged, as her mother’s cancer fight led Sonia to temporarily leave her job, prioritizing her mother’s care over bills.

Sonia encourages focusing on what one can control and letting go of the rest, emphasizing the need to be proactive in seeking the best possible cancer care and support.

• Name:
  • Sonia B.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 41
• Diagnosis:
  • Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma, clear cell)
• Staging:
  • Stage 1
• Initial Symptoms:
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Flank pain
  • Constantly abnormal lab work
• Treatment:
  • Surgery (partial nephrectomy, ileostomy)

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

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