Rod Mazza
Lifesaving Kidney Stones
During a bout with Covid, Rod began taking over-the-counter-medication to ease a lingering headache. After what he feared was the ‘prolonged use’ of medication, he began experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. Concerned that he had misused medication, Rod worried he was experiencing an overdose.
Rod’s wife called an ambulance.
At the hospital, the doctors determined that what he was experiencing was kidney stones. Once the stones passed, Rod was relieved and eager to get the rest of his test results and go home.
But when the doctor returned, he said they needed to conduct another CAT-scan. “I thought it was odd, and I was right. The doctor told me he found something more.”
Rod’s Story
Rod is a hardworking family man from Windsor. He has enjoyed the bustling routine of juggling commitments with his career, his wife, and his kids. His life was full. But then his entire world came to a sudden stop when he received his diagnosis.
When the results of his second CAT-scan revealed a cancerous tumour, Rod’s mind started racing; his thoughts were overwhelming and extreme.
“Those first ten minutes after being told you have cancer… There’s no words for it. What am I going to do with my kids? I don’t have a will. Who’s going to take care of everything? Who will help my wife?” Suddenly, questions he had never asked himself before, were the only thoughts he had.
Rod forced his mind to slow down. He took a deep breath, and allowed himself to focus on his doctor’s orders. Knowing there was a treatment plan allowed him to find hope.
I’m Extremely Lucky They Found It When They Did
Rod had no symptoms of cancer, and believes the tumour had likely been growing slowly inside of him for a long time. It could have remained there, undetected, continuing to grow had it not been for his kidney stone. His official diagnosis was Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Kidney cancer- stage one. The doctor said the size and location of the tumour made him an excellent candidate for robotic surgery. Using the DaVinci Surgical Robot, doctors were able to remove the entire tumour while saving most of his kidney.
“I’m going to be here longer than I should have been. I’m lucky to be getting this second chance at life.”
Rod underwent robotic surgery here in Windsor, with his family by his side. A few days later, he was discharged and was able to finish his recovery at home.
Local High Caliber Doctors
Since receiving treatment, Rod has become acutely aware of the expertise at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, and he knows how important it is to have the support of our entire community to ensure experts have what they need to treat patients close to home.
“You’ve heard of people receiving great care out of town. To know that there are doctors of this caliber here, experts that know how to use these kinds of machines, it’s amazing.”
Raising Funds For The DaVinci Xi
Since his diagnosis, Rod has made personal connections with other kidney cancer survivors. He’s amazed at the advanced technology of the DaVinci Xi and other life-saving tools. He knows how crucial it is to have access to this kind of technology close to home. Recovery is always better when loved ones are nearby for support.
“I made friends with a few other kidney cancer survivors, and I’ve talked to them about what they’ve gone through. Some people have large gashes and scars across their bodies. I have four small holes. Some had to wait weeks to see their family, I was able to go home after just a few days.”
Rod’s Message To Supporters
Rod Is One Of Five Grow On Windsor Ambassadors
Rod, Jim, Jill, Gemma, and George are local cancer survivors who are sharing their stories in the hopes that you’ll Team Up for Grow On Windsor. Donate in honour of an Ambassador, or register today and raise funds to support world class care close to home.