Ian Hunt: My Kidney Cancer Journey
Every year, I have a CT scan of my lungs. It was during one of these routine scans in October 2024 that something unexpected showed up – doctors initially thought it was a cyst on my left kidney.
A follow-up CT scan was arranged, and in February 2025, I attended a urology appointment where the world as I knew it changed. I was told I had two suspected cancerous tumours, one 10cm tumour on my left kidney and a 4cm tumour on my right kidney.
I remember thinking, I don’t do anything by halves!
During that same appointment, I was told I would need a radical nephrectomy and adrenalectomy – in just six days’ time! My right kidney tumour would be monitored for the time being.
There was no time to process, no time to research, and no time to even think about what questions to ask.
My Surgery
6 weeks passed really quickly, but also really slowly – I was still trying to process the fact that I have tumours growing inside me, without me knowing. I went into hospital to have my radical nephrectomy on my left kidney, and before my six weeks off work to recover were even over, I received some positive news: there was no evidence of metastasis.
Soon after, I had an appointment with oncology at Weston Park in Sheffield. During that appointment, I asked to be referred to Leeds to explore whether I could have cryotherapy for the tumour on my right kidney, rather than waiting for it to grow and require more invasive treatment.
Cyroablation
In May, the team at Leeds scanned my right kidney and agreed I was a suitable candidate for cryoablation. Before the procedure, I needed a stent fitted due to the tumour’s location.
On 26th June, I went into the Bexley Wing in Leeds for the procedure.
It was incredible. Thin needles were inserted into the tumour, and the cancer cells were frozen using gas. There was no pain, no scars – and before I knew it, I was back on my feet. Just 24 hours later, I was home, feeling hopeful.
At my 12-week scan, the results were positive but not completely clear, so I had to wait until the six-month scan for confirmation.
The words I was hoping for
In February 2026, I finally received the news I had been hoping for.
I remember asking three times, through tears:
“So it’s gone, right? I don’t have cancer?”
And the answer came back:
“No – we got it all.”
Relief, joy, laughter, and tears all came at once.
I’ve now been referred back to my local urology team in Doncaster for six-monthly scans, with my first follow-up in June.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
You have to ask questions
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that nobody tells you everything unless you ask. There’s no handbook for this. Even now, I still feel like I know very little about my cancer – including things like staging.
Survivor’s guilt is real
It hit me like a hammer.
Why me? Up until last February, I smoked heavily and didn’t take great care of myself. Why should I survive when others don’t? It’s given me a whole new view on life and I know now that I need to take better care of my body.
Mental health matters
I am “cured”… right? Two operations and no cancer – that sounds like an easy journey.
So why do I feel depressed?
For the first time in my life, I’m on antidepressants. There’s a lingering thought I can’t shake:
“At least I know what I’ll die of in the end.”
Fatigue is overwhelming
I’ve lost 35lbs and quit smoking, but the fatigue is like nothing I’ve ever known.
I can fall asleep sitting in a chair. Mowing the lawn leaves me exhausted. I often wonder, is this ageing, or is it because I’m living with one kidney?
I don’t have the answer, but I’m trying to work through it.
Looking ahead
My journey is far from over.
Even on the difficult days, I’m trying to stay positive and hopeful for the future.
If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone or encourages someone to ask more questions, then it’s been worth it.
Kidney Cancer UK are here to support everyone affected by kidney cancer.
Free Support Line: 0800 002 9002
Email support: support@kcuk.org.uk
