Update on Son-in-Law

penitent
penitent Member Posts: 79
in Kidney Cancer #1

Next week John begins six weeks of radiation condensensed into five days using SBRT.  He was accepted into the study because he has fewer than 3 mets and is young and healthy.  (Reminder...he is 42 years old, stage IV, grade 4, 60% sarcomatoid RCC).  For those not familiar with SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), it is a targeted radiation therapy--think non-invasive radiation laser beam).  While it is promising (the radiation onc said he has a 90% success rate of eradicating the targeted tumor) it does have significant risks.

*The tumor is millimeters, if that, away from his aorta.  The intense radiation can cause a hole in the vessel and that is 'not compatible with life'.

*The tumor is also only 2 cm from his esophagus.  The onc said that will give the equivalent of a sunburn to his esophagus and that means no salty, spicy, acidic or crunchy food without extreme pain for weeks to months.  Also a hole could be burned between the esophagus and his lungs (also very near the tumor) which would, as they say "not be compatible with life" (love the euphenisms).

They couldn't use contrast in the new scans to make the body cast (that will hold him perfectly still for the radiation) because of elevated kidney levels...so he'll have to superimpose these non-contrast scans over previous scans to map the tumor and blood vessels.

Optivo seems to be working on other areas of his body, but this bad boy apparently needs to be zapped.

The treatment begins next week, so I would beg you to keep John in your prayers that the procedure goes as anticipated without error...and that the tumor responds to the radiation.  Thank you.

Penitent

Comments

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #2
    sounds like a good plan.

    I 've had the sbrt. Tumor was from base of skulll to t-2 wrapped around spinal cord. It was taking me out. Only thyroid and some nervous system damage as result. Most people's sbrt is easier. Good luck.

  • CRashster
    CRashster Member Posts: 241 Member
    #3
    foxhd said:

    sounds like a good plan.

    I 've had the sbrt. Tumor was from base of skulll to t-2 wrapped around spinal cord. It was taking me out. Only thyroid and some nervous system damage as result. Most people's sbrt is easier. Good luck.

    fox.

    You're a regular cancer battle hardened veteran.

  • penitent
    penitent Member Posts: 79
    edited March 2017 #4
    foxhd said:

    sounds like a good plan.

    I 've had the sbrt. Tumor was from base of skulll to t-2 wrapped around spinal cord. It was taking me out. Only thyroid and some nervous system damage as result. Most people's sbrt is easier. Good luck.

    Thanks Fox

    Did you also have any of the radiation side effects of nausea and tiredness?

     

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    edited March 2017 #5
    Yes.

     I've had a lot of radiation. Back when I was healthier it was no big deal. I get more fatigued now. Radiation works. Back when I first started I remember that radiation wasn't considered effective. We have learned a lot.

  • Abunai
    Abunai Member Posts: 173 Member
    #6
    Radiation

     I had SBRT, 10 sessions, for a T6/T7 tumor that had been "debulked" first by laminectomy surgery. The tumor had compressed my spinal cord and caused loss of bladder and bowel function and loss of movement in both legs.

    I had no immediate side effects from the radiation treatment, and no current side effects other than a dead tumor. Whether there are long term effects or not remains to be seen.

    Surgery plus radiation treatment decompressed my spinal cord in time and I regained bowel and bladder function and can walk with the aid of a walking stick/cane.

  • Dutch1
    Dutch1 Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2017 #7
    Two (maybe even three -- time

    Two (maybe even three -- time continues to go fast) years ago, I had had this same type of radiation therapy to a spot that was very close to my esophagus.  The treatment went well and has proven to be effective.  The targeted cancer doesn't show up on scans anymore except for a small, stable residual spot that may or may not be cancer.  I had a very raw throat for a while.  Certainly, it was uncomfortable.  Medication helped a lot and recovery is slow.  I can't point to any specific side effects.  I have a cough that I can't get rid of.  Overall, as cancer treatment goes, I'd give this type of radiation a double thumbs up rating.  It worked well for me.

    Best wishes.  Prayers for success.

    Dutch

  • Jan4you
    Jan4you Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    edited March 2017 #8
    I can appreciate your

    I can appreciate your concerns and of course will be thinking and praying for you and John.

    You have received good advice here already from those in the know. Trust, use your faith!

    Sending you both healing hugs,

    Jan

  • penitent
    penitent Member Posts: 79
    #9
    One day down...four to go

    Yesterday was the first of five days of SBRT for John.  So far all is well...and we all pray that the radiation treatment zapps the heck out of that tumor so near his aorta.

  • hardo718
    hardo718 Member Posts: 853 Member
    edited March 2017 #10
    Praying for John

    And the rest of you too.

    Donna~

  • penitent
    penitent Member Posts: 79
    #11
    SBRT over

    Five days of SBRT are over and so far the only SE is extreme exhaustion.  Scans in 8 weeks and back on Opdivo infusions.  Hopefully the radiation zapped that bugger good!

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