Hi Donna,
You did not mention your Dad’s age or general health. Technically Nexavar is not chemotherapy but Targeted cellular therapy. You will find we like to be technically accurate. Long term success is kind of a slippery slope, RCC is a stealthy cancer and can lay dormant for years before popping up again. Depending on the stage and other factors, several treatments are used in addition to surgery. IL-2, Interferon-A, Nexavar, Torisel, Sutent, Afinitor (just approved) and others that are being tested. I am always suspicious of “to OLD”. During my treatment for RCC I have had an Aortic Valve replacement. I have had bouts of arrhythmia and I am presently on Sutent (37.5) 28 days on 14 days off. I will be switching to Afinitor within the next 2-3 weeks not because the Sutent has stopped working but because I have developed some side effects that concern my ONC. Elevated Liver enzymes and low platelet count. Is your Dad’s ONC familiar with RCC? Have you asked how many RCC patients are being treated? RCC is not a “common” cancer and many ONC’s do not treat RCC on a regular basis. Consider a second opinion. I am 66 and I do not feel old except when the twins (Gabby and Bella) have spent the day here they are 4 ½. The side effects of almost all Cancer treatments are unpleasant and maintaining a positive attitude is EXTREAMLY IMPORTANT, as is support from those around you.