GETTING BACK ON TRACK

I am off to Rome tomorrow afternoon so this will be quick. I am back on cloud nine this afternoon. I met with Dr. Reaume, my oncologist, today and he reports that the fluid in my lungs has abated. There are no new tumours, and no additional growths. All is stable. It seems the new protocol of two weeks taking Sutent with one week off is working. This may be the balance for me. I am handling it well. However, I am always happy when the 13th and 14th day come around and I know I can take a week off. I do notice a definite lack of energy and suffer some diarrhea during these latter days of the treatment. However it is manageable, and I am able to do most activities without undue stress. My appetite lessens as well, which is actually good. It helps to keep my weight in check. The earlier symptoms of sensitive hands and feet, as well as the mouth soreness I experienced when I first started on Sutent have all but disappeared. I am happy with the outcomes. I’ll meet with Dr Reaume again in December. When I was first diagnosed with Matastized Renal Cancer, Dr. Reaume was the oncologist to whom I was referred. He introduced me to Dr. Moretto and put her in charge of my care. Alas, as I reported, she has left the Cancer Centre to work at McMaster. Dr Reaume has now assumed full responsibility rather than just oversight of my treatment. He is an energetic and enthusiastic oncologist, very personable and a leader in his field. I feel very fortunate. Just a note to say, I welcome any and all who come across this blog to make comments and send them to me, if you so wish. I’d like to hear about other cancer journeys. Maybe you can coach and assist me as I travel mine.