spleen removal

cheatinlil
cheatinlil Member Posts: 197
in Kidney Cancer #1

 

Hi

 

Its been awhile since I posted.  My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2014. At first it was described as advanced and aggressive.  He responded well to treatment and later was given a prognosis of 5 years.  That was 5 years ago.  He is still doing great for the most part.  He has not worked in 4 years but he is able to go out to lunch, work around the house, 1 or 2 naps a day.  He has been on Cabo chemo pills 40 mg most days.  He takes off about once a week to feel better.  He has done votrient.  At one point the Onc told us that this Cabo is the last known treatment he can use.  His high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis disqualifies him from other treatments.  Of course there are always new treatments in the works.

 

He has tumors by his kidney, a lot of little ones in his abdomen, by his liver, and on his spleen.  Once he had a tumor on his spine that was radiated with a STRONG single does and it was gone.  That was the punch that put him on disability.  It was very hard on him.  Last year the spleen tumor was growing and he did maybe 7 rounds of radiation.  I don’t remember how many.  I remember it was hard on him.  He doesn’t remember it being that bad J

 

He had a tumor removed from his kidney in 2012 – that was an extremely tough surgery. 

 

That dang tumor on his spleen is growing again.  We are meeting with an Onc 11/20 to discuss surgery to remove the spleen.  Husband was not for it at first.  I assured him it was just a consultation to discuss.  He can say “no”.  They actually say removing the spine can be beneficial for his rheumatoid arthritis.  My husband looks to me a lot for my opinion.  I’m usually pretty sure what I want to do.  This time, I’m not.  I don’t want to make the call. I’m scared.

 

I have found very little info searching this site and googling.  I find a sentence or two about it.  Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

Comments

  • donna_lee
    donna_lee Member Posts: 1,045 Member
    #2
    Not with cancer in the spleen, but

    my daughter-in-laws sister had to have her spleen removed as a teenager and is doing fine at age 43-44. Her's just hemorrhaged and she had emergency surgery to save her.  That is one of the organs we can live without.

    You guys got a double whammy this time.  So Sorry.

    Hugs to all,

    donna_lee

  • cheatinlil
    cheatinlil Member Posts: 197
    #3
    donna_lee said:

    Not with cancer in the spleen, but

    my daughter-in-laws sister had to have her spleen removed as a teenager and is doing fine at age 43-44. Her's just hemorrhaged and she had emergency surgery to save her.  That is one of the organs we can live without.

    You guys got a double whammy this time.  So Sorry.

    Hugs to all,

    donna_lee

    thank you for your feedback. 

    thank you for your feedback.  I guess we will wait until the consult to find out more. the waiting is the hardest part. I'm just not sure if he is strong enough to pull through it. 

  • a_oaklee
    a_oaklee Member Posts: 566 Member
    #4
    Hi cheatinlil.  Im sorry you

    Hi cheatinlil.  Im sorry you are going through this and facing these tough decisions with your husband.   I dont think many people have responded to your post because they just dont have information related to spleen involvement.  I dont either.  I can suggest using the search function here for cancer of the spleen.  I also highly suggest checking in with Smart Patients.  Theres great information there for advanced disease.  My husband is also Stage 4 since 2012.  We have seen a palliative care physician as part of our team.  Most people think that is like hospice, but it isnt.  Our doctor helps my husband with all the side effects of his condition and treatment.  It truly is a blessing and has made his life the best it can be.  It was also good for the two of us to discuss things together with the doctor.  We have found that the level of care has gone beyond what an oncologist provides.  (He sees the oncologist and the palliative care doctor).   The focus is quality of life.   Good luck with your appt in November.  I will be thinking of you.

  • cheatinlil
    cheatinlil Member Posts: 197
    #5
    a_oaklee said:

    Hi cheatinlil.  Im sorry you

    Hi cheatinlil.  Im sorry you are going through this and facing these tough decisions with your husband.   I dont think many people have responded to your post because they just dont have information related to spleen involvement.  I dont either.  I can suggest using the search function here for cancer of the spleen.  I also highly suggest checking in with Smart Patients.  Theres great information there for advanced disease.  My husband is also Stage 4 since 2012.  We have seen a palliative care physician as part of our team.  Most people think that is like hospice, but it isnt.  Our doctor helps my husband with all the side effects of his condition and treatment.  It truly is a blessing and has made his life the best it can be.  It was also good for the two of us to discuss things together with the doctor.  We have found that the level of care has gone beyond what an oncologist provides.  (He sees the oncologist and the palliative care doctor).   The focus is quality of life.   Good luck with your appt in November.  I will be thinking of you.

    thank you for your heartfelt

    thank you for your heartfelt reply. I figured the no response had to do with no one having experience with this. thank you.  we will look into palliative care.  sorry you are here too!!

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