August 2010: Redden Crisp

Featuring:    Redden Crisp
Written By:  Karen Crisp

Kidney Cancer Warriors Support Group Member
KarenCrisp on KCW/Chat

Redden’s Story

This is my husband, Redden Crisp, currently 57 years old and born in Germany. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June 2004. Originally, he went in for a routine physical and complaints of possible prostate problems. Blood test results warranted a CT scan of his kidneys. I remember looking at his CT scan. One kidney was shaped as it should be and the other kidney was overcome by what looked like a huge blob that covered up the entire kidney. The Urologist said the kidney had to come out. Prior to the radical nephrectomy in July 2004, Redden had a battery of pre-op tests that included a chest x-ray, bone scan, another CT scan and more blood work. I know all these tests were to see if there were possible mets anywhere. After had fully recovered from the nephrectomy and, as there was no need for chemo or any medications or treatments, Redden felt he had dodged the bullet and complaints of prostate problems had saved his life.


After 5 years and 4 months NED (no evidence of disease), the kidney cancer had returned. Once again, complaints of prostate problems saved his life. In November 2009 during a physical and a routine CT scan of his kidney, the radiologist noticed a spot on one lung. These CT scans usually will show a portion of the lung. A CT scan of the lungs revealed 2 spots, 1 on each lung. We got this lovely news the day before Thanksgiving. After the holidays, there were more tests and a PET Scan. The PET Scan confirmed the 2 nodules on the lungs, 1 on each lung; but, the good news was he did not light up like a Christmas tree (no other hot spots anywhere. The way PET Scans work is by injecting the patient with glucose. The glucose goes directly to actively growing cancer cells and when scanned, these areas "light up" - they are called "hot spots.")


The surgeon said that since Redden was in excellent health and in good shape, other than the 2 nodules, he could have both lungs resectioned during 1 surgery instead of having 1 lung nodule removed, recover a bit and come back 2-3 weeks later to operate and remove the other nodule on the other lung. Redden chose to have both lungs done at the same time. The surgeon said pain wise it would be similar to that of broken ribs.


At this point Redden was given 3 options:

Wait and See - wait 3 months and come back for a CT scan and we can see if the size of the nodules change

a biopsy - which the surgeon did not recommend because of the size of the nodules it can be hit or miss as to whether the biopsy needle would actually hit the exact spot. Thus, if it does not hit the nodule then the biopsy will come back negative but actually can be positive

Surgery - to remove the nodules and right away send it to the lab to see what it is (RCC mets, primary lung cancer or benign nodules)

We opted for surgery. On January 11, 2010, Redden had surgery. During the first week he had lots pain in the chest and was taking pain meds around the clock. More painful during the night. His appetite was normal. He had to use the incentive spirometer several times a day. He had several broken ribs in the past from a motorcycle accident and knew all too well the pain that comes with it. During this post lung surgery recovery, the pain never got to the level of intensity as he had with the broken ribs. After a few days, he went for daily walks around the neighborhood a couple times a day and was back to work full capacity in 3 weeks. Biopsy of the two nodules revealed it was RCC that had metastasized to his lungs. Redden is now stage 4, grade 3 metastatic kidney cancer. From now on, it will be more frequent CT scans and follow-ups.

Redden says cancer was an awakening experience for him with very little suffering and he feels very lucky. He has learned to enjoy life and not worry so much about the little things. Thankfully, he was able to have surgery to remove the 2 nodules on his lungs. He feels very fortunate to have the best medical care one could ask for at Kaiser. Redden is currently working full time at UCLA as a Registered Nurse. Redden's hobbies include motorcycles, birds, rode and mountain biking, snowshoeing and boating. We often go on long bike rides for pleasure and exercise. In the winter, we enjoy hiking and snowshoeing. In the summer, its biking and boating. We are both vegan and practice calorie restriction.

author unknown

Cancer is so limited......

It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot eat away peace
It cannot destroy confidence
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot shut out memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot reduce eternal life
It cannot quench the Spirit

Live for today for the past is gone and the future is not here yet.




Redden is no longer with us.  He won his battle against kidney cancer and will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Redden Crisp
California