now accepting new members

one KIDNEY CLUB

Pawleys Island, SC

Renal Cell Carcinoma

On April 9th, Matthew was very suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney cancer. Intense pain sent him to the ED where a routine CT scan showed not only two kidney stones but also a large mass indicated to be a renal cell carcinoma. Within 5 days the diagnosis was confirmed by both a local urologist as well as the top urological oncologist in the state. A radical nephrectomy (full kidney removal) will be performed in the coming weeks.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults but quite rare at Matthew’s age with only about 9% of cases diagnosed in patients under 46. Awesome.

Start at the begining

blog posts

Julia Ryan 4/20/25 Julia Ryan 4/20/25

Create something

Doing the only thing I know how to do. Create.

Julia Ryan 4/20/25 Julia Ryan 4/20/25

Scan results

Renal Cell Carcinoma. Kidney Cancer. CT with contrast scan results.

Julia Ryan 4/18/25 Julia Ryan 4/18/25

Wrapped around

Julia Ryan 4/17/25 Julia Ryan 4/17/25

Let’s go.

Well, FFS. Matthew has cancer.

'Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Goodness of God by CeCe Winans
The sun comes up It's a new day dawning It's time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass And whatever lies before me Let me be singing When the evening comes

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman and Steve Angrisano
You have led me through the fire. In darkest night You are close like no other. I've known You as a Father. I've known You as a Friend. And I have lived in the goodness of God

Goodness of God by CeCe Winans
Way Maker Miracle worker Promise keeper Light in the darkness My God That is who you are

Way Maker by Sinach

prayer requests

Containment

Pray that the tumor does not invade the surrounding tissue, specifically beyond the perirenal fascia.

Faithfulness

Pray that Matthew is able to stay positive and focused on his body’s magnificent ability for full and complete healing.

Pain Management

Pray the stones pass on their own or are successfully and painlessly removed during the procedure on Tuesday.

Normalcy

Pray that Wells and Tagg are able to maintain a sense of normalcy and continuity in their daily life. With a steadfast knowledge that this, too, shall pass.