Fear Of The Unknown

My Dad was diagnosed 2 wks ago w/ stage IV RCC w/ mets to the lungs. He's got a 15cm tumor on his kidney that will be removed this Friday. His urologist seems to be pretty down to earth in regards to the possible problems and the severity of all this - but his oncologist has said so many wonderful things about Sutent (next step after the surgery) that I'm afraid my Dad is going to walk into this without knowing the risks.

I've referred him to this website, as so many of the postings have been helpful and insightful in my eyes. Hopefully that will be of assistance to him, too.

Can any one provide me with some good questions for him to ask both his urologist and/or oncologist about not only the surgery but the Sutent and it's side effects? I'm not sure where to begin.

I'm doing my best to stay positive - but he's all I have and I'm scared to death...

Any help is greatly appreciated...

~Alyssa

I would strongly encourage to join the free kidney cancer forum at:

 http://listserv.acor.org/archives/kidney-onc.html

 There are a ton of knowledgeable people on there, both patients, and advocates alike that understand what you are going through and can offer you advice on the latest treatment modalities, etc.

Good luck!!!!!

yes definitely join the acor list - it is an amazing source for information, hope, etc. on kidney cancer by people living it everyday. feel free to email me directly too llews104@yahoo.com

My husbands tumor was 14cm - and he is currently cancer free (crossing fingers and toes)

Hi, So sorry to hear that your dad is dealing with cancer.  My husband had a tumor on his kidney 18 months ago as well.  He had it removed successfully but they also found residual nodules on his lungs.  So he elected to try Sutent.  The only drawback was he was put on it too soon after surgery and he had an awful reaction to it.  But as time has gone on he has adjusted well to it with monor restrictions.  The doctors as well as us monitor blood pressure and keep track of all reactions.  I would suggest a reasonable amount of recovery time before starting Sutent unless the cancer is being very aggressive.  Having different levels of the Sutent helps too but whatever you decide, keep on it faithfully and know that it really does help.  We are so thankful to be where there are so many different new medicines being approved for treatment of cancer and not unreasonably priced.  God's blessings on you and your father.

Sue

Thank you all very much. I've sent that website on to my Dad - and I'm sure he'll find it extremely useful. This has been such a shock to us all - it's still setting in. Surgery is this Friday - I'm very nervous, but am doing my best to stay positive. Keep your fingers crossed for him!

~Alyssa