My Mom Has Recurrent Kidney Cancer

My mom was diagnosed in October with renal cell carcinoma or advanced recurrent kidney cancer.  She had kidney cancer fourteen years ago and had her left kidney removed.  She did not receive treatment because the doctors said it was confined in her kidney.  Fourteen years later it has returned in her liver, lungs, and pancreas.  My mom began Sutent over 2 weeks ago but had to take a break for a week.  She came down with a very bad cold and ended up in the hospital for a few days with very high fevers.  Her white count is still down and she goes back to the doctor on Monday to find out when she can go back on the Sutent.  It is given four weeks on and two off but she has the option of two weeks on and one week off.  I am reading positive things on Sutent and we are praying that it works for our mom.  The side effect that she feels most is fatigue but is still working.  She is also having a difficult time finding things to eat that appeal to her.  Any suggestions?  I have found that cold food seems to appeal to her more.  

I think when I had my worse side effects was on my first cycle at 50 mg and I lived on Ice Cream and Ensure. I reduced to 37.5 mg for 2 cycles and was able to eat some things but I agree cold things were the best. After the 2, 37.5 cycles I went back to 50 mg with much less side effects and and now I have completed 6 cycles and I am feeling much better. So in my case try to stick it out because it works and can reduce the tumors size or at least stop them from further growth. Regardless my prayers are with you and your Mom.

Love to all

Sanphan

 

 

On 11/15/2007 Missy102677 wrote:

My mom was diagnosed in October with renal cell carcinoma or advanced recurrent kidney cancer.  She had kidney cancer fourteen years ago and had her left kidney removed.  She did not receive treatment because the doctors said it was confined in her kidney.  Fourteen years later it has returned in her liver, lungs, and pancreas.  My mom began Sutent over 2 weeks ago but had to take a break for a week.  She came down with a very bad cold and ended up in the hospital for a few days with very high fevers.  Her white count is still down and she goes back to the doctor on Monday to find out when she can go back on the Sutent.  It is given four weeks on and two off but she has the option of two weeks on and one week off.  I am reading positive things on Sutent and we are praying that it works for our mom.  The side effect that she feels most is fatigue but is still working.  She is also having a difficult time finding things to eat that appeal to her.  Any suggestions?  I have found that cold food seems to appeal to her more.  

Good Morning,

Well, it looks as though  you certainly have a lot to deal with right now.  I wish I had some great news for you to help your Mom work all this out, but I am afraid I must pose a question about this Sutent. What is this?

I had a Nephrectomy (partial, right kidney) due to renal cell carcinoma 11 yrs. ago. Now it seems as though another cyst is being found on the left kidney, though small, I am worried.  I was just wondering where I can get info on this Sutent. is it on this site?

I hope your Mom recovers totally, I care about her condition and also how you are handling all this. If you would like to, please email me or post message anytime and I will respond.

 Take Care,

Deb

 

Deb -

   Sorry to hear about your new battle.  Sutent is a very new drug and has been out for about one year.  The website www.sutent.com has all of the information on it about Sutent.  Also www.chemocare.com has alot of information regarding side effects.  It is a very expensive drug but my mom's insurance covers it.  She gets multiple side effects such as mouth/hand sores, many bloody noses, congestion, headaches and fatigue.  It is given 28 days on and 2 days off via a 50 mg pill.  She is in her 2nd round right now and very tired this last week of it.  There are variations on the way it can be taken and a doctor can help you with that.  On the kidney cancer association website there is also more info about the drug and its effectiveness.  Good luck and let me know if there is more information I can help you with.  God Bless.

 - Melissa