What are the options once your tumour has stopped growing?

They won't remove the tumour or kidney once spread to other organs.  The options are restricted to what has been been through trials etc and once you start down one pathway some treatment options become closed.  Each treatment has entry criteria according to it's licence.  That doesn't mean to say surgery won't be considered at a later date, but further spread / growth would probably have to occur.  I have attended a webinar Q&A led by Tom Powles from Barts and he was explaining this point via the Kidney Cancer UK website.   But don't take my word for it - ask your oncologist. 

Yes, definitely write down a list of Qs in advance and don't let them end the call / meeting until you have had the opportunity to raise them.  

Hiya - just to add, likely treatment options is to continue with the immuno for 2 years even with no further growth.  If it's not working then an option might be to try a different drug.   Then after 2 years if the cancer was under control then options would be to (a) stop treatment and go on to watch and wait (b) continue with the ipi/nivo.  Additionally to start reducing the CT scan frequency.   I've just gone to scans every 4 months.  After 2 years of treatment 6 monthly scans could be on the table, after 5 years annual scans.  Wow!  Nothing is certain huh.  

Thanks Mmum

this is so helpful. I mean, we really like the "after 5 years" bit ;-) Val's oncologist told her that once they noticed a positive response to the ipi/nivo treatment, "It works".  So, not curable, but treatable - that seems to be what's in store. I will update everyone on the results of Val's CT scan - so happy to see you record a 20% reduction in the size of your own tumour.

All best wishes, Ron and Val.