Hi everyone I was diagnosed with primary renal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) spread to lymph nodes, surface of liver and 2 rib bones. My prognosis was terminal with palletive chemo. You can read more in my bio.
I've recently had a scan which showed that there had been some shrinkage 60mm to 40mm on my kidney and a small amount elsewhere. My consultant originally said that he hadn't seen my type of cancer and there had only been one other in the hospital. That chemo was unlikely to help and surgery was to complex given my prognosis. I already had problems with the hospital at the start and this has now made me want a second opinion.
I was hoping to find anybody how has the same type of cancer and can share their treatment so I have some idea of questions to ask.
Hello Sweet21pea
I am sorry to hear of your cancer. I have had a look at your bio.
I suppose with a rarer cancer that your consultant had not come across it is hard for the doctors to know how the cancer will respond to treatments. I am really pleased that the chemo has meant that there has been some shrinkage.
You mention about getting a second opinion and I will pop a link below with some info. You are also welcome to give the Support Line a call if you need more advice/support.
Getting a second opinion | Macmillan Cancer Support
Although I did not have the same cancer as you I did have surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. Mine was also a rarer cancer. I used to put together a list of questions before appointments and it did help.
The sort of questions I would be thinking of would be....
The chemo has caused some shrinkage so can it be continued and if so for how long/regime etc.
If the chemo continues to cause some shrinkage, would that make some surgery possible.
Could the chemo be changed if needed or combined with another treatment to help further shrinkage.
Would radiotherapy be an option?
Are there any targeted therapies that would help.
Is there a possibility to have a referral to someone with experience/an expert in the area. Could for instance your notes/scans be sent to an expert to look at.
Just my thoughts- you may well think of others.
I hope this helps a bit but do please give the Support Line a call if talking it through would help.
Jane
