Kidney Cancer Unfiltered: Living With Multiple Cancers, Amy Plazer
In season 2, episode 5 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia connected with Amy Plazer, who shared her unique experience of being diagnosed with both kidney and thyroid cancer within 10 days. Amy reflects on the challenges of managing symptoms, treatments, and the emotional toll of two separate cancer journeys while maintaining resilience and grace.
Amy discussed the complexities of survivorship, including the ongoing side effects of treatment, navigating having multiple doctors, and balancing care for her single kidney while facing a thyroid cancer diagnosis. She shared how her strong support system — particularly her husband — has helped her, even as she grapples with feelings of guilt and worry as a mother of three.
Amy and Annamaria also talked about their shared frustration over the lack of research into possible connections between kidney and thyroid cancer, calling for more attention and answers to help survivors understand the root causes.
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For those seeking support and further resources, the Kidney Cancer Association offers:
- A Patient Navigator Program to guide patients through their journey
- Various support groups, including a Facebook support group, where patients and their families can find community and understanding.
- Additionally, the KCA blog is an excellent place to connect with others and stay informed.
Todays webinar was informative but the thing that stood out the most was when the Q&A lady mentioned there are patients with papillary thyroid ca and Chromophobe ca. the worst part of this is feeling alone. We joke I’m a walking lab rat bc every appt seems to be the same. I’m getting the providers attention finally but they don’t have answers or anything to offer. Mentally there have been days they seem surprised I’m still here and others around me act like what’s the big deal bc I’m mastering faking it and sucking it up. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been searching for support because I’ve felt so alone.
I am a Navy Veteran, mother of 3 children and cancer warrior. In 2008 I felt some lumps above my collarbones and went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer Stage IV and had to have a total thyroidectomy. In 2020 I went to the ER during Covid19 for an umbilical hernia, and they gave me a CT scan where they discovered a mass on my right kidney that would become Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma Stage I. I got a partial nephrectomy when the hospitals allowed since cancer was not essential surgery during Covid. In 2022 my dermatologist sent me to get genetic testing done and it was discovered I had a Chek2 mutation. The Veterans Health Administration now deemed me high-risk for cancer. In 2025 I got an MRI on my kidneys to check for reoccurrence of cancer. A new mass was discovered on my left kidney that is strongly suspected as being Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma again. Currently, I am working with my doctors on the path best for me for the treatment of this mass and plans for what will happen in the future.