Update since DX in December

jshorty29
jshorty29 Member Posts: 12
in Kidney Cancer #1

Hello all,

Dave was diagnosed with stage IV clear RCC on December 31, 2013. Since then he started Sutent which wasn't working as the cancer progressed into his bones. He was then in and out of the hospital the entire month of May and the beginning of June for infections, severe constipation and most disheartening, extreme pain in his left kidney, stomach and right hip. At this point, it is all about managing the pain and he is finally "healthy" enough to begin his Avastin injections and Affinitor, which he has been on for a little over a week now. 

With this being said, what can I do to comfort him? He isn't as mobile anymore and his one freedom, his Harley rides, can't be done right now. I see the frustration, fear for his family and exhaustion getting to him more and more every day and all I can do is hold him, be his nurse and make sure he is well taken care of as well as handle all the logistics of his care and medical issues.  I know he is in a dark place that I just cant reach and as his caregiver, I  know what his body needs and when to assist him medically, but I can't truly understand what he's going through.  

Anyway, we are praying the Affinitor & Avastin help. We are praying so very hard! 

Wishing you all a day filled with love, hope and peace.

 

Jenny

Comments

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #2
    HI Jenny.. thanks for coming

    HI Jenny.. thanks for coming back and giving an update.  I am curious.. you do not mention surgery..?  Has your hubby had the primary tumor removed..?

    Good Luck..

    Ron

  • jshorty29
    jshorty29 Member Posts: 12
    #3
    GSRon said:

    HI Jenny.. thanks for coming

    HI Jenny.. thanks for coming back and giving an update.  I am curious.. you do not mention surgery..?  Has your hubby had the primary tumor removed..?

    Good Luck..

    Ron

    No Removal of Kidney

    The oncologist feels the cancer has spread too far to remove the kidney at this point. They are also afraid he wouldn't survive the surgery. It's frustrating as hell. 

  • Djinnie
    Djinnie Member Posts: 945 Member
    #4
    jshorty29 said:

    No Removal of Kidney

    The oncologist feels the cancer has spread too far to remove the kidney at this point. They are also afraid he wouldn't survive the surgery. It's frustrating as hell. 

    Thinking of you!

    Hi Jenny, 

    I have been wondering how you were both getting on. I am glad to hear Dave has managed to start a new protocol, I hope that he shows some positive signs from the new drugs soon. don't be hard on yourself, you sound like you have all the bases covered when it comes to caring for Dave. It is only natural that you want to remove the pain and distress, it is heart wrenching to watch a loved one live through such an experience. All you can really do is be there for them, which you are!

    Thinking of you and keeping you at the forefront of my prayers!

     

    Djinnie xx

     

     

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #5
    jshorty29 said:

    No Removal of Kidney

    The oncologist feels the cancer has spread too far to remove the kidney at this point. They are also afraid he wouldn't survive the surgery. It's frustrating as hell. 

    Wow.. sorry to hear his

    Wow.. sorry to hear his general health is not good.  Removal of the main tumor can reduce the load on the body and sometimes helps with the Mets.  Try to get his general health better so that can happen.  Also, do not be afraid to get a second opinion. 

    Good Luck..

    Ron

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