Hello from Switzerland

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I (56 years old) was diagnosed with a kidney tumour measuring approx. 7 cm last August. In September, the entire kidney was removed with robotic support. At the time, we hoped that the tumour was only localised and could be surgically removed. In September, we started immunotherapy with pembrozuminab. The shock came in December with the next CT scan: metastases in the lymph nodes. This diagnosis pulled the rug out from under our feet, not least because from then on we only talked about palliative care.

Since January I've also been taking Axitinib and the lymph nodes shrank in April CT and at least remained stable in July CT.

Now the side effects are balancing out the effect of the medication. And hope that it remains stable for a long time to come...

  • That must have been a shock.  I had 2 new tumours appear in my 6 month cystoscopy.. I have just had them cauterised and a biopsy taken. I do hope that things remain stable for you. Can I ask what the side effects of your meds are? 

  • It started with very sensitive and dry mucous membranes in the mouth, high blood pressure and a sharp drop in energy levels. After about 6 weeks, the skin on my hands and feet began to peel. Fortunately without any pain.
    After that, a kind of blister formed on the feet which severely impaired walking. With a temporary reduction in the dose of Inlyta from 3 to 5mg, these symptoms disappeared. At some point, the blisters began to grow again and diarrhoea developed.
    I interrupted the therapy for 4 days in consultation with my doctor, which made all the side effects disappear! Now I have been on a dose of 4mg twice a day of Inlyta for about 6 weeks. So far everything is tolerable.

  • I am glad to hear it is now tolerable... it sounds a lot to cope with before they altered the dose. My friend has been on meds that were literally unbearable for her to start with but her doctor begged her after 5 weeks to persist and now she says it is nowhere near as bad. I hope you continue to tolerate it even better xx