HERE WE GO
May 14, 2012
I have been researching this disease, checking out possible nutritional and spiritual ammunition, but now the real battle begins in ernest. I picked up my medication a couple of hours ago and as I sat with Pegs on the back porch reviewing the bag full of pills, the cancer protagonist, sutent, with his anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea knights, the reality hit home. Tonight begins the fight to prolong my life. I now realize that I am in a battle to the death and I will need all my resources, strength and love of family and friends to overcome this. It will be an adventure.
Hello Donald,
ReplyDeleteI sing in the Brockville Shout Sister choir with your good friend, Kathy Nichol. I've been following your blog with interest as I too have metastasized RCC. My left kidney and adrenal gland were removed a few months ago and I started on Sutent in March. I'm pleased to report that a recent CT scan showed that the mass in my other adrenal gland has shrunk by 1 cm and lesions in my pancreas are necrotic. Lesions in my lungs have not grown since I began taking the drug. I've had some side effects from Sutent but my doctor frequently adjusts the medication schedule to ensure that I do not suffer much from those side effects. I live in the west end of Ottawa; my oncologist works at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital every Thursday so most of my appointments are there. Some still take place at the General Campus. I had a good chuckle when you mentionned your oncologist's intern (blonde hair, accent) because I believe she also works with my oncologist. I vividly recall how keenly I had to listen to her speak to understand what she was saying!
Donald, I just wanted to reach out to thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences as your "adventure" unfolds. You are not alone in this journey. Although my journey only began in November 2011, I would be happy to share my experiences with you if you are interested.
Take care,
Debbie (Beauchamp)
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. It is encouraging to hear the success you have had with Sutent. At the Kidney Cancer Conference in Toronto I met many others who were having success with Sutent which of course is news I like to hear. It is also interesting to hear that your problem started with the left kidney as did mine. In fact when I attended the Conference in Toronto last month I discovered that the majority of survivors, had either radical or partial nephrectomies of the left kidney. I found this an interesting little bit of trivia.
Debbie, thanks again for writing and I wish you happy trails on your journey. Please let me know how your are doing. I like comparing notes, especially with some one who is further along with the treatment. Cheers, Donald.
Dear Don,
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see how things are going with your treatments.
The blog is such a great idea to share with others ( us)......and comments above from people like Debbie are so relevant to your situation and hers. We are impressed ( and not surprised) by your carpe diem approach to this next ' adventure'. We wish you the best possible outcomes with Sutent
and will be following your journey.
Love, Val + Allen