February 23, 2009 my husband had a 17cm cancerous tumor removed along with his right kidney. The diagnosis came back Kidney Angiosarcoma, which is apparently very rare. Further tests revealed the cancer had already metasticized to the lungs and liver. The complete diagnosis was Stage IV Kidney Angiosarcoma.
We know now there are less than 30 cases of this type of cancer ever diagnosed. There is no known successful treatment.
We struggled over going to a big clinic/hospital somewhere.......the cancer was moving unbelievabley fast. Within 2 weeks time the tumors in his lungs had doubled in size and number, collapsing his right lung. We love our Oncologist and decided to stay home and battle cancer surrounded by family and friends.
The doctor decided to try him on a chemo cocktail of Gemzar and Taxotere. His goal was to hopefully add "months" to his life which was originally targeted at LESS than 6 months. He assured us that he would still have a good quality of life on this chemo. This was a real concern to us because we did not want him to spend the rest of his short life sicker than a dog. He wasn't. I did "knock his socks" off a bit, and the treatment had to be stopped 2 treatments short of the goal which was the end of June, 2009.
Since then, he has regained his strength and his spirit is strong. The scans continue to show the cancer is in a holding mode. The chemo shrunk most of the mets and they were continuing to just "be there" and no grow.
In the past 8 months we've set and achieved numerous goals. Rick was able to see his 2nd grandson born.....and walk his youngest daughter down the aisle at her wedding (which was moved up 9 months due to his illness). We have traveled as much as possible. When we has "grounded" from flying due to his collapsed lung and blood clots in both lungs, we took the Amtrak. Two weeks from today we will take our kids, spouses and grandkids on a cruise to the Mexican Riveria with us.
The Oncologist reminded us last week that once the cancer begins to grow again, it will have probably built up antibodies toward chemo so that probably won't be an option.
We continue to praise and trust God.....and LIVE. Every minute we live, love and laugh.
Keep the faith.......and LIVE!
Thanks for listening,
Pam