Michael's Kidney Cancer Story

Cancer surgery using the most advanced robotic equipment requires only small incisions, rather than the much larger incisions of conventional surgery. For patients, that means significantly less pain, less bleeding, less scarring and fewer complications — as well as a fast, full return to normal activity.

The robot’s advanced Firefly^® imaging technology also enables surgeons during some procedures to see if cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. This helps preserve healthy tissue and decreases the likelihood of life-changing complications such as lymphedema. For cancer patients requiring additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation, less trauma makes taking the next steps faster and less difficult. For those patients, the collaborative approach of Holy Cross Health’s multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists ensures each individual receives the optimal care appropriate to their unique circumstances.

For Michael, early detection was a game-changer. Abnormal blood test results led to an MRI, which revealed a cancer mass on his left kidney. “We kind of stumbled across it,” he says. “But that wouldn’t have happened without my regular visit to the doctor.”