My Kidney Cancer Journey: How a Routine Exam Changed My Life

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This is a guest post by Kevin O’Hanlon, 49, from New York, married to Jane, and together they have four sons.

Life has a way of shifting in an instant—often when we least expect it. My journey with kidney cancer began not with pain or alarming symptoms, but with something far more routine: my annual physical exam.

A Small Concern That Opened a Big Door

During my checkup, I mentioned to my primary care physician an abnormality I had noticed during a self-exam. It wasn’t causing intense pain, but it didn’t feel normal, and something told me it needed attention. My doctor agreed and scheduled a sonogram. The results revealed nothing too unusual.

A week later, I went to my urologist for my annual prostate exam. I told him about the sonogram results, expecting just a confirmation of what my primary doctor had already found. By the grace of God, after examining me, he said something that would change my life:

“I want you to get a kidney scan.”

No urgency. No fear. Just caution. And that caution saved my life.

The Scan That Changed Everything

When the results came back, the news was far more serious than any of us anticipated. The kidney scan revealed a large tumor in my left kidney. A follow-up CT scan with contrast confirmed it—a tumor approximately 10 centimeters, along with a swollen lymph node.

Hearing those words—“You have a tumor”—is something no one can ever truly be prepared for. In a matter of moments, normal life shifted into survival mode.

January 13, 2025: The Day Everything Became Real

On January 13, 2025, I underwent a radical nephrectomy, where my entire left kidney was removed along with 12 lymph nodes. Out of those twelve, one tested positive for cancer.

Waking up from surgery, I knew the fight wasn’t over—but I also knew I wasn’t fighting alone. From the very beginning, I placed my full faith in Jesus Christ.

My Treatment Today: Hope Through Innovation

Currently, I am receiving immunotherapy, a treatment designed to help my immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In addition, I am participating in a V940 clinical trial. V940 is a cutting-edge cancer vaccine aimed at preventing recurrence by training the immune system to target the cancer more effectively.

Being part of this trial gives me hope—not only for myself, but for everyone facing a similar diagnosis. Advances like these remind me that research saves lives.

My Life as a 9/11 Cancer Survivor

I am also a certified 9/11 cancer survivor, part of a community that knows firsthand what it means to endure, rebuild, and rise again.

That experience taught me resilience. It taught me patience. And most importantly, it taught me that life after diagnosis is still life—and it is still worth fighting for.

Why I’m Sharing My Story

I’m sharing my journey for one reason: awareness.

If I hadn’t spoken up during that physical—if my doctor hadn’t been cautious—my tumor might have remained hidden until it was too late. Kidney cancer is often silent until it becomes advanced. Listening to your body, paying attention to changes, and getting regular checkups can truly be lifesaving.

Moving Forward

My journey isn’t over. There are still treatments, follow-ups, and challenges ahead. But there is also hope, strength, and a community of people who care.

Cancer may have changed my path, but it hasn’t changed my determination. And if my story encourages even one person to get checked, speak up, or take a symptom seriously, then sharing it is worth every word.