Hi there,

Jackie, How are you. Dad was wondering the other day if I have heard from you. Must be hs is thinking about you and hubby too.

Hows Hubby doing? Hope all is well and this finds him in no pain today.
Thinking about you and the family.

Wendy:angel:

Dad goes to the Doc tomorrow. We will find out what is going on then I guess.

All of you that are reading this I have continued from the other post "Kidney Cancer" with Brighterday.

Have a great day.
Prayers and thoughts with all!

May I ask is there someone in your family that has kidney cancer. This is my first time in doing anything like this.
Thanks Me:

Me,
Yes my father (62) has RCC. He was diagnosed in 2005. He had his right kidney removed with no further treatment until 7/2006.

He then was told his cancer had spread to his lungs with having a lung biopsy.
He started with Sutent 50mg for about 3 months and then had side effects. He then was on and off the med for about 3 months in which he then started 25mg of sutent. He has been on that for about 6 months now. 28 days on and 14 off. He has not had any side effects as of yet that are not manageable.

He now has been told after ct-scan and pet-scan that the cancer has spread again to his pubic bone area, hip and ribs. Then he has lymph nodes that are showing something. We find out frrom the doctor today whats going on with this. Also his thyroid is very small. ???????

Is there someone in your family also? If you have any other questions, ask away.. I will try and answer the ones I can. Otherwise I can pray that things go well for you. This was my first board too and I have found that it helps to talk to others.

Wendy:angel:

Yes my husband . He has RCC.and it has spreadto the the L4 vertebrae area on his spine. He is only 52.
I am a CNA for hospice and I know what I am looking at but I am scared and just want to talk to someone who is going through the same as I.
Thank you.
I am in a ship and it is sinking BUT the floaters are here and we are staying afloat right at this moment.
His RCC was in his left knidney about 8 inches in diameter and they removed that kindey 3 weeks ago.He is doing radiation right now and when it comes back the dr. will start chemo .
I hope we can chat often,if you don't mind.
Mary

Yes my husband . He has RCC.and it has spreadto the the L4 vertebrae area on his spine. He is only 52.
I am a CNA for hospice and I know what I am looking at but I am scared and just want to talk to someone who is going through the same as I.
Thank you.
I am in a ship and it is sinking BUT the floaters are here and we are staying afloat right at this moment.
His RCC was in his left knidney about 8 inches in diameter and they removed that kindey 3 weeks ago.He is doing radiation right now and when it comes back the dr. will start chemo .
I hope we can chat often,if you don't mind.
Mary

Good Morning Mary,

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope you know that we are here for each other. I know its very hard for you as you have been on the other side of the fence so to speak. (Hospice CNA) Thats a job that takes a strong person. SO i know just by that, that you will get through this. And well if you need my support I will do the best I can.

Did your husband have the surgery where he was cut open or the laperscopic one? Sorry about spelling. lol
My father had it the laperscopic way and our mail man had the open one. The mail man hasnt had any recurrence since he had his out. Not sure if it matters really.

I dont mind if we chat often as it helps me too. Especially right now. with winter coming and my parents down south. I tend to go stir crazy sometimes.

Thanks, Best wishes and prayers to your hubby and you.
Wendy:angel:

He was cut open exactly 3 weeks ago today. He is doing ok . He has lost 20 pounds since that day.
I know that being on the other end should help but at times it doesn't. I am scared and worried ,but life does go on.
I would love to be able to talk alot with you, I feel that would greatly help both of us.
Don't worry about mistakes I know I have already sent the first message 3 times by accident. I am learning this also.
My best and prayers to you and yours. Mary

Mary,
I am glad to hear that Hubby is doing good. It will take some time to heal.
I know that our mail man still has some pain in the area where the kidney was and he had his out in 10/05 I do believe. It wasnt long after my father had his out.
I just want to say how much we all appreciated the job you do. I know its got to be real hard. Keep up the good work!! ;)
It seems like theres always an obsitacle to get through, but we do.
Please think and stay strong no matter as it does seem to help.
I know that we can not post personal e-mail addys and such. I wish there was a way to get you mine then it might be easier to communicate.
I hope this finds you and hubby a good day.
Whats your hubbys name ? I wont have to refer to him as "hubby" and that way he can be prayed for by name also.
I know that sometimes its good to be able to have a friend to talk to and I will be that friend.:) As I know I sure need one!
Have a great day,
Wendy :angel:

His name is Stanley and thanks. Today is not a good one for me but thanks for saying thank you about my job I do so love what I do.We will keep talking.
Mary

Mary and Stanley,

Thoughts and prayers your way. (((((((HUGS))))))) too. Hope you are having a better day!!
I have been in a few bad ones my self lately. :( I just think that what good is it doing for me and my family. I too must try and stay strong. I really miss my parents being that they are in FL now. I talk to them daily however its not the same as seeing them and making sure all is well.
My father to me has been sounding a little different. I dont know if hes not feeling well or if his voice just sounds different from being so far away on a terrible phone.
Thinking of you,
Wendy :angel:

Today is a new day and I hope a new attitude for me.
Nothing happen to put me that way it just was, I hope that makes sense to you.
How are you doing?
Did you all find out the latest results from the dr. yet about your dad?
I have been running into people who have lost a loved one with RCC. I know it is the Lord sending these people my way. Sometimes to hear their stories saddens me but I know it can empower me.
Take care and have a good week-end. We always need to keep our eyes toward the heavens.
Mary

Mary,

I hope you are doing well today! How's Stanley doing? I hope he's well today too.
The attitude thing. I totally understand. I have those days myself. You get self obsorbed in thoughts and it seems to take over. It puts you down. However we have to look at ever day ahead is another day together with those you care for. So you have to make the most of it day by day.

I have not really found out the true result of my fathers test as we will have to wait and see how things go with him taking a higher dose of his meds. The doc will wait a few months and have another scan to see how that is working for him. I keep my fingers crossed that he can take the higher dose and handle the side effects of it. I also hope that it helps too.

You also have a great weekend. Our son is coming home this weekend from college and I am so looking forward to it. I havent seen him in a bit either.

A/F
Wendy :angel:

I am better today. He felt better last night so we went out to dinner. That was our date night , we always went out Friday night to dinner and then I sing karaoke and we go somewhere that I could sing. I don't sound the best but it is something I like to do.
Today is another day I am so grateful that I have with him and I do cherish these moments.
It is so sad to think we wait till something like this to come along before our eyes truely see..
Thank you for being a friend and a e-mail buddy.
Enjoy your son this week-end.Our youngest came by to help us with a few things today and our oldest may come down to see us tomorrow. The sun is shining and we still have our love ones here with us. Amen.
Mary

Mary,
So glad to hear you are doing better today. Also that hubby is feeling better.
I am doing okay today too. I really miss having my parents closer to me. Although I know they enjoy going south for the winter. I wish I could myself. I have three sons and well two are still home. So we have to go through the normal school schedule. Some day there will be time for me and my hubby to have a "date night". ;)
Have a good evening and chat with you again soon.
By the way I want to thank you too for being here as a friend. Some days theres nothing to look forward to other than coming back to see if you have a response back.

A/F
Wendy :angel:

Today was another work day for me and I can tell it. I am so tired.
As for Stanley the radiation has really made him sick to day with vomiting and nausea ever since 11:oo am. He is really counting down the next 2 days and then it will be over for now.
Our 2 boys are 32 and 28. We have 7 grandbabies. We will be married 33 years in Feb. We started dating in 9th grade and have been together ever since.
He had aknot come up on his hand and we were really worried but the radiation nurse feels it is ok. She told him to keep an eye on it but she thinks he hit it on something even though he says he didn't. It is awful to live in fear of every little knot or pain he gets BUT this is now our life.
Take care.
Love Mary

Good Mornin Mary,

So Stanley just started the radiation? Does he take any medication for the nausea? I hope he feels better soon. As for you try and get rest as much as possible. Dont let yourself get run down. That wont help anyone.

Wow you have yourself a good size bunch of grandbabies. Whats the age range and how many boys/girls? My parents have 12 grandkids right now and the lucky and last number 13 on the way. Not from me though!!! Theres 10 boys and 2 girls right now. From 18 to 1yrs old.

I have the 18, 15 and 5 yr old boys. The oldest being in college now. (Freshman.)

I hope this finds you feeling a little more refreshed and Stanley too.
Have a great day.
Wendy :angel: Cancer compass . ---

No Stanley's last treatment is tomorrow. He had to do 10. Yes he has medicine but it just didn't help.
I have 4 girls and 3 boys grandbabies.
The ages are one will be 12 this month then 10 , 9, 6, 5 this Dec., 2 1/2 and 15 months.
They keep us pretty busy.
I can't imagine having young ones around full time. I am 50 years old and just don't hqve the energy to do it everyday and work full time. When ourd were young at first I didn't work and then just before our baby started kindergarden I went to work part time and did that till he was out of school. Alot of those later years I would work 3 part time jobs but I was always was there when they got on and off the bus.
So now I work full time with hospice.
Take care and write when you care.
Friends Mary

Mary,

Oh yes you do have your hands full. I bet it is alot of fun when they are all around.
We use to have alot of fun when all the older ones were little.

I hope Stanley gets feeling better when hes all done with this round of treatment.
May I ask what medication he was taking? Does he have it in the bone? I will be thinking about you today and hope all is well.

Have you went to any other boards to get more information? I have and some of it helps and some seems to make it seem worse. (Cancercompass.)

A/F
Wendy

He was taking the pill form for compazine. His last radiation treatment was last Wed. and he is starting to feel a little better. He wants to go back to work either the middle of this week or next week and if the doc okays it I am ok.
I know he needs to go because sitting here for him is soooo depressing and getting out and about will be almost like it was before cancer.
He needs to get back to living and if work is what it takes then by all means go.
No I haven't went to any other boards because for one thinf I don't know any other I took a chance with this one and you ae so right some things are hard to read.
Take care ttys
Mary

Good Evening Mary,

Hope you had a great weekend. I do agree with Stanley about going back to work. If he is feeling up to it then by all means he should. He needs to continue to strive for life. You can not sit and wonder the what ifs all the time. That really can get to you. Heck I do it and I'm not the one with cancer. I have been in a slump lately myself and I believe its a little of everything. However I do miss my dad and mom. They left for FL about 4 weeks ago and it already feels like months.
With the holidays coming and the winter weather soon. I dont like this time of year. Not because of the Holidays but the weather.
Hope you have a good upcoming week. I will talk to you soon,
Wendy :angel:

Tell your dad Wendy that the mets on Keith's kidney have shrunk where they did the cryo on his one kidney to keep him going. He has had pain in his bad leg but they say that there is nothing there that they can see. The Doctor told us Friday that pain was pretty much a big part of RCC. They are talking about putting him on the pain patch for it does not make you so out of your head not functioning type medicine for pain. he has been a little depressed because of the pain. Not able to do like he use to.
Bet your mom and dad are enjoying the sea gulls by now. It is beautiful weather we are having down here in the south so I am sure if your dad is feeling good he is enjoying himself.
Sorry I have not been here lately. So busy at work and doing things with my kids. My 13-year-old likes to skateboard so we go to a local town where they have this skatepark.
Hope all is well with everyone today. :)

Jackie,

So glad to hear from you. I was a bit worried about you and Keith. I know Dad has been thinking about you guys to as he has asked me if I have heard from you yet. I told them no not yet, however theres been times where weeks have went by before the next post. So glad to hear most all is well with Keith. So sorry he is in pain. I have heard that about those pain patches too. So he will have to give them a try.

Dad went to the doctors yesterday and got his first IV of zometa for the bones. I am not sure if it has had any effect as of the mild side effects on him yet. As they say the first few can give you side effects. I guess to that his other kidney isnt working totally where the doc would like it but gave him the IV anyway. So its really not that bad I guess. As one of the side effects is it effects the kidneys, dehydration and flu like symtoms I guess for a few days after.

As far as the weather down there. Yes they have said its been nice. Dad has went out a few times on his boat. Really didnt catch much I guess. Doesnt matter as long as hes doing it. I wish I was in that weather too. LOL :(

HAve a great day and hope to hear from you again soon.
Thoughts and prayers are with you,
Wendy and Dad :angel:

Doing ok. I have caught a cold so not up to par. I also had to take CPR training 2 nights this week so I am tired.
Stan is doing good. Every once in a while his hip will get to hurting. He went back to work this week but it has been to wet for him to work and things are slow. He operates a bull dozer. I don't think he will be able to stand it but it is his choice.
Hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving.
Take care Love Mary

Mary,
I hope this finds you feeling better. Also hope Stanley is doing well. I hope you and your family also have a good Thanksgiving. I really wish it was all over with really. Just not into the Holidays this year. I guess I have to manage to get through tho.


Jackie,
I hope you and Keith are doing well. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you . Have a good Thanksgiving.

A/F
Wendy :angel:

I do understand what you are saying about the holidays, I also feel that way. I keep looking toward the future and it scares me so.
Last night I lost it and had a hard time trying to stop crying.This is so hard but God chose us for a reason and we do have to see it through.I don't want to see the end come real soon but it is his will and not mine or I should say ours.
Just keep looking for the small things that bring a smile to our lips and our eyes, that is what will get us through.
Mary

Mary,
Nice to hear from you. I hope all went well for Thanksgiving. I really didnt have much of one we had a family emergency so I had to babysit. Which was okay spending time with my nephews. Other than that everyone is fine now.
I really can not wait to get through the next one.
I hope that Stanley is feeling fine. How's work going for him? Did he go back? I know that had to be hard. Well drop a line when you feel the need I will always be here.
I look forward to hearing from my pals on here. (You and Jackie) I havent heard much from her lately. I hope all is well with Keith too. I know he was hurting. I also hope they had a good Thanksgiving.
Thoughts are with you and them.
A/F
Wendy:angel:

Wendy
It sounds like you need a pick me up and what will it take besides a miracle for that to happen?
Yes , Stanley went back to work and he is very happy being back. Less time to sit around here and think he says. He has done good. A few times the bulldozer hurt but he knew then it was time to slow down.
Thanksgiving was nice, had 6 of my grandbabies here. The oldest , I don't know where she is at and haven't seen her since she was 10 months and she just turned 12 last week. I keep praying one day she will look up her real dad and then find her grandparents who love her and have open arms waiting for her. It is a long story but I keep praying.
I took off Friday after Thanksgiving and it has been very good to be with my hubby these 4 days but they have went by so fast.
We are now getting ready to go to church , the first for us in years and I am so glad that if nothing else comes out of this disease it will be the need to know our God better.
Our Thanksgiving was nice and that morning was so pretty that I went for a walk for an hour. I am a walker, have been for 10 years. I use to walk 6 miles a day but now I am lucky to walk a half an hour a day during the week and if not to cold on week-ends I walk outside for an hour. I have a treadmill and it is that time of the year when I start using it more. I get up early and walk before work so at least it is done when I get off work.
I enjoy our letters also and loof forward hearing from you.
As for your friend Keith I hope things are going better for him. This is such a terrible disease, I know , not only because it has happen to my love one but also because of my line of work.
Do take care and please try to find something that can bring a smile to your heart at this moment.
Love Mary

Mary,

So glad to hear your Thanksgiving was a good one. Our son was home for a few days from college. When he got ready to go back I broke down. I miss him being here although I am so very proud of him and know he is doing well.
We will have him home in about three weeks for about a month.

I missed having my parents here for Thanksgiving. My dad has now been on 37.5 mg of sutent for about a week and I guess his energy level is down some.
I know they have better weather in FL. He enjoys fishing and has been out a few times. He has told me that he is feeling good , I just wish I could see for myself.
I am sorry if I sound down, I hope I dont make you feel that way too. We are just having a hard time right now and well with everything else it gets to me. I dont like winter and its coming "weather" I like it or not. LOL
Thank you for being here as I have said before it gives me something to look forward to. Although we are here for this awful disease.
Have a great day,
Wendy :angel:

Mary and Jackie,

How are you guys doing? I havent heard from you in awhile. I mention you to my father and he will ask me how every one is. I hope all is well. I know this is a busy time of year with the upcoming Holidays. Just want you to know I'm thinking about you all.

Wendy :angel:

Hey Wendy.
Sorry I haven't wrote to you in a while. We have been extra busy with all the holiday shopping and both of us back to work. That means our week-ends are filled up with catch up housework and errands that need to be run.
We are also going to church now and that is a time well deserved to be taken up.
Stan goes on the 17h for Ct scans to see if anymore tumors have come back. We then find out on the 19th the results of the CT scans. We are praying for good news.
He is feeling good which is a blessing.
I am having alot of moments of crying, more so during the day traveling from one patient to the next.
Everybody tells me that I have to only think positive thoughts but until they walk in my shoes they will never know how their mind will go.I do try to always be positive but I am only human and my minds does go where it shouldn't.
How is you dad doing?
Will your parents be able to come up for the holidays?I know that would be extra special for you.
I do hope your dad is feeling good. To be able to live in Florida and go fishing whenever you are able to and feel like it sounds like a dream to me.
I will try to write to you sooner.
I also have a friend who is in her 40's who has Stage 2 Esophigal cancer. She has a tumor only 3 cent. from her heart. She did 8 weeks chemo and radiation and today she is at Charlottesville Va. to see if it has shrunk and hopefully enough to do surgery to remove it. It never ends.
Until we talk again...... Mary

Mary,

Nice hearing from you. Hope you have great results on Hubbys upcoming test. So sorry to hear about your friend too. It has to be very hard on your mind. I know that there are days things go crazy in ones mind. You have to have those days to be able to move forward. I know I have some of those days myself.
As far as my dad hes doing good. He goes today for his second bout of IV for the bone lesions. He felt alittle under the weather the last time he had it. I hope its not to bad for him this time. He got through the past month on the higher dose of Sutent and probably after another month of that dose he will get a scan himself. Keeping my fingers crossed that the higher dose has made some changes for him.
My parents will not be here for the Holiday nor will we be going to see them this year. Its a very hard time with everything increasing in cost.
My husband has just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and we are now starting the doctor process with that.
Hope you are having a good week and til the next time have a great week.
Wendy :angel:

Tomorrow is the day for the test so say a prayer.
Yes it does worry me at times about my friend because I said I would always try to help and then Stan got sick and that kinda blew it out of the water.
She goes to Charlottesville on Jan 3rd to have surgery and it WILL be a very tough operation on her.I just keep praying.Our 20 month old granddaughter has been at the emergency room all day sick. They think it is nothing more than a virus but her liver enzimes are slightly elevated. That could be no more than a virus but they have to follow up with her regular dr. tomorrow or Tuesday.
I know things sre very stressed right now for you also and it being Chritmas with all the things that invovles but PLEASE PLEASE remember the true meaning of Christmas is Jesus' birht and that hopefully will put things back into focus and to be thankful that your dad and my husband and your husband are still hear for us to love to ss or to hear their voices.AMEN
Love Mary:

Mary,

Just want to say hello and to see how things are going. I hope all went well with your hubbys recent test. I know how hard it is to have to deal with all this. I recently found out that my sister- inlaws mom has breast cancer and that a friend of the family may have ovarian cancer. Then theres my Uncle who is having a pet scan due to have a 5cm mass on his kidney. I hope that all goes well for these family and friends as we know what happens to ones mind with the fact of cancer. My sister in law is handling things okay as its hard for her as she lives here in NY and her mom is in FL. She also has 3 small children and one on the way. So for her to just get and go to be with her mom is nearly impossible. I know the feeling. I hope everything goes well for the Holidays too. I will talk to you soon. Until then your in my thoughts.
Wendy :angel:

The test showed a spot on the liver that wasn't there before. Too small to know what it is. She will repeat the CT scan in 6 weeks and then we should know what we are up against. Not the worst news but we were hoping for better.

Mary,
Stay positive and try not to worry about it over the Holidays. What again is it he is taking for chemo. Sutent? Maybe he just needs to take a higher mg of medication is all. They up'd my dads hes been on a higher dose again as he had some progression the last ct-scan too. He was on the 50 for awhile then went to the 25 and now is on 37.5 as the 50mg is to strong for him to tolerate. Although if when he has his next scan we wont know what the treatment will be. I hope that when he has his next scan all is stable or better. I really wish you and your family the best Holiday. Will be in my thoughts.
Wendy :angel:

First off Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Stan is not doing any treatments. All they did was 10 rounds of radiation and that was it. His doctor said cancer tends to become resistant to chemo so she won't start chemo till it comes back.
It is very hard not to worry and at times I don't even think about it but then there it is back in my mind.
Not feeling real good. Battling a sinus problem.
Take care and thank you for always being here and listening to my woos.
That's what friends do!
Mary

Mary,
Happy New Year to you and the family. How is everyone doing? Now we are through Christmas and have another year ahead of us to look forward too.
Things here are okay. Dads been doing good. Other than being tired and a few other side affects. I know his mind tells him one thing but his body says another. He hasnt been out fishing lately so thats a sign hes not feeling like himself. I hope you all had a good Christmas. We will talk soon.
Wendy:angel:

We are doing ok. I am fighting a cold but not bad. I took off work from Dec.21 and I go back on Jan. 2. I have really enjoyed being off and being with Stan. He always gets this time off so I took it off to be with him.
He is ok. Not feeling up to his best he says ans still achy and tired.I try to motivate him into walking again but too no avail. He has gained 10 pounds back and I feel that is one reason he is feeling sluggish but oh well....
Hope you have a healthy and happy New Year.
Mary

Mary,

Hope this finds you and Stan doing well. I am awaiting spring like you wouldnt believe. I dont like to rush time. However that is when my dad and mom will return from the south. I miss them and its hard not seeing how they are. I do talk to my mom daily but its not the same. I know Stan probably is alittle more sluggish with the 10lbs. Weight gain is better than weight loss I think. He must be doing ok if hes not losing weight.
I know my father lost weight and he felt better, but that was because of the cancer. He has put it back on and does himself feel sluggish. I look at it though hes not fading away from the cancer. He would feel better to if he got a walk in everyday and well did something. My dad use to like fishing and hes even lost his interest there. I just wish I was there with them to get him to go for walks and such. I sure could use it myself. LOL
I hope you have a good rest of the week and will talk to you soon. Are you feeling better ? Dad now has a cold too. That time of year I guess.
A/F Wendy :angel:

Yes I am feeling better. I have a slight cough every now and then.
I can't wait for spring either. The new growth of evrything.
Stan could really afford to keep off that 10 pounds and more but I am just thankful he is feeling so good and eating good.
I walked this morning for an hour and a 1/2 hour this pm. Too pretty of a day to waste.
He was walking alot when he came home but he has now gotten lazy about it and hardly ever does it. I can only imagine how it most be for you to have your dad so sick and so far away. I can't imagine!!!!!
Well I am going to get off her so write when you can.
Mary

Good day Mary,

I wish I could get the energy and will power to walk daily. If its cold out forget it. I do have to start doing something. I have to take care of myself so I can be good for everyone else.
My dad has been sick now for about a week with a cold. Now mom has it. I dont think hes feeling very good but he wont let me know that. Its hard to deal with things over the phone. If I could see him I would know for sure. Thats the part I dont like with them being gone so long and so far away. My sister in law is now going through that. She found out her mom has breast cancer. Things are extremely hard for her right now too. I really dont know much about that cancer and without the info Its hard. Besides I think they dont want to know as much. Well hope all is well with hubby and you. Hows your friend ?
Talk to you soon
Wendy :angel:

Hey Wendy,
I read your husband has RA what are they doing? That is painful I am sure.
Hope your dad is better. Your still in my prayers.
Mary I hope your husband feels better.
Jackie

Hey Wendy
Sorry it takes me a long time to get back to you but with working full time and week-ends so busy I just don't take the time.
Stan has been having pain in his lower back and just being achy all the time .He is now taking 2 Tylenol in the am and 2 in the pm. He stated that does help with the aciness but he still hurts. He is due to go have another Ct scan on his liver but now he wants a full body scan. I called his dr. today and she is out till Tuesday so I should hear by then and if I don't I will be making another phone call.
It snowed here today. We got about 5 inches. I worked half day and then came home and we went to Costco and then back here and I steamed clean 2 of our bedrooms.
Wendy how is your dad and your husband doing? My brother-in-law has Ra and he takes a medicine that is for cancer and that seems to help him alot.
What is your hubby taking?
You know bad news just sometimes never seems to end.
As for my friend she had her tumor removed 2 weeks ago and seems to be coming along fair. She is home , has been for a week. I went down 2 evenings ago and cut her hair and shaved her head. She had just about lost all her hair and they told her she wouldn't. That has been hard for her because she has always had long hair. Yesterday she went and got a wig and the cancer society paid for it.
She told me that the dr. said they got it all , but with what I do I wonder. I won't tell her that though.
I can't wait for spring. I just don't like this time of year.
Also Wendy how is your sister-in-law?
I ahve a friend whose sister had her baby at 41/2 months and the baby is still struggling. Her due date was 2 days ago. The baby's name is Tessa and she nows has pnuemonia ao please all pray for her also.
Jackie if you are reading this you now know how things are going and thank you so very much for asking.
To all God Bless!!!!!!!!! Mary

Hi Mary,

Dont worry about the time lapse its understandable. Thats how life is any more very busy and very fast. Just pop in when you can. I worry if I havent heard from my friends here in a long time. (LOL Jackie)

If Stan is able to get the whole ct scan that would be great. You had mentioned before that is had spread to the back right? Is Stan on any treatment for the bone lesions. My father is on Zomenta it is a IV drip that he gets every two weeks over about 15 min time frame. It is to help the bones stay strong as when the cancer gets in the bone it will eat it away and then they can get fractures or worse because of it. As Stan is still having pain he should ask about that if he isnt already getting it.

My dad also took tylenol for his pain and it was helping although I think his pain in his back is stronger than it use to be. However dad isnt as active as he should be either. The doc told him you arent getting any younger you know. I think that was to help him mentally. As dad might think that every thing that goes on in his body now has to do with the cancer. I probably would too though.

I hope all goes well and you can get a total body scan. My dad still isnt sure when hes to get one. He goes to the doc next week.

As for my husband he s doing good. Doc said he doesnt believe its RA that he has osteo arther. He is having a test next week to check his muscle. Then he goes back to the doc a few weeks later. He has a few things in his blood work thats higher than it should be. So he is testing him. We will know more later. Thanks for asking.

As for my sister -law she is doing good too. Other than the worry (her mom). Her pregnancy is going okay. Shes tired, I would be too as she has three boys now under the age of 4. The baby is due in May and she found out shes having A GIRL !! She is so excited. I am happy for them . Always wanted a Girl myself. I have 3 boys. Oh well life goes on. I have healthy kids and thats all that matters. They have always been great kids too. Never any real trouble. My oldest turns 19 next weekend. WOW. LOL

Have a great day and weekend if I dont hear back from you. Tell Stan to hang in there and stay strong. Have good spirits as that makes a difference.

Thoughts are with you.
Wendy

Jackie hows things going there? Busy.... Busy I know. Thinking bout you and Keith.;)

Wendy
Well we found out yesterday that he does have a spot on his liver and they are going to start him on Stuent which I know you know about. He will start that as soon as the pharmacy can get it in and at first the dr. has to call it in. He also is having a bone scan on Tuesday because of the pain in his back and the scan not showing anything they are doing it to be extra cautious. We are holding on as you can well imagine.Thye will keep moitoring his blodd because it can really mess it up.
I am closing for now I have a HUGE headache but I wanted to let you know. Mary

Mary,

First of all I am glad to hear from you. Although you have given me the news you have.

Listen everything will be okay. I want to let you know that hubby will need to also have his blood pressure checked not only at the doctors. He should do it at home as well. Has he had problems before with his pressure? If not than thats great. If he has he really needs to watch his pressure. Also he will have other side effects and any time you want to ask about them let me know. Dad has been on the sutent for 16 months. At different doses but he has overall done well. He gets loose stools and not so good taste in his mouth. He has had a few of the others like hand -foot soreness. Sometimes these side effects subside after a few months on. I want to let you know that there is also help out there to pay towards this medication. Let me know if you need more info.
I assume he will be on the 50mg for 28 days and 14 days off as that is how they start this medication. Some can not tolerate this dose. I am here if you need me!!

Dad just found out that his other kidney is not working like it should. He had his ct-scan last week and will go to the doctor on Monday to get results. I hope there is good news as he has been down alot lately.
I really miss them. Spring cant get here soon enough. I am still waiting to hear from Jackie too. I know her hubby was going for some other test or another doctor. I hope all is well there too.
Thinking of you guys!! Hang in there.
A/F
Wendy :angel:

Send all info you can I would greatly appreciate it.
Yes hae is taking med already for blood pressure. He had a 6 way bypas back in 1993 and has been on med since.
I hope Jackie is doing ok also.
I hope your dad gets good news also.
Wendy please don't wish for spring to hurry up and get here because that could be when we lose our love ones and we should just treasure today and this moment becasue they are still here. I hope you don't mind me saying that but it is what I have to do for me.
Just remember if you want to kept saying it to me it will be ok I am a big girl and I DO understand.
Thanks for being a friend to me. Mary

Mary,

Sorry about wishing for spring. Its not that I want to rush time. I just would like my parents back from FL. I know theres no way they will come until its alot warmer here. I know time is precious and I dont want it to go any faster either. I just miss them!

We have had some assistance with co-pays for dads meds from NORD National Orgnanizaton for Rare Diseases. You can look them up. Does your hubby have insurance for prescriptions? Also theres Patient Advocate Program. I know you can only give certain info here. Sorry if I have giving to much. Just trying to help. Also you can contact the maker of the drug. You can look those all up online. I would suggest you check out Cancer Compass. Lots of kidney cancer info from others there.

I will check and see if you need any more info later. Til then please hang in there. Keep the positive thoughts going and be strong!! It will help you both. Easier said then done I know. But you have too. Worring about you too. Take care of yourself too. I am here when you need it.

Wendy :angel:

Wendy
Just wanted to let you know it is back on Stan's spine again. They are just going to see is the Sutent will take care of it. He has now been on them for 4 days. Praying alot. Mary

Mary,
I'm sorry to hear that. I know that dad has bone lesions too and he has been on the sutent for 16 months. However the bone mets occured because he took the low dose of sutent for the longest period of the treatment. 50mg for 3months and the the 25mg for 7months and now he is on 37.5.(25mg & 12mg) He had a small break after the 50mg as he could not tolerate it well. Hope all goes well and keep me posted on how hubbys doing on the sutent. Any questions, ask away.

A/F Wendy

To the lady who wrote me,
My's Hubby's pain has been like a nagging pain in his back and he thought maybe it was muscle. As you have probably read that it was the cancer on his spine.It was hurting him almost every day and as of these last few days he has been feeling better.
The pain started at first on his left hip area then a numbness in his groin on his left side. I thought it was a messed up disc. Needless to say it is cancer.The sympton's only started 3 weeks prior to finding out . Then the pain was from surgery and from radiation now the pain in his back.
As for it being in the liver we were shocked.
He is now doing a chemo pill called Sutent it is very very expensive and thank God we have insurance because we would never be able to afford all the things we have done and are doing.
My heart goes out to anyone who is going through thai and has no insurance and can't do the things to let you know what is going on and what you may be able to do to help.
I am always here. It may take me a while to respond but I will. Mary

To the lady who wrote me
I just read your letter to my hubby and he said that is what he has had and is having at times .He also stated he was having pain that seems to go from one place then to another and to feel like a aching nagging feeling and aqlso feeling blah. It stated he wants to always blame it on something else besides what it really is.
My heart goes out to you all because I really do understand.
Keep in touch. Mary

Ellen'
I am soooooo sorry about your husband.
There is nothing else I can say.
What I can say is that you have given me hope saying 12 years because I have been so fearful. I DO know 12 years is not enogh time but it is better than what we ae thinking.
God bless all of you!!!!! Mary

Hi Ladies,

I was wondering if you know the exact type of renal cell carinoma your hubbys are diagnosed with. My father has "clear cell " . I do believe there is like 4 differant types of renal cell and I was just wondering what they have. I have been doing some research. I hope this finds you both having a better day. We will continue to lean on one another.

Wendy :angel:

You are right about that !!! I was just curious is all. HAve you had any luck finding any help in your state yet? I hope all is well . In my thoughts.
Wendy

Hi Ladies,
They have neversaid what type of cancer he has and I agree it really doesn't make a diffence. It is what it is.
He had his kidney removed in Oct. 2007.
Right now the chemo pills are making him nuaseated.
Ellen I am loke wendy have you found any help in your state yet? I hope there is something someone can do.
Have you tried to called the drug companies yet or the advertisement they have on TV or use to have with Montel Williams about helping with medication or Walmart with their so called $4.00 medications? Mary

Mary,

Sorry to hear hubby isnt feeling all that well. Has the doc gave him something for the side effects? As far as it goes for our other friend here her hubby is doing alternative treatment.(I do believe) I dont know if there was insurance if they pay for that ???? As far as having updates from test it would cost alot with no insurance. I hope she can find something to help with the cost of things soon. As always in my thoughts. My dad seems to be doing well. Things for him right now are stable so thats good. He seems to be doing better with his spirits. As long as they stay up he can fight this!!!

A/F Wendy Keep me posted ladies. :angel:

To Wendy, Mary and others...sometimes it is hard to bear...It is sad enough to have to worry about our loved ones yet have to worry about all of the medical bills too. I do not even want to pick up the phone anymore.
I lift all of you up each day. Even with prayer and Faith...we still feel the need tp cry....I cry tonight for all of us...:(

If my tears could heal...I have shed enough for us all...I am usually stronger because I am so busy with his procedures but sometimes it is just plain tough.Just wanted all of you to know that it is nice to be able to share with all of you. Thanks for your friendship and prayers.

You spoke the words that are in my heart and my mind. If tears could heal then there would not be any disease but we all know better than that. Only God's tears can heal.
It is so awful how our medical issues are and how everything has to be based on money.
Is there anything I can do to hepl?
Stan now is having almost constant indegestion and I have asked if he is sure it is that and he is not sure. He has already had a slight heart attack back in 1993 so I will keep my eyes and ears on him.
Very hard way to live everyday but at least he is still here with me to live with,
Mary

Jackie, Mary, & Ellen,
I hope you know I think about you guys often. Dad has asked about you too. He does often. I know he thinks about all the ones I talk to here. As I tell them (him and Mom) all about my friends here. It gives him something else to think about other than himself. I know he has been extremely lucky so far.
I dont want to think about the times when he will really have issues. He is my shining armour. I know that when I have a question on household, car and other problems he is always there to help. Even when hes miles away in the winter. I know this seems to be getting harder on all of you. I just wish I had a magic wand and I could zap it all away. All I can do is be here for support and help when I can. I know its not much, but always remember we are all in this together.


Jackie let me know how things are. Keep your chin up :angel: Thinking of you all.

A/F Wendy ;)

As we say at our job. WE are ALL on a journey and at times we invite people to come ride in he boat with us at times and at other times we are on it alone. I am just thankful I can either be on the shoreline waiting for an invatation or in the boat with everyone of us that is including my own spouse Or waiting nearby to throw a lifeline or life jacket when needed. GOD BLESS us all and to all the ones who can't write but read our words and to all the ones who don't have a computer to be able to share. May they have people they can go to that shares their pain and can understand. Love and peace to all of us!!!!!!!!! Mary

Well Said Mary!! God bless you too. In my prayers.
Wendy

Ditto Mary! Like Wendy said..well said.I really care for all of you and your love ones:)

Hi all,

Hope this finds everyone having a good day. I know my thoughts are with another friend at this time.

Dad is doing well and having those sunny days in FL probably helps. It would me too.
He has however been having a little blood in the stool. Not sure whats going on there. Will have mom mention it to the doc next week if it continues. He had that at one other time when he was on blood thinners and such for the heart. He hasnt been on that med for some time. I will find out more from dad I guess.

Everyone have a pain free day..
Wendy:angel:

Hey guys.
How is all doing. Stan has been sick all week-end. Not for sure if it a virus or his chemo pills.
My sisters and our son's gave us a surprise anniversary party this past Sat. and we almost didn't make it because Stan feeling so bad, but we did go and it was so very nice. There were 81 people there.
we celebrated 33 years on the 7th of Feb. They had the party late so we wouldn't suspect and believe me we never did.
Stan made it through the party but he was not feeling good so he didn't really enjoy himself.
We go to the dr. on Thursday to have his blood drawn so I will let you all know when we find out.
Hope is everyone doing. I hope this finds everyone feeling good.You know how Stan is doing.
Take care and God bless. Mary

Oh! Wow! Congrats on the Anniversary Mary! 33 years means alot in this day and time.
Sounds like you and Stan are very blessed and loved by many people. Wish he could have enjoyed it more. Hope he feels better.
Just dropped in to check on ya!
Wendy hope you and your Daddy is ok
It was sad to hear about Angela and her loss. I did not know her but all of us are kindrid souls on this journey.
Just wanted to say hello! Jackie

Yes Congrats Mary and Stan !! ;)

I know I wish I could do something special for mom and dad as they will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary on 3/26/08

I will have to wait til they get back here I guess. As they are still down south. I may come up with something but not like I would if they were here.

How is Stan feeling ? I hope he is better soon. Please let us know how his appt goes.

As far as dad hes doing good. Hasnt done much fishing but he is looking forward to spring and getting back here. So am I. (Not rushing the time)!! Made him appt with a Kidney Oncol. for May. Hope we get some new insight then on how to continue this fight !!!

We got alot of snow today!! :(

Will check on you all later.
A/F Wendy :angel:

AWWW! I know the snow to you is not good, but I would love to see just a little once in a while. I'd make a snow angel.LOL

It would be nice to do something for your parents anniversary. Wow. Their
40th. Maybe you could do a theme party..like back in the day(1950's?)and have guest dress in that era of clothes. It would be fun to plan. Shout and we could help with some ideas.;)

Hello Girls,

Anyone that wants the snow I can send you some!! LOL I hear ya though when you havent seen it for awhile it would be nice.

I hope you know that I would love to make a sand angel. I love the ocean and the beach. It can be so relaxing.
I could just sit there and listen to the sound of the waves splashing upon the rocks and the cool wet sand below my feet. I sometimes have to think of this wonderful place to get me through these cold and snowy days of winter. The warm sunshine upon my face. I am freezing right now. Wish I was in that nice place. lol

Hope all are doing well. Lets take a walk together through the sand and listen to the ocean for a minute and relax.

Sweet dreams .........

A/F Wendy :angel:
PS I will keep you in mind if I decide to do something for mom and dad. Thanks

You can keep the snow. I like it if I don't have to go out in it but usually I do have to do alot of driving.
As for your parents I do suggest a video of their life before they were 2 then when they became 2 when they had their babies and their growing years and now their life as 2 again.
My daughter in law did one for us and it was BEAUTIFUL. The words can't express what that meant to us and it is a keepsake. She got pictures from me from all those years ago and up to this moment and she and my other son and his wife added to the list of picturesand Amy{daughter-in-law} put them in the computer and downloaded the country music song, "Remember When", by Alan Jackson and had the pictures played along with the song. At our party it was played and thee wasn't a dry eye in the placeI took it to work to our IT guy and he had it transfered to a SVD that we can play on our DVD player. Believe me it was such a sentimental gift that comes from the heart because of all the love and care that was put in it.
Our boys were so emotion from this video and they are not moved to tears very easy.
Let me know what you think.
As for Stan we are having some problems. We spent most of yesterday in the emergency room. He is bleeding from the rectum and we don't really know any more than before ER but we do have to contact his cancer dr. very first thing tomorrow. The bleeding is a little better today. He has been feeling bad on his tummy every day so U know it is the Sutent. The ER dr. did say it could be the Sutent making him bleed but he will now need a colonoscopy.
We ae praying that the cancer hasn't invaded his colon. Mary

Hi there Mary,

Thats a great idea. Thanks I will see what I can do.
As for Stans bleeding, Dad did the same thing within a few months of taking it. He was on other medication for the heart and also taking a aspirin a day for the heart . He stopped taking the two meds and the bleeding stopped. I can not remember the med he was taking for the heart. But if need be I can find out.

You have to look at the other meds that Stan is taking if he is taking any others. If he is not then it can very well be the sutent. It could be any way. As that is one of the side effects. Which really stinks.Please let us know how things are going and hope all is going better for you guys today.

We found out the other day we have yet another member of the family with a form of Cancer!! I know to many with this awful disease. I wonder whats in the food we eat or the water we drink. Some thing is causing this !!!!!!!!!

Talk to you soon,
Wendy :angel:

Wendy
Stan does take Vytorin for blood pressure and one baby asprin a day.When we went last Thursday for blood work his dr. told hom everything looked good.
I also believe it is the Sutent. As if all that is going on isn't enough , now this. I am like you what is going on with all this cancer showing up and what can we do about it?????
Let me know what you decide about the video. I know ours is beyond words.
Mary

Mary,

Just mention it to the doctor as I know it does make the blood thinner (sutent) and if you are on meds for that for your heart it will make it worse.
Its a catch twenty two I guess.

Could you find out how much time it took to produce the video. I would imagion it was a while. Also is there a certain computer program she used? I would like to do this not only for them but for everyone. I think it would be a great memory lane trip. (I hope) LOL

It will be a hard trip to take , however the end result will be priceless!!

Thinking of you and Stan

Wendy :angel:

Our computer has a windows photo gallery. She got pictures from me and alot of other people. She then put them into her computer. She down loaded the song I told you about. On our windows photo gallery at the top it has a thing that says 'make a movie.' You can make the pictures go as fast or as slow playing along to the song.
It was very hard fro me to go back through the pictures but the end results were just fantastic. I knew she was doing this but we didn't know it was for the party. I thought it was for me to give to Stan as a surprise.You have to have a certain type of dvd it thiink it is called CD-R. Now it won't play in a regular DVD player so like I said I have the IT guy at work transfer it to a regular DVD. Now I have both copies.
If that doesn't work let me know and I will have Amy come here and e-mail you with the info.
I just wish sometimes we could know each other's phone number and address but I know that is to risky and scary.
Not only is a great gift for you parents but think of the generations to come and that will see this and they will have a link to their past.
I will talk to his dr. tommorrow and hopefully we will have more answers then.
He still is blleding but not as much he said. Mary

Mary,

Thank you for the info. I think I have a program like that. It will take time to get the photos scanned and saved on the puter. My parents have a tote of pics at my brothers so I will have to get it from him and go through it.

As far as checking what others have to say about sutent try cancer compass there is a number of people there too, I can look for you there also. I hope you can get some answers from the doctor. It wont hurt for him to stop the asiprin. I dont know about the other drug though. Dad took Plavix for his heart. Thats a blood thinner I think. He was also taking an adult asiprin. Since he stopped them he has had no more issues with bleeding. I hope to hear from you soon.

Wendy :angel:

Mary,
I am sorry Stan your husband is having these problems. I hope they find out why and get him to feeling better.

The video is a wonderful idea. I would like to do one too. I bet it was wonderful at the party.

Just wanted to drop in and let ya know I am praying for you both.

Jackie

Hey Wendy and Jackie,
Thanks for asking about Stan. Today was a good day , so far no bleeding because no bowel movement. He went about 7 times yesterday. I talked to his dr. pffice and what will happen now is next week on Tuesday he will have a colonoscopy. He has never had one and so it is about time. As you well know I will be there with him for that.
Jackie.... As for the video as I stated before there is no words to describe it. You girls will have to let me know if you do it and how things are coming along. My is a treasured keepsake worth more than gold. It is a video of our like and our love and our endurance. It hopefully will be for our kids and grandbabies .
Now let me know about all of you all. As for the baby asprin they haven't told him to stop taking it and I even asked. So we will wait and see.
Love Mary

Mary,

Glad to hear theres no bleeding today!! I hope it continues that way. I know that dad had a bout when he first started the sutent to. I think he was in his second round when it occured. You will have to keep us posted.

Mom said today that dad has had more very loose stoold this bout of sutent. This is his 4 month on the 37.5 mg. He was on 12mg for 7months prior to that. On the 50mg before that for 3 months. So he has been taking it for some time now. I know he dreads it every month. However he knows he has to do something.

I have the feeling he is getting to the point where he may no longer be able to take it, but thats my opinion. I think he has done very well compared to some on this medication.

Talk to you ladies soon,
Wendy :angel:

Well stan is back to bleeding al the time again. He has a colonoscopy scheduled next Tuesday.
As for Stan taking Sutent that long, I really kind of doubt it UNLESS it always shows no cancer on his scans.
As for your dad if he does whst to stop I truely would understand because it does come to a time when it is about the quality of life and not the quanity.I see this alot.
looking forward to hearing from all but I may not be able to reapond right away. Just hang in there for us all. Love Mary

Mary,

I am so sorry that Stan is going through this. I am sure it is very frustrating.
I hope that it is something simple. I know you do to. I know everyone is so busy and it is hard to drop in. However we will be patient and wait til you can. Hope you know that we are always thinking about you and Stan.
Until you stop back. Have a good day. Sometimes easier said then done I know.

Wendy :angel:

Wendy and girls,
Finally Stan has not bled fro 2 days now.He has started to feel better and in one week he is suppose to start another round of the chemo pills. I just don't know if he will start. I will support him in whar ever decision he makes but I know what I will want him to do.
As I said before he has his colonoscopy on Tuesday.I will let everyone know when we find out.
Hope this note finds everyone doing okay.
We have gotten alot of rain the last 2 days but I am not complaining becasue we need this sooooo bad. And it so much better than snow and ice.
Mary

Mary,

Glad to hear that Stan is doing better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know he has a test coming soon. Heres too it all being okay. It could very well be the medication. I know its hard to decide whether to continue with it or not. I hope he can. Please let us know how things go.

I hear ya on the rain. I would rather have that then snow. My oldest son and his girlfriend flew out last night to FL to spend the week with my parents they had 11 hours of delays though. What a time for them. They are there now and hopefully going to get some sleep so the rest of the week is not draining. My dad is on his off weeks of the medication so hopefully he will get out and do a few things with them. I am now waiting for the phramacy to get his 12.5mg med as they are on back order. I hope it doesnt take that long.

Jackie hope this finds you as well doing good. In my thoughts.

A/F Wendy :angel:

I was wondering, how do the Dr's come to the ultimate diagnosis of kidney cancer? I have two larger masses in my left kidney, 7cm and 12 cm. There are some small ones too. also a 3mm spot on my spleen. I have anemia and low WBC count and high lymphocytes. I have blood and protein in my urine. He wants to do a cytoscopy before he does anything else, which is already scheduled. How do they "know" its cancer? Please advise, and thank you

Babysitter,

Hello, Well to some what answer your question my father had a full body pet-scan with contrast after having a chest x-ray for his physical. Then he was sent for a ct-scan in which showed something on his r.kidney. Thats when he went for the pet-scan. As the contrast will make things glow. They then decided he needed to have his kidney removed and was told it was "clear cell"
RCC Renal Cell Caranomia. Other words Kidney Cancer. I hope that with the issues you are having that you are seeing a urologist?? As they would have a better idea to what is going on with the kidney. Please let us know how your test turns out. If you need any of us here we will be here for you. Hope all is well and ask any type of questions you may have. In our thoughts.

Wendy ( and the girls )

Hi Wendy, Mary and others. I checked this board out because my son in law has kidney cancer and I couldn't help but read your posts and think how brave you are and how sad it is to watch your loved one going through this. My son in law, Ron, has been on the sutent for probably a couple of years. I don't think the doctors actually expected him to be here, much less be doing as well as he is. He has bad days of course, but some days you would hardly know anything was wrong. He and my daughter live in Jax. Fla. and I'm in south Ga. so I don't see them real often. He has had one kidney removed and surgery on his back to remove tumors and also radiation. He had to quit work and now spends the day at home as my daughter works. Luckily he loves to watch TV. We all went on vacation last July to Clearwater and I was amazed at how well he did. We went to Busch Gardens, on a dinner cruise and a dolphin observation cruise and he was able to participate in all of that and seemed to enjoy it. He's just turned 50 and has been dealing with this for about three years. He has had some really bad experiences with the medical profession. One weekend when my son and I were in Jax. for a visit, he complained of feeling numb in his lower body and went to the ER. After spending aabout 6 hours there he just got up and left. They had told him he wasn't an emergency because his vitals were ok. When he finally got to see a doctor a few days later they immediately rushed him to Gainesville for surgery and they were afraid he was going to be paralyzed. It's hard to believe they would treat someone like that. Especially a cancer patient. His main complaint with the sutent is the pain in his feet. Just wondered if anybody had any ideas what might help that. I read in an AARP magazine that vitamin B6 might help. Didn't mean to ramble on so but I felt compelled to let you all know I feel for you. I lost my husband of 47 years 3 years ago to lung cancer so I know some of what you are going through. He only lived three months after being diagnosed, but he was never in pain, just so weak. When we first found out about his cancer I thought I would just never live through it, but we somehow find the strength and with the help of God and the passage of time manage to keep going. Again, prayers and thoughts are with you. I wish I had known about this board when I was going down that long, hard road.
Joan

Hugs everybody. I am trying to learn all I can. They found my "areas" with a CT scan, but havn't had one with contrast. What bothers me is I had a CT scan over 3 years ago because of pain and blood in my urine, and they found these areas, but much smaller then. The Dr. said not to worry, I was young and the blood in t he urine just meant I had a leaky kidney. Now here I am womdering what this all means. I think the waiting is the hard part, of course, that is ALL I know right now. ;) I will keep you posted and keep checking on everybody.

Joan,

Hello and glad to meet you. I hope you know your words will give us all hope. I know any type or form of cancer is an awful thing to go through let alone watch a loved one deal with it. I am sorry about your husband and hope you continue to move forward. I am also sorry to hear about your son in law. I will pray for him to continue on his road to beat this.

I hear you when you explain the way Ron is with this disease. My father is alot like that himself being hes on sutent as well. He has not had any issues with a visit to the ER. Thank god. He does not look forward to his next cycle of the medication but he knows he has to do something. I have read somewhere about a cream that some have used to help with the foot issues. Not really for the pain though just the dryness. I will look and see where I found it and post later with it. By the way you are not rambling on. Thanks for coming on in. I look forward to talking to all that I can. It helps me to be here myself to just listen for the others dealing with this. I am grateful that you are all here when i need someone to listen to me. Besides it helps me get through an understand alittle more how it affects us all.

Once again glad we have now met. We are here for you to continue to chat.

A/F Wendy

Babysitter,

We will be here looking for you. I hope all goes well for you. Please keep us posted.

Welcome aboard Babysitter!
As for finding out about Stan's cancer, he was havinf alot of pain in his left lower back and had started having numbness in his groin are. We went to the ER and he had a MIR and they found a suspicious looking area on his spine. He was admitted and they finished the MRI the next morning with CT scans and found a large tumor 8inches in diameter on his left kidney which turned out to be Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. They removed his left kidney a week later and he had 10 days of radiation and now chemo pills because it is now on his liver.
He told me last night that he may quit the chemo pills because of the side effects.
I am asking the Lord to give me the strength to get through this. I told him it is his decision to make and I will stand beside him with what ever he decides to do.I also know how hard it has been on him these alst 2 weeks and he wants to live not being sick bleeding and in pain. I can't blame him.
He will make his final decision after the colonoscopy on Tuesday so everyone please be praying for us and for him to make the right decision.
Love to all of you my new friends..... Mary

Hey Mary, My name is Mary also. I will definately be sending my thoughts and prayers your way. You sound like a strong woman. I feel better just talking to everybody on here. Bless you all. Mary

Hey Girls.
Finally good news. The dr. didn't find anything to be worry about with Stan's colonoscopy. He did remove a very small polyp but he fells that is nothing and he does have hemmoroids but everything looked good.
So it probably is the chemo doing all this to him. He had me call his oncologist to see if the dosage can be lowered, if it can he will continue on for another month to see how it effects him. If not then he has decided to stop all treatments and have no more test and let God handle it from here on out. We will get a call tomorrow about what his dr. feels to do.
Untill then we are just relishing in the good news.
I will write more when I know.
And whoever has wrote me about the alternative treatment please tell me lore about it. I will be greatly appreciative.
Love Mary

Mary,

So glad to hear that Stan's test was great. He is still on the 50mg right?
Dad could only take that for a few months then he was on a break (his decision) for about two months. He then started a lower dose and has been fine since. It also comes in a 25mg and a 12.5mg. So his doc has put him on them both 37.5mg and he has been doing good on that. It is holding him stable at this time. I hope that Stan will continue and try the lower dose. We dont know how it really makes them feel. I just think its better to keep fighting this beast. However you have to support whatever he may decide. We are here to do the same. My thoughts are with you both. Let us know what the doc decides to do with his medication.

A/F Wendy :angel:

Hi there Girls,

Just want to let you all know since this thread has now reached 100 post I will be starting a new one. I hope it makes it easier for us all. I will start the new one right after this one with the title being Kidney Cancer Warriors. Then we know its the new one. Hope all is well with you all.
Will talk to you all soon.
Jackie
Mary
Ellen
and of coarse our new friends are very welcome to join us. Also anyone else that needs a good shoulder to lean on dealing with this beast.

Wendy

They would not lower the dosage so long story short he is going to try the Sutent 50mg again for another month and I PRAY fro no bad side effects so he can continue on.
I have been feeling very sad because I think alot of times he is ready to give up and I don't know how to help him through this but by just being there and lettting him know how I feel and that I am always thee to support him. The dr. said the lower dose just won't help for him. Mary