spreading cancer - Cancer Message Board

vpilant · 10-10-2007, 07:52 AM

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?

lilsis1071 · 10-10-2007, 10:17 AM

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.

Wendy

vpilant · 10-10-2007, 01:50 PM

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.

Vicki

brighterday · 10-11-2007, 11:20 AM

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.

vpilant · 10-12-2007, 07:46 AM

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.