Newly diagnosed

I can fully understand how you both are feeling.  I think we are lucky that Immuntherapy is being used so much more now.  They say it is groundbreaking treatment for cancer treatment and your husband id being put on it quickly - so that is good and try and feel positive as much as both of you can 

Hello there.

Bert's (modified) Law:

Never rely on search engine results for  answers, unless you solely look for medical definitions. Out of date or ambiguous information is worse than useless.

Its true. You'll end up down a VERY dark rabbit hole when you needn't have.

BTW I was diagnosed with RCC Stage IV in 2013. Still here. As Woodsey says, above, positivity is half the battle. Cancer is just a smaller part of your husband's being: embrace the happier other if you can.

God bless you both.

Hi Debbie. I am on immunotherapy for my non-muscle invasive but high grade bladder cancer. So far so good! It is daunting but in reality the weekly session is quick and the nurses become familiar friendly faces. I hope he has minimal side effects. 

Stage IV in 2013! How encouraging and inspirational. Bless you

Hi Bert,

I see from your details that the cancer really worked it's way through your insides. You have done very well and that is really good to hear. I was after some advice from you if you don't mind.

I was diagnosed in January 2025. Very large tumour on kidney not operable. Mets to glands and spleen. Currently on pembro and Lenvatinib. Scan in August showed slight shrinkage of main tumour and mets stable.I have recently been experiencing symptoms that look like I may have mets spread to the pancreas which frightens me.

I see that you had mets to your pancreas. My question is "what treatment were you given for this and how well did it work ?"

I had a further scan yesterday so I will learn something from that and I hope my suspicions are unfounded.

I hope you don't mind me asking and I appreciate any feedback you can give.

Vicki

Good evening Vicki

In answer to your question:  my pancreas was meta'd on the 'tail' only. During the job lot in 2013, skillfully worked on by Ms E McLarty (a bona fide Angel if you ask me), surgery was a priori deemed best to tackle the issue. They removed the tail and I' ve had no problems since, but there were scares.

Never a day of chemo or radio since as you know RCC doesnt care. No targeted therapy (Sunitinib was the only drug considered but no need as it transpired).

Oddest thing is that cancer has fallen in the background: now macular degeneration in right eye is more worrisome. I'm to be cleared from the Cancer waiting list in 2027 if nothing causes trouble.

Never EVER give up hope, Vicki. Ever. If a chump like me can beat this thing to a standstill, so can anyone else.

Glad you have shrunk some of the little terrors; most encouraging!

God bless. Ave Theotokos.

Pure luck. I eat junk food like a pro, am a full carnivore ( seriously. Red onions or Tomatoes baffle me). Tons of dairy produce, a hot Gorgonzola-holic, (the best blue cheese by an Italian kilometre) and meagre pathetic excercise in the Bert garden (Bert was my beloved feline companion).

Thank you. Im doing it all wrong but its working. Maybe theres something apropos that somebody might look into.

Ave Theotokos.

Thank you for your reply. I realise I called you Bert but now think that was the name of your beautiful cat. I am easily confused.

You've certainly gone through a major clear out of your insides.

I hope the macular degeneration can be sorted.

Vicki

Hey, well done that luck was on your side then that still provides hope as none of us know what our situation will bring. So you just had surgery for you cancers and had it all removed and it’s remained ‘gone’ 

If you don’t mind sharing.

All super good to hear and hoping that your eye can be helped.

Thanks 

Hello Debbie,

I've been on immunotherapy since late April. My side effects have been minimal. Some nausea and lack of appetite which comes and goes. And initially some BP issues with the targeted therapy drug. BP meds adjusted and now under control.

The immunotherapy treatment is straightforward and does not take long. I'm usually at the hospital for 90 minutes in total. I feel for those there at the same time who are on chemo as it seems to take much longer.

I'm sure your husband will be fine  and feel better for knowing that his treatment is underway.

Vicki x