11Th Cycle Of Sutent-My First Message

I'm at the end of the 11th cycle of Sutent, and am thankful to show no sign of the mets that were found last year.  My labs are out of whack and I'm blessed with many of the side effects.  Have others of you experienced low platelets and anemia?

Looking forward to corresponding with you.

I'm happy to hear of your good fortune with sutent. I went through 3 cycles and then had a cat scan. Sutent did not work for me.

 Yes,  also had problems maintaining the proper platelet level and became anemic. Other bad side effects were constantly present.

I wish you continued good luck with sutent.

I am on my 5th cycle of Sutent and also have trouble with low blood platelets, but the platelet count always goes back to normal when I'm on my two week off period.  This seems to be a side-effect with Sutent.

I have RCC - Stage 4 found in February of this year.  The only treatment I've had is Sutent.  All my tumors both on kidney and lungs have shrunk and one on my left lung is completely gone.

Very happy with Sutent and have been able to withstand all side effects so far. 

I'm 56 years old and looking for many more birthdays to come.

Hurley

Hurley,

Thanks for the information.  We seem to have a great deal in common.  I too was diagnosed with stage 4 RCC in September of 2004 and had surgery to remove the right kidney and a large tumor.  I was cancer free until June of 2006 when I was found to have a tumor beneath my liver.  I started on sutent at that time and currently am disease free but experiencing these other side effects.  In addition to the platelets being low, my creatnine is at 2.4 and causing my oncologist concern.  I'm 60 years of age and like you have plans for many more rounds of golf.  Best wishes and may God bless you with good health for many years to come.

I am just completing the 5th cycle of Sutent at 37.5 mgs. I, too, run very low on platelets; and, at the conclusion of cycle 2, required a transfusion for very low hgb. Since that time I have been on an iron supplement and am maintaining a good level of hgb. Platelets increase to low, but acceptable, levels during the hiatus period.

I am getting very good results on my lung mets and no mets showing up anywhere else.  I am finding my side effects more tolerable.

My history includes left nephrectomy in September of 1996. Met disease, lungs, partial lung resection August of 2005.  Right kidney tumor rfa March 2006. Sutent cycle 1, January, 2007.

Celebrated my 80th birthday with children and grandchildren July 2007. 

Hang in there.

Jarobo,

Thanks for responding and congratulations on your results.  I am on 50 mg dosage which has killed my thyroid but am taking thyroid replacement doses.  Did you ever experience an increase in your creatnine level?  Mine is over twice what the normal range is.  I'm heading for my 61st birthday or as I like to say, the 22nd anniversary of my 39th birthday.  I hope you see many good years and continued success.

Geopow,

Begining with my nephrectomy in 1996 I ran a creat level at around 1.5. That is o.k.for a solo kidney. Since the tumor ablation in 2006 it has increased to around 1.7. I am no longer given oral contrast on my CT scans; only IV. The Intervention Radiologist who performed the tumor ablation prescribes the dosage. At 1.7 my Oncs aren't concerned.

Glad to hear your still playing golf. I haven't been able to play this summer for the first time. I think its the Sutent. Too pooped to play. Maybe next summer. 

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