going from torisel to sutent

On 5/1/2009 Tamarakay wrote:

my husband has been on torisel for 9 weeks had a ct scan found out  that his tumors have grown so dr wants to start sutent with 4 weeks on 2 weeks off. how bad are side effects as he had bad ones with torisel and does anyone know if this sutent shrinks tumors? thank you for any advice. TamaraKay

Hello TamaraKay

I am just completing  3rd round of Sutent and all side effects have been tolerable.  You have to remember everyone's body is different, so there may be little side effects.  I have had elevated blood pressure, water retention & acid reflux but have medication for all & everything is working.  I had a CT scan after 2 rounds & my tumour is shrinking.  I am on 50 mg., 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off.  There are a lot of people who have amazing results with tumours shrinking and NED for awhile now.

Best of luck with you & your husband.

Joanne

Hello,

I am going to Sutent and I am not worried about side effects as long as it works. I have no tumors as I just had one removed from my left lower lung. The pain from the surgery is unreal, but the cancer is gone. I will be taking sutent as a preventive and have read and heard it works. My only questions is cost. My doctor states it is expensive. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and I was looking to see if anyone had issues with insurance gettting this approved or have some idea of cost. Please let me know. I will be 4 weeks on 2  weeks off for 2 years by the sound of it.

Thanks,

Mike

Hi I have been on sutent for 25 months. The side effects come and go sometimes bad sometimes bearable sometimes virtually none..... after being on the drug a long time I have high BP (controlled by drugs) and my thyroid is caput - the rest of the effects seem to centre on my throat, oesophagus stomache bowels - I am having tests tomorrow to see whats going on there as the drugs can cause ulcers and stomache related problems.... I get reflux a lot which needs more done to control it now.

Fatigue comes and goes. Hand and feet syndrome comes and goes. Some months good some bad but on balance its more good than bad. Its a gret drug if it works it keeps you alive and while it is doing that there is always hope of somthing else.

My tumours hace died in placesm alive in others, degraded in others so that is pretty good.

Railwayman