“IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE THIS DIAGNOSIS, ESPECIALLY SINCE NO ONE IN MY FAMILY HAD FACED IT BEFORE”

Roman, a resident of Tula, had always been a healthy and active individual, but his life took an unexpected turn after the age of 52. He began experiencing frequent blood pressure spikes, which eventually led to a diagnosis of kidney failure. Later, doctors determined that the failure was caused by a malignant tumor. This marked the beginning of a challenging journey to regain his health.

For several years, medications effectively managed his condition. However, Roman suddenly noticed blood in his urine—a concerning symptom known as hematuria. This prompted additional tests. A local urologist prescribed a course of treatment, which temporarily stopped the bleeding, but over time, Roman’s test results only worsened.

Further examinations revealed a malignant tumor that had metastasized to the ureter and bladder. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Roman’s only functioning kidney was the one affected by cancer, as his other kidney had ceased functioning due to congenital nephrosclerosis.

“It was hard to believe this diagnosis, especially since no one in my family had faced anything like this before,” Roman recalls.

To address his condition, Roman underwent nephrostomy and was referred to the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Roman vividly remembers his first meeting with his doctor, Oleg Osipov, a urologist in the uro-oncology department. “He immediately gave me hope. I recall how Oleg Vladimirovich found the right words and explained that effective treatments are available for patients like me, and even the most challenging cases are no reason to lose hope.”

The surgical team had a difficult task ahead: performing a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with partial bladder removal and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The surgery was particularly complex because the affected kidney was severely inflamed and adhered to surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

The surgeons successfully completed the procedure, and the next day Roman was started on programmed hemodialysis to support his body’s functions. Five days later, he had a permanent catheter placed to enable regular dialysis sessions.

Despite the challenging diagnosis, Roman remains optimistic. He now plans to undergo a kidney transplant and, in the meantime, will continue with dialysis. “The most important thing is to stay positive! You must never give up or lose hope in the fight for your health!”