Can treatment be successful??

My sis just found out that her renal cancer has mets to her lungs and a lymph node near her airway.  We will meet with her regular doc on Friday who will refer to specialist. Just trying to figure out what type of treatment she will be able to receive.

The surgeon said he cannot do anything more (as far as removal) to her lungs because there are too many nodules to be removed. 

It has only been 5 months since we discoved she had kidney cancer...it spread that fast!  We are so scared.  What are we in store for?

Thanks.  God Bless.

Danielle

Danielle,

YES,YES, I presume your sister had a nephrectomy of some sort. Are you saying that she had no follow with an ONC that specializes in RCC!!!!! I bet the surgeon, who like almost all of them said after surgery “Don’t worry I got it all” if that is the case I would not trust this “doc!!” to refer her to a manicurist let alone an ONC. First, check with Ins. Co and with local chapter of the Cancer Society for a list of ONC’s that are experienced in treating RCC. It is probably to late for the better tolerated drugs like Nexavar or Torisel. However, it is really dependant on how far the RCC has spread. Likely, the ONC will try Sutent of Afinitor they are both very successful at reducing lung Mets Don’t know about lymph nodes. Mine were removed I have also had three lung resections to remove Mets. I am presently on Afinitor I was on Sutent for 17 cycles but switched to Afinitor because I developed a problem with Liver toxicity on Sutent. I had several small Mets to right lung that were inoperable they are almost gone. There are many treatment options available and a lot of HOPE. Again, find a good RCC ONC do not be afraid to ask about experience and if he doesn’t know what the drugs I mentioned are RUN. Do not be surprised if no mention of Chemo or Radiation is made, as although these are frequent treatments for Cancer and almost everyone expects them they are rarely used for RCC except for some Brain and Bone Mets. RCC is usually treated with drug therapy. Please hang onto the fact that Stage 4 RCC can be treated and often responses to intensive drug therapy it is Not Hopeless and do not take the statistics to seriously you will find that there a lot of us here that have been “LIVING” with stage 4 RCC for a long time. Best of luck to your Sis and please keep a positive and supportive attitude.

 

Tom  

Each indidual will respond differantly to the medications and treatments given. The point is not to give up and be agressive in treatment. If possible try to go to a clinic that specializes in this type of cancer . I myself took the time to go to the mayo clinic after I was first diagnosed and they developed an agressive treatment plan.

Originally when diagnosed I was given 6 mos to live and that was Dec 17, 2007. I had my right kidney removed and have received Radiation treatment on both femurs ( had to have a pin placed in the right femur to prevent the bone from breaking )and lower spine and left shoulder and clavicle.

I was on nexavar for almost 18 mos before an xray noticed that I had some progression in my right femur and had additional radiation. Now on Afinator  for about  75 days  have had less side affects than when on nexavar. However it does increase my blood pressure and has cause more increased anxiety when agitated  , more weakness and fatique than when on nexavar .  It does not hurt to get additional opinions as to treatment and meds to use, all are expensive but do not give up  and prayers are always good . biggest thing is to give support  and understanding. good luck

 

Hi Danielle,

My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV RCC in June 2008.  His main "symptom" was severe coughing.  At the time we thought his cough was due to a cold or the flu, but a CXR revealed a problem, CT confirmed there were between 30 and 40 nodules in the lungs.  There was a huge primary tumor on his left kidney, mets to both lungs, and some large mets to the lymph nodes in the chest.  It was the large lymph nodes and lung mets that caused the coughing.  At the time of diagnosis Dave was very weak, and the doctor didn't think he'd live more than a few months.  The doctor told us he couldn't have a nephrectomy because he was so "far gone" and so weak he wouldn't make it off the operating table. 

He started Dave on Torisel immediately.  After only a few weeks the tumors had shrunk, and the cough had disappeared.  Dave was looking and feeling much better.  In fact, he was able to have his nephrectomy in November.  The Torisel worked well for 8 months, then CT showed tumors growing again.  He switched to Sutent, which he is still on after 7 months.

Don't give up hope.  The Torisel saved Dave's life.  It had some pretty nasty side effects, but they were worth it. 

Nancy

Hi

I was diagnosed with rcc with mets on my lungs and bone of my left kidney in December 2007. I was put onto Interferon for 4 months which successfully reduced the size of all of my tumours.

At the end of January 2009 I had a Nephretomy to remove my left kidney and the biopsey of the kidney showed that the Interferon had completely destroyed the tumour.

Since the operation I have had a couple of CT scans and I still have a couple of nodules on one lung and a rib and pelvic bone but my Oncologist does not think they are still active and he does not plan a CT scan for a year.

I know I have been lucky that Interferon worked so well for me as I know it has not worked for many people but I hope my case gives you some hope for your sister.

Steve 

My husband had left kidney removed in November of 2007 and six months later had mets to both lungs.  Oncologist placed him on high doses of Avastin and Nexavar.  The nodules have really shrunk, even to the point that they are barely seen and he is in remission.  Since your sister's symptoms seem so similar to my husband's I thought I would share this information.  He felt really, really bad at first.  No appetite, loss of most of his hair, skin irritations, extreme fatigue.  However, he says that he can handle since he knows the treatment is working.  The news has been good since beginning this treatment.  A few months ago he began felling bad again but turned out to be gall bladder at which time they removed.  I hope this information is helpful.  God Bless!

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