I was dianosed with kidney cancer in 2004. Two weeks after I had a right nephrectomy. I had a 9cm grade 3 tumour. I was told the op was "curative" I thought that meant I was cured - WRONG - it meant the tumour all came out. Later when I saw the original xrays of my kidney before the op they showed that the tumour had a small "bubble" before removal, I assume that meant it had broken its integrity and was in my system. Anyway my Surgeon was so sure I would be okay after surgery that he put me on 12 month xrays. The first were all clear, the second taken in November 2006 showed "a mark" I was told. That xray was not read until February 2007. I then insisted on CT scan that showed two tumours not one. One 4.3 cm the other 2.5 located behind my bronchial tubes one on top of a lymph node. For a variety of reasons I lost faith in the local hospital. I could buy sutent which was considered my best option. I have BUPA (and am I grateful for that) BUPA have been wonderful, I was referred by my GP to the Royal Marsden in London and BUPA are currently paying for all the treatment excet for my flights from Aberdeen where I live, to London.
I am now on my fourth cycle and due a CT scan this week. The last CT scan showed a 20% reduction in both tumours and a slight loss of density in one, the largest.
The Marsden believe in good diet and exercise as they say that the stronger you are the betetr you will withstand the effects of the drug. I had previously had no interest in fitness training but I now go to a gym about three times a week, I do work on the cross trainer and also push heavy weights. I eat lots of red fruits and vegetables which are supposed to be high in anti oxidants which are anti carcinogenic. My weight remains stable.
I am under no illusions about my condition but I am going to give it a hell of a fight. I truly believe there is a cure around the corner and I want sutent to keep me alive to get it! Lets all try to keep positive, its diffiuclt but we have to. Keep an eye out for the trovax/sutent trials at Christies Manchester and the interluken/interferon trials in USA. There seems to be a move towards "doubling up drugs" for a better effect.
Side Effects? Well I have sore hands and feet (E 45 is great), stomatis (wash mouth with soluble aspirin 4 times a day but dont swallow it), bleeding gums(mouth wash), sore teeth (good mouth hygiene), mouth ulcers (very mild bonjela) , indigestion (I now take losec (omeprazole)which is great), high BP so I am on drugs for that (atenolol) and, sadly, piles due to gastric issues!!!
My wife says I look like a different bloke - I am 56, had dark brown hair going a bit grey (I am now snow white) I have a yellow complexion a lot of the time ranging to purple - its like being menopausal (sorry ladies) - my teeth look yellow, my eyes look tired and I reckon I present as being about ten years older than I am. But what the heck I am alive and I thank god - if there is one - for this drug.
"RailwayMan"