Scott: Faith, Family, and the Fight to Stay Strong

When Scott, a 51-year-old small business owner and father of three, went to the doctor for what he thought was a routine stomach issue, he never imagined how drastically life was about to change.

A CT scan that day revealed something unexpected — a large mass on his right kidney. His doctor’s tone on the phone told him everything he needed to know: this was serious.

“She said a large mass was discovered on my right kidney and that I should be seen by a specialist immediately,” Scott recalls. “I was very concerned. I have three young children, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be around to raise them.”

A Scary Discovery

Within days, Scott met with a urologist who reviewed his scans. The tumor measured 10 centimeters wide — about the size of a grapefruit — and there was also a smaller growth on his other kidney.

“It looked like an ugly wig sitting on top of my kidney,” Scott says with a mix of humor and disbelief. “It just didn’t seem real. I’m in good shape, I work out regularly — the idea that I had a life-threatening disease seemed impossible.”

After consulting family members in the medical field, Scott was referred to Dr. Weight, a renowned kidney cancer specialist known for his confidence and compassion.

“He was calming and had a decisive plan of action,” Scott says. “He gave me hope when I needed it most.”

Two Surgeries, One Extraordinary Outcome

The treatment plan was surgical. Scott’s first operation took place on January 18th, during which Dr. Weight removed the tumor and was able to save half of the kidney — a far better outcome than expected.

“My recovery was tough. I went from 205 pounds down to 185,” Scott recalls. “But I was grateful. I knew I was on the other side of something big.”

A few weeks later, in February, Scott went in for his second surgery to address the smaller growth on his left kidney. But this time, there was a surprise.

“When I woke up, Dr. Weight told me the growth was cystic — not cancer — and didn’t need to be removed,” Scott says. “I was relieved and shocked. I hadn’t even considered that outcome.”

The recovery from that second surgery was easier, and his health continued to improve rapidly. His first follow-up scans showed no evidence of disease.

“The solution was entirely surgical,” he says. “No radiation, no chemo — and I feel incredibly fortunate.”

Back to Living Life Fully

Today, less than a year after surgery, Scott is back to doing what he loves — tubing, knee boarding, fishing, and weightlifting. His strength and energy have returned, and his gratitude runs deep.

“I’m up to 200 pounds again and feeling as good as I did before my diagnosis,” Scott says proudly. “I’ve been doing a super strenuous weightlifting program for the last two months, and I feel great.”

He credits his wife, family, and friends for helping him through the hardest moments.

“My wife was incredibly supportive,” he says. “And my friends and family gave me encouragement every step of the way. Talking to my kids about my disease was emotional, but I wanted them to see that I was fighting — and that many people survive this cancer.”

Words of Hope for Others

Scott’s advice for those newly diagnosed with kidney cancer is simple but powerful:

“Reach out to loved ones for support. You don’t have to go through it alone. Many people survive this cancer.”

A Story of Strength and Gratitude

Scott’s story is a testament to early action, excellent medical care, and the power of community. His courage and faith carried him through a frightening diagnosis to a new chapter of strength and hope.

Today, Scott lives life with renewed appreciation — lifting, laughing, and loving harder than ever before.