stage 4 kidney cancer

My father was just diagnose with stage 4 kidney cancer that has spread to lungs, liver, and they think to his lymph nodes. They gave him 6mo to 1 year and said they will put him on a hormone to slow down the process, and told my mom to keep him comfortable and let him eat what he wants. This was told to us just yesterday. I feel like they are just letting him die. This is so new to us and it seems there is so much more treatment out there just to give up. I am open to any suggestions.

Thank You, A concerned Daughter

The prognosis for stage IV kidney cancer is quite poor, but don't just roll over and give up.  We were told the same thing when my husband was diagnosed on June 27, 2008.  The doctor gave him about 4 to 6 months to live, but Dave was immediately put on Torisel, and now 8 months later he is still doing pretty well.  The Torisel actually shrunk ALL the tumors and has saved his life.  We are so thankful that the doctor started him on the Torisel right away.  I encourage you to dig a little deeper and see what treatment options are available.  There are several drugs out there for end-stage kidney cancer.  In my opinion, Torisel is the biggest, baddest one and since my husband was "so far gone" when he was diagnosed, the doctor decided to put him on the most powerful one first.  It hasn't been without some pretty harsh side effects (mouth sores), but my husband says it has been worth it.

The unfortunate thing is that most of these drugs don't work for a long time.  If you're lucky they will work well for a while, but then they seem to lose their effectiveness and you have to switch to something else.  We had to switch from Torisel to Sutent 3 weeks ago as the Torisel is no longer working, but it did give Dave 8 good months which he wouldn't have had if he had given up when diagnosed.

Dave's cancer has spread from kidney to both lungs, lymph nodes, and brain.  It is a grim prognosis, but as long as your dad isn't in tremendous pain or suffering I suggest considering getting him on some treatment that might prolong his life and give him some good quality of life.  The doctor might have thought your dad couldn't have much quality of life by trying to prolong things, and that is something only you and your family can decide with your doctor's guidance.  I am assuming your dad is doing well, but if he is very sickly or in pain then hospice might be the best option. 

I will keep you and your family in my prayers,

Nancy

When my husband was diagnosed Stage 4, he had mets to lymph nodes, but fortunately, not to lungs or brain.  He has been through several treatments, including Interleukin 4, a trial student, a nephrectomy, a second surgery, Nexavar, and now, Sutent.  The bad news is that all of these have side effects that affect his life to some degree.  The good news is, he has lived 7 years since the first diagnosis.  If you need to, get a second opinion for treatment options.  It won't hurt you to do so.

 Best wishes to you and yours,

Wynette

I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in December 2007, I also had secondary tumours (mets) on my lungs and bone in my ankle. I was put onto Interferon for 4 months and I had my kidney removed at the end of January this year.

They biopsed my kidney and the tumour was gone a CT scan last September showed only 1 of the tumours on my lung still there and my Onclogist felt that was probably inactive, and the tumour in my ankle looks to be gone. They cannot tell me I am totally clear of cancer and I will require frequent scans but I now feel I have a future.

I hope this shows there is hope for your Father.

 Steve

I am so sorry to here about your husband. How did he deal with the news at first and also you? This is so much to handle and understand all at once. I am afraid for how my father will deal with this.

He has an appointment with the oncologist on tues, so we will find out exactly what we are dealing with and what meds they will put him on. Its hard to get use to someone putting a time limit on your life.

Good luck and take care!