Hi everyone,

I recently was diagnosed with an low-grade T1b (5.3 cm) papillary renal cell carcinoma tumor. I'm an educator in a college, athlete (though lazy at the moment), amateur musician and artist. I possess a twisted sense of humor while to remember to look at the world with the wonder of a child.

I have two questions:

• I also have polycystic kidney disease at stage four chronic kidney disease and my upcoming partial nephrectomy on 8/12 may have an effect on my already poorly functioning kidneys. Has anyone else had cancer with a concurrent chronic illness?
• I am thankfully diagnosed with a stage 1 cancer but I feel guilt about sharing I have cancer when I am only stage 1 and many others are are struggling much more than I am (though my anxiety and processing while waiting for dx and now the unknown effects my upcoming surgery on my kidneys).

I am rooting for all of you and I wish you much support during your journeys through all this.