My husband has stage 4 kidney cancer which has spread to his renal glands as well his tumour is 12 cm won’t do surgery said he’s incurable but how long will he have to live I’m so scared not knowing we got diagnosed on 5 th September supposed to be starting immunotherapy on 5 th of December and a trail as well will be 13 weeks by that time I don’t know why we have been waiting that long he’s only 44 did other wait that long I’m thinking is there more to it or what are they not telling us was wondering if any one else has had this experience did immunotherapy work for them ? Did they have bad side affects ? He suffers with high blood pressure dose anyone have and advice ? Things that may help ? Thanks for reading
Hi Dolly.
I was diagnosed on the 9th of January. Scheduled to start immunotherapy on the 7th of April, three months later. Didn't actually start until the 28th of April due to blood pressure issues. I would advise your husband to visit his GP and get his blood pressure under control now so that there are no hold ups.
Kidney cancer is slow growing. Mine had probably been going for 10 years or more before i had any symptoms.
Immunotherapy is working for me. Some side effects. Occasional nausea. I sleep well though. Haven't had diarrhea at all. As I say my single worst issue was my blood pressure so please make sure your husband gets that sorted out now.
Wishing you both all the best.
Vicki x
Thank you for taking time to comment I really appreciate it we was told my husband probably had his tumour 5-10 years and didn’t know could I ask how you are now ? Are you able to do day to day things my husband has not been able to do as much as before I’m just scared I don’t know what to expect I think I might wake up and everything has got worse or he gets really sick quick or how much time we have left it’s like your on a tight rope balancing I can’t imagine how you feel it’s such a terrible thing the incurable bit makes it’s difficult as well did they say that to you if you don’t want to say anything I understand i hope your as well as can be and thanks again
I don't have as much energy as I used to but that might be partly old age. I can walk, do housework and gardening with no issues but everybody is different.
Many people on here have incurable cancer but the thing to remember is that incurable does not mean untreatable. There is a forum on here for incurable cancer that you might want to look at.
As for how much time you have left, nobody knows that anyway regardless of their health. Try to take it one day at a time and make the best of it. I find that I enjoy the little things. The snowfall a few days ago looked beautiful on the hills. We have a blue sky and sun today so now the floods have retreated we'll take a walk by the river.
Maybe your husband could speak to his oncology team about his worries which will help set his mind at rest. It does get easier with time.
Vicki x
I'm stage 4 RCC. Had immunotherapy for 2.5 years with good results. It's my 4 year anniversary on Monday :-). I was also on the ModiFY (Modi-1 vaccine) trial. What trial are you on?
I did not have bad side effects. But I did have immune related adverse events which are rare, but are associated with better treatment outcomes. Eg I had too much inflammation in my kidneys causing impairment.
You can read my blog here.
Wow that’s great thank you for telling me my husband is starting lion trial next Friday and also nivolumab and lpilimumab immunotherapy he’s not been right well very tired can’t do as much now and I’m scared not knowing what’s going to happen he’s had bad inflammation they originally thought it was a infection but it’s the tumour his bloods are very bad as well
I just feel hopeless I don’t know to to turn to or what to expect I’m a person who prepares for everything but I can’t for this and I don’t no what to do I know every one is different and how they react to treatment is as well I keep reading stuff I don’t think is doing me any good we have 4 children youngest is 13 and it’s difficult what to say to her
thank you for reaching out I really appreciate it
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007