new to kidney cancer (caregiver)

Is your mom also taking either Xgeva (Denosumab) or Zometa (Zoledronic Acid) along with Votrient?  Either one of these drugs is absolutely essential if you wish to get any response to Votrient against bone mets.

Xgeva is given as a shot once a month and has no side effects (that I am aware of) other than a slight risk of ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Zometa also raises the risk of ONJ.  Xgeva seems to work a bit faster than Zometa and does not stress the kidney at all (but Zometa can).  Xgeva is also newer and more expensive.  However, either one of these two drugs will work fine in conjunction with Votrient.

I don't take Votrient.  I am on a different anti-angiogenic drug, Sutent (Sunitinib).  I also have bone mets and am taking Xgeva.  I have had "dramatic" response to these combined drugs ever since my mets were discovered back in July 2012. My lesions only show shrinkage, stability, or new bone growth.

I also have had no significant side effects while taking Sutent in all these months, even though I take it at maximum dosage.  This, I believe, is due to my diet and certain carefully researched supplements that I take.

I am happy to share what I am doing as well as the science and rationale behind what I consider proper nutrition if you email me at: n.feldman@videopost.com.  The document is a 56-page .pdf file which I need to send as an attachment via direct email.

Best wishes,

-NanoSecond (Neil)

Coujean - you need to read the Kidney Cancer thread titled  "Votrient Side Effects." . It has over 200 posts and covers many of the Votrient side efeects. It also talks about reduction in dosage levels and the frequency of blood pressure problems by those taking the drug. Some identify increased blood pressure as a  sign that the Votrient is working, but,  regardless, BP needs to be controlled.Talk to your mom's doctor and find out what other options are available---different drugs, lowered dosage, clinical trials, etc. 

My husband (one putt) is taking votrient and he recently had to stop taking it for a couple of weeks due to mouth sores. But he did return to it after the sores cleared up. However, with all the side effects your mom is experiencing, an altogether new attack may make more sense.

Good luck to you both.

Coujean, I hate to say it but the first month I had almost no symptoms, and they worsened the second month (BP up, diarrhea, change in hair color).  I would talk to your mom's doctor.  There may be other meds they can try that have less symptoms.  I know that for me Immodium helps to control the diarrhea, but it is best to speak with her doctor before trying anything.  I am sorry she is having such a rough time withis drug.

Terri