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Good morning.  My dad was diagnosed with RCC in October after having his kidney removed.  They found a 7cm tumor growing into the renal vein, which also attached itself to his back wall.  We recently found out that the cancer has spread to his liver, lung and chest wall.  Up until about two weeks ago, he was essentially symptom-free.  Now, he is in unbearable pain and in the hospital.  He started Sutent last Tuesday, but began to have fever, cramps and shortness of breath, so they doctors have suspended it.  I am out of my mind with worry and fear waiting to hear what is next.  It all seems to be moving so fast.  Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?  Thank you.

Hi Chrisann:

I also experienced this with my husband. Did you speak with the drs. and what are they saying? Renal Cell Cancer is a sneaky cancer. Can they try another drug other than the Sutant. I would ask them if they can use the Torisel. Maybe that would be better for your dad.  I think they give it IV and some people say the side effects are not as bad as the Sutant. If you want anymore info please let me know.

Can they do radiation?

Best regards

Bernadette

 

Hi!

Thanks so much for your reply.  I finally spoke to the drs yesterday.  Dad has been off Sutent for 2 days now and is still having the shortness of breath and abdominal cramps.  They've brought in a lung specialist because they think the breathing problems are not related to Sutent. One is more stabilized, they are going to try Sutent again.  Unfortunately, since his cancer is spread to both sides of the body, they say radiation is not an option because it would be too toxic and is not really effective at treating this type of cancer.  Since his cancer is moving aggressively, they want to employ a systemic treatment.  If the Sutent does not work, we are going to move onto Nexavar, Torisel or possibly a clinical trial.  How did the Torisel work for your husband?

 

 

 

On 5/13/2008 chrisann wrote:

Good morning.  My dad was diagnosed with RCC in October after having his kidney removed.  They found a 7cm tumor growing into the renal vein, which also attached itself to his back wall.  We recently found out that the cancer has spread to his liver, lung and chest wall.  Up until about two weeks ago, he was essentially symptom-free.  Now, he is in unbearable pain and in the hospital.  He started Sutent last Tuesday, but began to have fever, cramps and shortness of breath, so they doctors have suspended it.  I am out of my mind with worry and fear waiting to hear what is next.  It all seems to be moving so fast.  Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?  Thank you.

Good subject!  There are so many subjects, it is difficult to find the ones which pertain.  Hopefully, the web site will find a way to overcome that.

How are you doing now?  My wife has been on Sutent for 3 cycles, w/ some success.  Pax.