Three year anniversary from date of surgery
![Dutch1](https://us.v-cdn.net/6035652/uploads/pictures/npicture-223823.jpg)
It was three years ago today that I slept through the removal of my kidney, adrenal gland and 15 to 20 lymph nodes. Oh, and the removal of a sizeable tumor. I understood the surgeon to classify it as stage 4. He did not leave my wife and I with a cheerful prognosis.
It's three years later, and I'm still here. In fact, with all things considered, I feel pretty good.
I went through a one-year Everolimus clinical trial right after surgery. My first recurrence was about 18 months after surgery. 5 spots in my chest. Treatment: Sutent and radiation. Some of the spots can't be found on a scan any more. The others diminished in size. Two months ago, a new spot was found and we switched to Votrient. Waiting for my first Votrient scan.
My wife and I try to stay somewhat active. My wife also reads a lot about nutrition and cancer and does a good job with what we eat at home. We've had our share of stresses during the last three years, but we've also had some good moral support from some family members and friends. Finally, the grace of God has been there for us.
So .......... anyone out there who has been newly diagnosed with advanced stage RCC, please take heart. You and I certainly share a very serious health problem. HOWEVER, there is no need to immediately give up. There are ways of dealing with this disease such that you can be given a good amount of time. I know that I'll die of kidney cancer. I just don't know when. What I do know is that my surgeon's idea of how long I'd have was pretty much off base ... in a good way. His surgery skills were first rate. Not so much with his prognosis estimate.
If you have a lesser stage cancer, your prospects are much better. Don't panic. Get yourself a good surgeon and a good oncologist and give them a chance to help you out.
Well wishes to you all.
Dutch
Comments
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Congratulations Dutch!!icemantoo said:Keep it up
Dutch,
I expect no less than you following my lead and put a 1 in front of that 3. The most challanging years are already behind you.
Icemantoo
That's awesome news you shared. My particular case was caught very early so I can't relate to some of which you speak.
One question: how do you know you'll die from kidney cancer? Did that also come from your doctor with low expectations? For all we know, God's plan may be very different from our afflictions.
May God bless you with a long and healthy future,
Donna~
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Dutch, you are a beacon of
Dutch, you are a beacon of positivity and proof that many can live with cancer and live well.
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Happy Annocectomyhardo718 said:Congratulations Dutch!!
That's awesome news you shared. My particular case was caught very early so I can't relate to some of which you speak.
One question: how do you know you'll die from kidney cancer? Did that also come from your doctor with low expectations? For all we know, God's plan may be very different from our afflictions.
May God bless you with a long and healthy future,
Donna~
and many happy returns
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Thank you for sharing thisSrashedb said:Congratulations
what an optimistic post and an inspiration for someone newly diagnosed; on to year 4!
Sarah
Thank you for sharing this inspiration! Wish you good results on Votrient and many-many more anniversaries to celebrate!
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Great
Cheers to many many more years
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How sweet it isLimelife50 said:Great
Cheers to many many more years
just a little Jackie Gleason to go with that Dutch, "How sweet it is."
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How do I know?hardo718 said:Congratulations Dutch!!
That's awesome news you shared. My particular case was caught very early so I can't relate to some of which you speak.
One question: how do you know you'll die from kidney cancer? Did that also come from your doctor with low expectations? For all we know, God's plan may be very different from our afflictions.
May God bless you with a long and healthy future,
Donna~
Donna;
You are correct ... I cannot be absolutely certain that RCC will be the cause of my passing. While I'd like to be that miracle guy who skates out from underneath the cancer cloud, I have to realize that for late-stage RCC people, there isn't a lot of talk about long-term remission or cure. So, I say (perhaps a little too loosely) that RCC will be my downfall simply because of its high likelihood. With my "glass is half full" oncologist, we strive to slow the cancer's progress and to basically live with it and to stretch out my time for years and years. So far, so good and we are grateful for that. The cancer has a foothold and is threatening, but has been reasonably contained to this point. We measure time from scan to scan and we expect each scan to be a good one. Many of them are.
If my cancer had been caught early, I would probably be thinking remission, as you are. It seems that you have a good shot at it.
God's plan for both of us will become fully known as time passes. For now, my wife and I do the best we can: Seeking good medical care, putting up with a lot of powerful drugs and living with cautious optimism.
Dutch
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