Can someone tell me if PT4 or T4N0M0 is stage 4. My husband's 14cm tumor was removed along with the adrenal gland and right kidney. Looks like we are looking at stage 4 and could use some encouragement.
Yes, it is stage 4 but without any metastatic disease at this point. He will need close and careful monitoring with CT scans as follow up. It is highest stage, but without any metastatic disease at this time is positive. See below information about the staging. You never mentioned Grade of the tumor, this also will factor into his follow up care.
T4: The tumor has spread beyond Gerota’s fascia (the fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and nearby fatty tissue). The tumor may have grown into the adrenal gland (on top of the kidney).
N0: No spread to nearby lymph nodes
M0: There is no spread to distant lymph nodes or other organ
Thank you for responding. I don't know the grade yet, I was told the oncologist would be able to give me more information on our post op visit. 2/3/15.
I think it would be likely that your husband will have scans every 3 months. I don't know the exact protocol, but I think with a Stage 4, Grade 4 tumor they will want to watch it closely.
Also, perhaps you could ask the oncologist what other tests (if any) are warranted for this diagnosis. I know some oncologists or urologists order bone scans as a test. My husband (with a Stage 3 diagnosis) had a bone scan after his nephrectomy. I recommend asking for one, if only for some peace of mind.
It's such a scary, scary job to deal with your husband having cancer. It is a roller coaster ride, for sure, I hope you are taking care of yourself too! Take care.
My hubby's 13cm tumour also had T4N0M0. He had a full nephrectomy of his left kidney and adrenal gland in late Feb 2014, as it was extending into adrenal gland, and while clear cell also had extensive sarcomatoid change and rhabdoid morphology. We were told he was grade 4 but no one has ever really told us what stage he was/is. He has regular ct scans and now has mris as well. He also had a bone scan and chest xrays. There is talk of giving him a scan of his head too as he has had some loss of balance occasionally lately. It has been very hot in New Zealand lately though! He is currently NED but is having the next mri on 10 Feb. Don't know how encouraging this post is lol but he is still here and we are grateful. Hope all goes well with your husband.
Thank you, it is encouraging. My husband retired from the fire department in October and was diagnosed in November. While am grateful he doesn't have to go back to work. My anxiety is getting the better of me. I just want him to be able to ride his motorcycle and go camping. We also have two daughters. One of which was married in 2013. I just want to stay on top of this so we can enjoy our grandchildren some day.
If I recall correctly, your husband went to Dr. Russoa at MSKCC? Coincidentally, I am a volunteer firefighter, and Dr. Russo handled my surgery. There are a couple of other firefighters on here. There's a firedude, and at least a couple of others. Congratultions on getting through the surgery, and I hope you and your husband enjoy retirement.
Well he didnt quite but he could have. One of the worst things about cancer is the fear and anxiety it evokes. Nothing is as bad as our imaginations can make it seem. Nothing helps a cancer sufferer more than the love of those around.
But who cares for the carer? Dont forget to look after yourself.
I am glad that you have found this forum. There is a wealth of information amongst all our members. And there are a lot of wonderful caregivers on this site who will (and already have) give you guidance on this.
Your support you give your husband will help him through this!
I was diagnosed Stage 4 in October 2011. I have head right kidney removed, and in 2013 lower portion of right lung removed, and another tumor removed from the brain. I have now been NED for 15 months. Have faith and courage and try to suppress the fear as much as possible! It can be ok!
Stage 4 Grade 4 here. Diagnosed May 2013. Had bones and lungs scanned. No mets in the bones. Left kidney and adrenogland and large amount of vein removed. IL2 treatment August - November. On sutent since september 2014.
Hi Terri, I know you are afraid. Just try to get copies of all reports, blood reports, scans, etc. Keep them in a file. There doesn't seem to be any spread to lymph nodes or other mets at this time. The best thing to have done now is to ask for a full body pet/ct scan. I say sooner than later. This way you can catch anything that can be around now, and if nothing, which is hopefully the case, then going forward full body pet/ct scans every three months would be the right thing to do. I think you said he has been at Sloans, they are usually on top of it all! Keep on the boards here and continue to post updates. Don't worry too much, take one day at a time and don't forget to take care of you! Hugs! PS my mom was stage 4, she went on Votrient and is now NED. Hopefull still NED, scans in a month or so. Praying for us all!
I totally agree with everyone who recommends bone and lung scans. Best to do it early just in case. I'm so happy that so far all is going well and hope that it continues that way. Wishing you both the best. You're in really good hands at MSK and with Dr. Russo.
We are meeting the oncologist Dr Voss for the first time on February 3nd. We're hoping he's as amazing as Dr Rosso. Also my husband had a bone scan and MRIs of the head, chest and abdomen. I'm hoping we covered all our bases.
I'm sorry to hear you and your husband had to join this club. The people on this site are very caring, helpful, and supportive. I am also stage IV/grade IV and am going through consultations to treat mets in the lungs. I met with Dr Voss @ MSK two weeks ago and have been in regular communication since. He has been the most impressive doctor my wife and I have met thus far. Intelligent, mindful of the patient, and thorough in his discussion. He also persuaded us to see two other doctors: Dr Walter Sadler @ U of Chicago and Dr David McDermott @ Beth Israel in Boston. That says a lot about a doctor who can give such top notch referrals yet still keep up with the patient to further inform and guide. You are in excellent hands.
There is a lot of anxiety associated with cancer, as others have pointed out. I don't know of a secret to keep yourself worry-free but I have found that associating with loved ones more relieves a lot of the pressure. Connecting with new people as well. Just jumping into life more has helped put things in perspective. I hope you find what works to pull up when you hit your lows (we all hit lows now and then). Don't be a stranger! :)
Terrie, Stage 4 is not stage dead. Hang in there. Many of us are stage 4. And we are here telling you about it. Stay encouraged, learn and put up the good fight.There is hard work ahead. It does get done by many of us.
Terrie, I have continued riding for almost 4 years since diagnosis. Currently I am on hold due to blood clots in my arm. But I have my summer trips planned. There is no reason not to ride. In fact, I can think of many reasons to continue riding.
Thank you for responding. I didn't realize my husband was stage 4 until a day or two ago. The doctor told us he got everything so we weren't thinking stage 4.
I have a lot of questions for Dr Voss. Knowing you and your wife were impressed with him makes be feel better.
I have been dealing with this curse for more years than I care to mention. I retired six years ago from a very long career on a municipal fire department. While still employed I had two kidney cancer surgeries. In the first one my left kidney was removed and I was fine for fourteen years. Then it was my right kidney. I had a partial done to my right kidney and I was good for another ten years. After each of these surgeries I went back to work and back to riding my motorcycle. I also enjoy camping and I am looking forward to a good season in the Sierras. I woulld bet that your husband has many, many good years ahead. My best to you and all on the board.
firedude21
p.s. - Does anyone know how to get spell check to work on this site? It works fine for me on others but not this one. Thanks.
Just becasue you are stage IV doens't mean life is over.
Please hit the link to my history for the details, but I had a 17 CM kidney turmor and 3.4 cm adrenal tumor on the opposite side back in 2012.
As of this morning, I woke up on the correct side of the grass, and to my knowledge, I don't have any cancer that they could find in a scan.
Since my diagnosis I have skied almost 100,000 vertical feet, played 70 or so rounds of golf (even broke par once), and had a mulligan for a hole in one (which apparently means absolutely nothing)....Oh yea, and besides scheduled treatments and scan, I have only missed two days of work due to cancer.
Keep living and riding! even if they find cancer in the future, there are new treatements that give us all hope for a long future.
You're an inspiration! I confess I find it harder than you seem to. I seem to have picked up arthritus which means walking with a stick. Working full time wiped me out and I'm now working part time hoping to increase my hours. I'm not giving up, but today is a bad day.
I cant tell you anything about stage four but a lot of peop;e on here have and can and still push through to get better. Only thing I can do for you is Pray for you and that I will every day.
Terri065, you came to the right place. These folks here on this site are awesome. You will see a tremendous amount of information and guidance from so many, freely giving of their time and knowledge. Some of us(mostly me) are uniquely unqualified to give any practical advice. However, I can agree with many here that tell you that things are going to be fine, that you need to monitor and get to your appointments for the CT scans and keep after your Dr and push them for advice, etc. When you go to your appointments, I have found, obviously your husband will be there, but take good notes, if need be take someone else with you so another set of ears can be there ready to listen, write anything down, etc.
God Bless You and Your husband. This wonderful group of fellow cancer fighters seem to always be ready to give such incredible advice!
Joined: Feb 2014
"Stage 4 but TNM staging"
Yes, it is stage 4 but without any metastatic disease at this point. He will need close and careful monitoring with CT scans as follow up. It is highest stage, but without any metastatic disease at this time is positive. See below information about the staging. You never mentioned Grade of the tumor, this also will factor into his follow up care.
T4: The tumor has spread beyond Gerota’s fascia (the fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and nearby fatty tissue). The tumor may have grown into the adrenal gland (on top of the kidney).
N0: No spread to nearby lymph nodes
M0: There is no spread to distant lymph nodes or other organ
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you for responding. I
Thank you for responding. I don't know the grade yet, I was told the oncologist would be able to give me more information on our post op visit. 2/3/15.
Joined: Dec 2014
Just found out it's grade
Just found out it's grade IV/IV. So I guess 4.
Joined: Feb 2014
Probably 3 months scans with this pathology.
Hi Terri065,
I think it would be likely that your husband will have scans every 3 months. I don't know the exact protocol, but I think with a Stage 4, Grade 4 tumor they will want to watch it closely.
Also, perhaps you could ask the oncologist what other tests (if any) are warranted for this diagnosis. I know some oncologists or urologists order bone scans as a test. My husband (with a Stage 3 diagnosis) had a bone scan after his nephrectomy. I recommend asking for one, if only for some peace of mind.
It's such a scary, scary job to deal with your husband having cancer. It is a roller coaster ride, for sure, I hope you are taking care of yourself too! Take care.
Joined: Dec 2013
Welcome
this is a wonderful forum with good info and great people; I come here because my husband was dx with stage 4, grade 2 renal cancer in 7/2013.
Sarah
Joined: Apr 2014
T4N0M0
Hi Terri065
My hubby's 13cm tumour also had T4N0M0. He had a full nephrectomy of his left kidney and adrenal gland in late Feb 2014, as it was extending into adrenal gland, and while clear cell also had extensive sarcomatoid change and rhabdoid morphology. We were told he was grade 4 but no one has ever really told us what stage he was/is. He has regular ct scans and now has mris as well. He also had a bone scan and chest xrays. There is talk of giving him a scan of his head too as he has had some loss of balance occasionally lately. It has been very hot in New Zealand lately though! He is currently NED but is having the next mri on 10 Feb. Don't know how encouraging this post is lol but he is still here and we are grateful. Hope all goes well with your husband.
Hugs Melissa
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you, it is encouraging.
Thank you, it is encouraging. My husband retired from the fire department in October and was diagnosed in November. While am grateful he doesn't have to go back to work. My anxiety is getting the better of me. I just want him to be able to ride his motorcycle and go camping. We also have two daughters. One of which was married in 2013. I just want to stay on top of this so we can enjoy our grandchildren some day.
Thank you, Theresa
Joined: Jul 2014
If I recall correctly, your
If I recall correctly, your husband went to Dr. Russoa at MSKCC? Coincidentally, I am a volunteer firefighter, and Dr. Russo handled my surgery. There are a couple of other firefighters on here. There's a firedude, and at least a couple of others. Congratultions on getting through the surgery, and I hope you and your husband enjoy retirement.
Joined: Dec 2014
FDR said
Well he didnt quite but he could have. One of the worst things about cancer is the fear and anxiety it evokes. Nothing is as bad as our imaginations can make it seem. Nothing helps a cancer sufferer more than the love of those around.
But who cares for the carer? Dont forget to look after yourself.
Joined: Dec 2014
Melissa
P.S. Our daughter is named Melissa after the Allman Brothers song. :)
Joined: Oct 2013
Hi Terri,I am glad that you
Hi Terri,
I am glad that you have found this forum. There is a wealth of information amongst all our members. And there are a lot of wonderful caregivers on this site who will (and already have) give you guidance on this.
Your support you give your husband will help him through this!
Hugs
Jojo
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you :)
Thank you Jojo. I'm grateful for this forum and all of you.
Joined: Jan 2010
The force
May the force be with you.
Icemantoo
Joined: May 2013
Wishing for NEDs only!
Terri,
I was diagnosed Stage 4 in October 2011. I have head right kidney removed, and in 2013 lower portion of right lung removed, and another tumor removed from the brain. I have now been NED for 15 months. Have faith and courage and try to suppress the fear as much as possible! It can be ok!
Prayers for good health!
Brenda
Joined: Dec 2014
Hi
Stage 4 Grade 4 here. Diagnosed May 2013. Had bones and lungs scanned. No mets in the bones. Left kidney and adrenogland and large amount of vein removed. IL2 treatment August - November. On sutent since september 2014.
Aint dead yet!
Not planning on dying tomorrow
Not really planning on dying at all
Joined: Mar 2012
Hi Terri, I know you are
Hi Terri, I know you are afraid. Just try to get copies of all reports, blood reports, scans, etc. Keep them in a file. There doesn't seem to be any spread to lymph nodes or other mets at this time. The best thing to have done now is to ask for a full body pet/ct scan. I say sooner than later. This way you can catch anything that can be around now, and if nothing, which is hopefully the case, then going forward full body pet/ct scans every three months would be the right thing to do. I think you said he has been at Sloans, they are usually on top of it all! Keep on the boards here and continue to post updates. Don't worry too much, take one day at a time and don't forget to take care of you! Hugs! PS my mom was stage 4, she went on Votrient and is now NED. Hopefull still NED, scans in a month or so. Praying for us all!
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you
Thank you everyone for your support, it is deeply appreciate. We go back to Sloan on 2/3/15 will keep you updated.
God bless!
Joined: Mar 2014
I totally agree with everyone
I totally agree with everyone who recommends bone and lung scans. Best to do it early just in case. I'm so happy that so far all is going well and hope that it continues that way. Wishing you both the best. You're in really good hands at MSK and with Dr. Russo.
Joined: Dec 2014
We are meeting the oncologist
We are meeting the oncologist Dr Voss for the first time on February 3nd. We're hoping he's as amazing as Dr Rosso. Also my husband had a bone scan and MRIs of the head, chest and abdomen. I'm hoping we covered all our bases.
:) Theresa
Joined: Dec 2013
I'm sorry to hear you and
I'm sorry to hear you and your husband had to join this club. The people on this site are very caring, helpful, and supportive. I am also stage IV/grade IV and am going through consultations to treat mets in the lungs. I met with Dr Voss @ MSK two weeks ago and have been in regular communication since. He has been the most impressive doctor my wife and I have met thus far. Intelligent, mindful of the patient, and thorough in his discussion. He also persuaded us to see two other doctors: Dr Walter Sadler @ U of Chicago and Dr David McDermott @ Beth Israel in Boston. That says a lot about a doctor who can give such top notch referrals yet still keep up with the patient to further inform and guide. You are in excellent hands.
There is a lot of anxiety associated with cancer, as others have pointed out. I don't know of a secret to keep yourself worry-free but I have found that associating with loved ones more relieves a lot of the pressure. Connecting with new people as well. Just jumping into life more has helped put things in perspective. I hope you find what works to pull up when you hit your lows (we all hit lows now and then). Don't be a stranger! :)
Joe
Joined: Oct 2011
stage 4
Terrie, Stage 4 is not stage dead. Hang in there. Many of us are stage 4. And we are here telling you about it. Stay encouraged, learn and put up the good fight.There is hard work ahead. It does get done by many of us.
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Fox
That was just what I needed to hear.
If you don't mind me asking, do you still ride your motorcycle?
I haven't said anything to my husband but I was wondering if there's any reason he shouldn't ride his motorcycle when he's finished recovering.
Thanks, Terri
Joined: Oct 2011
motocycle
Terrie, I have continued riding for almost 4 years since diagnosis. Currently I am on hold due to blood clots in my arm. But I have my summer trips planned. There is no reason not to ride. In fact, I can think of many reasons to continue riding.
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Fox! Wishing you
Thank you Fox!
Wishing you many amazing road trips!
Theresa
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you for responding
Thank you for responding. I didn't realize my husband was stage 4 until a day or two ago. The doctor told us he got everything so we weren't thinking stage 4.
I have a lot of questions for Dr Voss. Knowing you and your wife were impressed with him makes be feel better.
Thanks again, Theresa
Joined: Oct 2013
Hi Theresa~Glad you found us!
Hi Theresa~Glad you found us! WELCOME!!
Just wanted to send you and your hubby a hug, a healing hug!!!!!
Keep us informed as to how you both are doing. We're here for you
and will walk along side of you if you want us to.
HUGS, Jan
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Jan :) I
Thank you Jan :)
I appreciate the support.
Joined: Sep 2014
Lots of hope
Terri -
I have been dealing with this curse for more years than I care to mention. I retired six years ago from a very long career on a municipal fire department. While still employed I had two kidney cancer surgeries. In the first one my left kidney was removed and I was fine for fourteen years. Then it was my right kidney. I had a partial done to my right kidney and I was good for another ten years. After each of these surgeries I went back to work and back to riding my motorcycle. I also enjoy camping and I am looking forward to a good season in the Sierras. I woulld bet that your husband has many, many good years ahead. My best to you and all on the board.
firedude21
p.s. - Does anyone know how to get spell check to work on this site? It works fine for me on others but not this one. Thanks.
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Firedude. I feel
Thank you Firedude.
I feel better after reading your post.
Nice user name :)
Joined: Jun 2013
Stage IV for 2 years so far
Just becasue you are stage IV doens't mean life is over.
Please hit the link to my history for the details, but I had a 17 CM kidney turmor and 3.4 cm adrenal tumor on the opposite side back in 2012.
As of this morning, I woke up on the correct side of the grass, and to my knowledge, I don't have any cancer that they could find in a scan.
Since my diagnosis I have skied almost 100,000 vertical feet, played 70 or so rounds of golf (even broke par once), and had a mulligan for a hole in one (which apparently means absolutely nothing)....Oh yea, and besides scheduled treatments and scan, I have only missed two days of work due to cancer.
Keep living and riding! even if they find cancer in the future, there are new treatements that give us all hope for a long future.
Joined: Dec 2014
Hats off to you Darren
You're an inspiration! I confess I find it harder than you seem to. I seem to have picked up arthritus which means walking with a stick. Working full time wiped me out and I'm now working part time hoping to increase my hours. I'm not giving up, but today is a bad day.
Joined: Oct 2013
Hang in there,
Hang in there, Footstomper!
You have had a lot of challenges, and I marvel at you still teaching (not easy!) even part time! Each case is so individual and so different.
Hugs
Jojo
Joined: Dec 2014
Cheers Jojo
Yesterday was a dark day. Seems the nature of Sutent with me. 2-3 days in and the world falls out of my bottom! Better now :-)
Joined: Dec 2014
Glad to hear you're feeling a
Glad to hear you're feeling a little better. Wishing you sunny days.
God bless!
Terri
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Darron. I feel
Thank you Darron.
I feel like I wake up every morning thinking, crap it's not a bad dream.
Your post helped me to realize there are good days ahead.
Stay on the right side of the grass.
Theresa
Joined: Jul 2012
stage 4
I cant tell you anything about stage four but a lot of peop;e on here have and can and still push through to get better. Only thing I can do for you is Pray for you and that I will every day.
Joined: Dec 2014
Thank you Brea and God bless
Thank you Brea and God bless you!
Theresa
Joined: Jun 2014
Your in the right place!
Terri065, you came to the right place. These folks here on this site are awesome. You will see a tremendous amount of information and guidance from so many, freely giving of their time and knowledge. Some of us(mostly me) are uniquely unqualified to give any practical advice. However, I can agree with many here that tell you that things are going to be fine, that you need to monitor and get to your appointments for the CT scans and keep after your Dr and push them for advice, etc. When you go to your appointments, I have found, obviously your husband will be there, but take good notes, if need be take someone else with you so another set of ears can be there ready to listen, write anything down, etc.
God Bless You and Your husband. This wonderful group of fellow cancer fighters seem to always be ready to give such incredible advice!
Take care
Tom