Treatment- Sutent

2 1/2 years ago my 54 year old dad had to have a kidney removed. He has stage 4 renal cell cancer.  The surgery went well and life has been great up until a month ago.  My dad now has 5 tumors on his pancreas and 1 small mass on his lung. He is now 56 and although we as a family are staying VERY positive, I have to admit I am scared to death.  My dad began taking Sutent on Wednesday, November 21, 2007. We have high hopes, but still......... Can anyone share their story that would give me some more hope??  I realize this treatment works differently for everyone, but Im ok with that.  Thanks for reading. Laura

Hi, Laura:  I understand from your posting that you are looking for encouragement and hope.  I'm one who can give you a great story regarding Sutent.

My husband, John, had a kidney removed in 2005 with no follow-up needed.  In 2006, tumors were found in both lungs, having spread from his kidney prior to removal.  The news we got that day was devastating.  We had come in to the doctor expecting release when we were told he should "get his affairs in order" and expect no cure. My husband of 300 pounds almost passed out when he heard the decree.

We immediately found an oncologist who recommended he try Sutent if the tumors indeed were metasticized renal cell.  After a lung biopsy to determine that it was RCC, he began his first round of Sutent.  It has been nothing but good news since.

 After his second round, the CT scan showed considerable diminishing of the tumors in both lungs.  Some had "all but disappeared" and each was smaller.  After six rounds of Sutent, his CT scan last week showed "all clear" with no tumors noted at all.

The side effects are tolerable and the results appear to be positive.

Stay encouraged, keep the faith, and believe in miracles.

DiannaB

Dear Diane and John:

As I told another person that sent me a positive email.

GOD BLESS YOU.

I love my dad so much and not to mention he and my mom are so young; I cant imagine life without him.

We will continue to pray and stay positive. I will had you and John to my prayers.

Thank you for your story.

Laura from Minnesota

Hi Lauralee

Unfortunately   my case is not as wonderful as the previous reply but is very good and positive none the less. I have been on Sutent for 10 cycles with some minimal shrinkage. The best part is that there has been no progression of the mets in my lung and bones. Everything has remained stable and that is very good. I wish you all luck with Sutent therapy and I'm sure you will continue to receive or read about some remarkable storeies and people from this drug. Take care and may God Bless

 

                                               Paul from Plymouth MA

Hi Laura, I have been on sutent since March 2007. I had my right kidney out in December 2005 but by November 2006 I had two tumours in or around my bronchial tubes. After two cycles my tumours had shrunk by 20% and after the last CT scan there was a small 1 mm shrinkage to both tumours so all in all 21% shrinkage to both. My condition is now "stable" and I am due to have a further CT scan on 6/7 December 2007 to see how things are going. I feel fine although I have the usual side effects.

There are so many people trying to find more and more drugs to attack this and avastin is the latest on the list. In England they are doing trials for TROVAX which my nurse advises in the lab has produced amazing results. Tumours have literally died. They are now trying to find a way to get the TROVAX into the tumours within the body - sounds easy but it isnt.

The point is  a lot is happening and exciting things are around the corner. 

All the luck in the world! 

Railwayman

 

 

 

 

Re my last message - correction - I had my kidney removed in 2004 ! Never could type!

 

Railwayman

My mom is on her 2nd round of Sutent and is experiencing a variety of side effects.  Mouth sores are very common and she uses a prescription mouth wash.  To brush her teeth she uses Biotene toothepaste (also has a mouthwash).  She has daily nose bleeds and is now experiencing headaches.  She has a few sores on her hands, feet, belly button and neck.  She is using a hand cream as well as anti-fungal powder for those.  Some days are good and some are bad. Unfortunately the bad days are the ones we remember the most.  We are still searching for something to help with the nosebleeds and headaches but have not found anything yet.  As far as being tired she goes to work every day but does get tired by the afternoon.  Always remember to call the doctor because they usually have a solution to the side effects.  Good luck!