Hi to all you Kidney Cancer warriors,
I am curious to how long those of you that have taken sutent have been able to handle it.
Heres my Dads story. He was diagnosed in 7/05 and then had his right kidney removed. In 7/06 he started sutent 50mg. He had some rectal bleeding (has a heart cont. also) on plavix and aspirin. Well was taken off those two meds and the bleeding was gone. He then traveled to FL from NY and had the hand/foot sides. So he then went off the sutent for a few months. He then had disease progression and went back on sutent at 25mg. First scan was ok. The next more disease progression. In his pelvis and femur bones on the right. He continues to have small mets in the lungs and only with some decrease of the larger ones. Well its been up and down. At first all was working real well. Also other sites of mets.
Now it seems like things are starting to go down hill. He dreads the treatment each cycle. This last time, which hes at 37.5 since 10/07 he just doesnt feel well. He told me the other day he could barely get through the last one. He has never said this before. Other than he just dreads it each month. I know there are other forms of treatment. He is also border line diabetic. So I think the doc said he may not be able to take the torisel.(sp) Anyway I wonder what to say and what to suggest for him. He has otherwise been farely lucky with side effects and what not. No weight loss even when he has his times of no appetite and very loose stools. I do not want to go here however I think he has had his share and just can not do it anymore.
Please help me help him. We go to the doctor on 8/4 and well should I bring this up to him in front of dad or what. Should I call them ahead of time and let them know so doc can talk with him alone. I really can not stand the fact I can not do anything other then be here for him. I wish I had a magic wand that I could wave for all !!
Thank you all for your insight. My thoughts and prayers are there with each and every one of you. I might add I will be here for any that need my support. Til then.
A Friend Wendy :)