Three year anniversary from date of surgery

Dutch1
Dutch1 Member Posts: 152
in Kidney Cancer #1

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

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #2
    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

     

  • hardo718
    hardo718 Member Posts: 853 Member
    #3
    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

     

    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~

  • Positive_Mental_Attitude
    Positive_Mental_Attitude Member Posts: 454
    #4
    Dutch, you are a beacon of

    Dutch, you are a beacon of positivity and proof that many can live with cancer and live well. 

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    #5
    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~

    Happy Annocectomy

    and many happy returns

  • Jojo61
    Jojo61 Member Posts: 1,309 Member
    #6
    Right on, right on, right

    Right on, right on, right on!!! What a fantastic story to share. Show 'em who is boss, Dutch!

    Salud!

    Jojo

  • foroughsh
    foroughsh Member Posts: 779 Member
    #7
    Dutch
    I love "spots can't be

    Dutch

    I love "spots can't be found on a scan any more", wish you many more anniversavies.

    My greetings to your kind,carefull wife

    Forough

     

     

     

     

  • Srashedb
    Srashedb Member Posts: 482 Member
    #8
    Congratulations

    what an optimistic post and an inspiration for someone newly diagnosed; on to year 4!

    Sarah

  • Allochka
    Allochka Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #9
    Srashedb said:

    Congratulations

    what an optimistic post and an inspiration for someone newly diagnosed; on to year 4!

    Sarah

    Thank you for sharing this

    Thank you for sharing this inspiration! Wish you good results on Votrient and many-many more anniversaries to celebrate!

  • Limelife50
    Limelife50 Member Posts: 476
    #10
    Great

    Cheers to many many more years

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #11
    Limelife50 said:

    Great

    Cheers to many many more years

    How sweet it is

     just a little Jackie Gleason to go with that Dutch, "How sweet it is."

  • izzycohen
    izzycohen Member Posts: 80
    #12
    Mazel Tov!! 

    Mazel Tov!!  Thank you for sharing your wonderful news.

     

  • Dutch1
    Dutch1 Member Posts: 152
    #13
    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~

    How do I know?

     

    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

     

  • todd121
    todd121 Member Posts: 1,448 Member
    #14
    Good news

    So glad to hear it. It's not perfect news, but it's great in context.

    We just don't know what tomorrow will bring. Do we? Keep on keeping on. :)

    Todd

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