waiting to start sutent and scared

Can someone help me with the side effects of sutent. I read all there is to read and am terrified. Is it really as bad as all that and is it normal to have tooth loss? I've just been told in August that I have rcc and its spread to the bone marrow in the sacrum(between the hips). Had my right kidney remove in Sept and now wating to start sutent along with iv zometa.

hi

my dad was on sutent for 14 months.  to start with he didnt feel too bad. the main side effects he suffered was nausea (this was controlled with anti nausea tablets or injections) the other side effect he had was he couldnt taste food(said it was like cardboard) we found strong flavours helped(not too spicy though as this can burn the mouth) and to eat little and often.

reading all the side effects can be scary but most people wont get them all and my dad would agree that the odd side effect was worth it.  sadly sutent has stopped working for him and he is now on a new drug.  everolimus(afinitor)he now has mouth sores as a side effect but this website is a wealth of info and have found many tips to help him.

good luck and thinking of you

wendie

Hi, am on Sutent right now, my first cycle, renal cancer metasized to the lungs. My own side effects are minimal, a constant hot flash which lasted maybe 2 weeks. insomnia for the last 2 days. itching and painful rash down in the genital region. On the great side, used to cough every time I tried to say anything, that tapered off a week ago. I can now speak full sentences. no nausea or vomiting or hair loss. but that is just my own experiences. you may do better or worse.

also, had my right kidney removed 7 weeks ago then started sutent.