We dedicated Pic Carlit in Spain for Amanda!
Amanda’s Kidney Cancer Journey
Age at Diagnosis: 31
Years Since Diagnosis: 3
Current Status: Cancer-Free (No Evidence of Disease)
A Life-Changing Accident
In November 2021, Amanda’s life took an unexpected turn — in more ways than one. What started as an ordinary Black Friday trip to Microcenter to buy herself a gift turned into a day that would ultimately save her life.
On her way home, after successfully snagging a coveted graphics card, Amanda’s car hydroplaned on a wet highway. Within seconds, her vehicle spun out of control, hit the median twice, and crossed multiple lanes of traffic. Miraculously, she and everyone around her were unharmed. A highway patrolman witnessed the entire accident and rushed to her aid.
At the hospital, Amanda underwent a series of scans and tests to ensure she hadn’t suffered internal injuries. The scans revealed something completely unrelated to the crash — an anomaly on her kidney. Doctors referred to it as a “nodule,” and though Amanda didn’t think much of it at first, it was the beginning of a life-changing discovery.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Following the accident, Amanda scheduled a follow-up appointment to investigate the spot on her kidney. Further testing revealed a tumor, and based on its size and shape, doctors suspected it was malignant.
On February 17, 2022, Amanda underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor from her right kidney. The 3.5 cm tumor turned out to be slightly larger than expected at 3.8 cm and was located in the middle of the organ, making the surgery particularly complex.
Thanks to Dr. Abouassaly of the Cleveland Clinic, Amanda’s life was saved — and her kidney preserved. Roughly one-quarter of the organ was removed to ensure no cancerous cells remained.
The Road to Recovery
The days following surgery were some of the hardest of Amanda’s life. She endured severe post-operative pain, internal bleeding, and trapped gases from the laparoscopic procedure. Her recovery was further complicated when she contracted COVID-19 and a UTI, resulting in two additional hospital admissions.
“I thought I was going to die from the pain and suffering,” Amanda recalls. “It was a nightmare — but I made it through.”
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Amanda’s perspective is one of gratitude. She firmly believes her car accident was a blessing in disguise:
“That crash saved my life. Otherwise, I could still be walking around with that tumor growing inside me.”
Finding Strength and Support
Amanda credits her boyfriend, Ryan, and her best friend, Nick, as her unwavering support system.
“They were there every day — through the surgery, recovery, and remission,” she says.
Their strength helped her push through the darkest moments, and today, Amanda continues to live life to the fullest — enjoying lifting weights, running, video games, mountain biking, anime, concerts, art, history, and traveling.
A Second Chance at Life
Since her surgery, Amanda has attended three annual follow-up appointments, all of which have come back clear. She remains cancer-free and deeply appreciative of the medical team that guided her through the journey.
“This whole experience taught me to really listen to your body,” Amanda shares. “Don’t ignore warning signs, and take care of yourself. Life is truly precious.”
Amanda’s Advice for Others
Amanda hopes her story will encourage others to be proactive about their health and never take time for granted:
“Listen to your body — even the small aches and pains. Don’t delay screenings or checkups, especially if you have a family history of cancer. Demand more insight from your doctors, eat better, stay active, and protect yourself from toxins. Life is a gift — take care of it.”
Amanda’s story reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to lifesaving discoveries. Her courage and resilience are an inspiration to all who face the climb against kidney cancer.