bjazzycat

This is my first time EVER doing something like this, so I will probably make many mistakes. But, with a big Thank You to the creator, here it goes ... I am not the patient, but my question is "Can you live without kidneys?" I read some of the threads, but am confused by some of the abbreviations. What is ESRD? What is PD or HD? Also, is it completely impossible for a patient who has had cancer in both kidneys, and had them both removed to get a kidney transplant? What are the guidelines for that? (The Dr. stated he did not see any evidence of any remaining cancer). I do not have the exact name of the cancer, but was told it is Renal Cell __something, that doesn't respond well to chemo. If a patient is a candidate for a transplant, how long after the surgery is one put on the list? I have read that a smoker is not a good candidate for transplant surgery, is that true? I realize the patient will need to rely solely on dialysis from this point forward, but understand that it is quite possible to live a full life in this condition - is that correct? I know nothing about dialysis, but will attempt to educate myself about it. How often is dialysis done for someone with no kidneys? Is it possible to do it at home? I appreciate any explanations users could offer.