My Dad started with Renal Cancer. They took his r/kidney and a tumor. Then it spread to his r/testicle. They took it off. Then he developed tumors in his r/shin. One shattered and they had to amputate his right leg to above his knee. From there it attacted his r/hip and they had to do a hip replacement. Now it is also in his pelvis and spine. He also has a tumor in his flesh in the r/side of his back and several in his lungs. They have been treating him with Nexivar, Interferon, and radiation. He is in a lot of pain while trying to transfer now that it has moved to the pelvis and back. Any suggestions on how to make him more comfortable? Also, now that it has gone into his spine do you think we have much more time with him?

Hi Vpilant,

I probably can not answer your questions. I just want you to know that I will listen if you need someone to talk to.

My father also has renal cell caranomia (spelling) . He also had his kidney removed and was told it was all gone. A year later they said it had spread to the lungs, a rib, and a few other places. He has been on Sutent and seemed to be doing well until recently. We have just found out it has spread to the pubic bone and possibly to the hip. (not in any pain at this time)

Maybe you could answer a few questions for me. How long was it before did a hip replacement from the time they found it in the hip? I am worried for my father as I dont want him to be in pain either. Does the doctor suggest any pain meds like morphin drip or even a oral pain med?

Hope you know I am here to listen if need be. This is a awful disease to deal with.
:angel: Wendy

Hi Wendy,

Sorry to hear about your Dad too. Renal Cancer is a really hard one. You asked how long it was until they replaced my Dads hip after the Cancer was found there. It was almost immediate for him. He was experiencing pain that got progressively worse until he finally could'nt take it any more. Very typical of him, he is stubborn. When he finally got to the point of not beeing able to handle it the Dr. was called and they sent him to the Hospital. They found the Cancer in the hip and knew it was about to shatter just like his leg did so chose to do the hip replacement to get him out of the pain.

It was interesting to me that you said it was about a year after the Kidney was removed before they diagnosed the Cancer spreading with your Dad. Same thing with my Dad. With his shin it was a different story. When they found it Dad was having some pain in his leg but thought something had worn out on his knee replacement he had had a number of years before. He in fact had developed 2 tumors in his shin. One below his knee & one above his ankle. They did Radiation therapy on them but did'nt help. He ended up with the one just above the ankle shattering. Because of the knee replacement they could'nt put a rod and cement in it to stabilize it so had to amputate it.

I will listen if you want to talk too. I know how hard this all is to deal with.

:angel: Vicki

I am going to ask for a bone scan for my husband since he is having so much pain. We are hoping it is just the steroids he takes or age related, but this is scary and I am worried even more now.
Yes this cancer is terrible. My heart to you both. It is good people reach out to others.

I think a scan is a good thing to do. That way you know for sure one way or the other. Will keep you in my prayers. It's pretty amazing the strides that have been made now in Cancer treatments. It's been hard for my Dad, but the Drs. have kept him going far longer than expected. Each day has been a blessing for us all.:angel:

Hello Everyone,
My husband has renal cell carcinoma stage IV. We had the same story in 06 they removed his kidney, then a year later( this year) after feeling terrible pain in his abdomin(sp?), they found it had spread to his pelvic bone. This was in April this year. By June we were told that they couldn't remove it, because of the size and location. According to the oncologist they would have to remove his leg or worse, so surgery was out. He then got on a study at the NYC Weill Medical Center. They have a good reputation. Anyway they put him on Nexavar , Xeloda and Gemzar. We thought he was lucky because he didn't have that many side affects. But we recently found out the treatment didn't work and now the cancer got bigger and spread to the other side of his pelvis, also he might have it in his spine. The next step is Sutent , but I have to say I am afraid it won't work and I am losing control of my emotions. I hate to see him in so much pain. He is on 2 different painkillers they are strong, and yet not strong enough to remove the pain. They just make it bearable. Brighterday I come here just to read your posts. You and your husband have given me hope. But lately I am finding it very hard to have hope. We have been married 28 years. and have know each other since I was 16 years old. We both married other people and came back to each other. We have 2 children together but altogether there are 3. My eldest son is 35 . The children at home are 17 and 11 years of age. I cry for my children. My son is having an awful time of it. I hope I'm not rambling on too much. Does anyone know if there is anything else that can be done about the tumor in the pelvis? If only they could cut it out. I better take a breather. To all please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. Love muthapanhead

Good Morning Muthapanhead,

I just read your post and wanted to tell you that my prayers will be with you. As for your question if there is anything else that can be done there may be. Have you talked to the Oncologist about Radiation therapy? I don't know if it will help your husband but may be worth a try. Sometimes it is successful with the bone tumors that have come from Renal Cell Cancer. My Dad was also stage 4 when they took his kidney out along with the tumor. The Radiation didn't help him but some of the people that are going to the Radiation Oncologist there with him have had good success with it. Maybe it will help your husband. :angel:

Dear Vpilant,

Thank you for your response, as for the radiation well it was mentioned in one of our conversations, but our oncologist didn't think much of it, because it is know not to work well with bone mets. But since the mets have moved to the spine he may just do it for the pain relief. It is still so frightening to see how all of a sudden the mets showed up in the spine and cause so many problems. I hope your dad is doing better today. Poor guy so much pain. All I can say is I will keep him in my prayers along with all the other cancer warriors.

Love muthapanhead

Just hoping that this finds you all here doing well. I have been thinking about everyone.
As I await to hear what my fathers upcomimg appt. brings.

Thoughts and prayers with all.

Wendy:angel:

Hi All, I just wanted you to know that i'm keeping everyone in my prayers. I don't have good news about my Dad. He was admitted to the Hospital last night as he is in so much pain with the Cancer in his spine and who knows where else at this point. He finally could not function at home. Too much pain trying to transfer. They have been running tests all day and are looking to see where else it's gone or what is going on. :( I will let you all know what is going on as we find out more. Thanks for all your prayers.:wave:

Good Morning V,

So sorry to hear that Dad isnt doing well. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.Keep me posted as I will be thinking alot about you and what your going through. I am here if you need an hear to listen.
A/F
Wendy :angel:

I am so embarrassed that I wrote a "thread" concerning my husband's reccurrance of melanoma. All of you who have written concerning this renal cancer have my prayers and thoughts. There are so very many people with problems so very much worse than ours that I don't believe I'll write again.

Please know that you're being thought of and prayed for.

Thanks Everyone for your prayers and support. Dad has lost control of his Bladder and Bowel from the tumor on his spine. They are now doing some pretty heavy duty radiation on that tumor to see if he can be helped. They did get him on a patch that is helping some with the pain control. I really appreciate everyone beeing there.:angel:

VP,

I hope that your Dad's current treatment helps. I will keep you in my prayers. I know that this is very hard to watch your Dad go through this.
I will be here to listen when you need .
Hope this finds everyone having a better day.
Wendy

Cody,
Please dont feel that you dont need to post. Everyone goes through this in a different way. Whether it seem mild compared to others or not. You still have feelings. Well and talking about them help. So I hope you know our prayers are with you and your hubby too.
Wendy