Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group

Renal cell carcinoma, also known by a gurnistical tumor, is the most common form of kidney cancer arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Initial therapy is with surgery. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy.

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/ Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group

Dad - Pls Help

StandUp2Cancer
StandUp2Cancer

My dad was diagnosed with advanced RCC.  We met with an oncologist this week and he prescribed him with pazopanib.  He said the drug was the first line therapy that people with kidney cancer receive.  He than said if my dad didnt react well to it there were other therapies we could go to.  He mentioned that there are various types of kidney cancer & that they were unable to identify the exact type my dad had based on the biopsy results however they did receive enough tissue to determine it was kidney cancer.  He said there was no kidney mass on CT scan - 1 case a year like this (is this a good or bad thing???) The dr stated that surgery is impossible - he indictaed that drs only perform surgery on someone with curative inent - this is not a situation where there is a curable intent.  He also said that classic chemo does not work with kidney cancer.  On avergae the drug stops working after about a year and than we will be given a new drug to go on.  Can anyone provide me with any insight?  I have spent endless hours googling/reading/researching.  All and any insight would be appreciated. The meeting overall seemed optimistic however I have many doubts.

mlr0853
mlr0853
So sorry to read this about your dad, and your fears. I have stage 3 ckd, and had left radical nephrectomy due to 3 cancer cysts. Kidney cancer is strange, no symptoms to speak of, and per my doctor is a slow growing cancer. For me, all I can suggest is to have your dad drink water, in ounces half his body weight per day, my doctor told me this. I'd suggest you take your dad to local hospital and ask for help with diet, weight, cancer support, per his own needs. There is little to no communication in this group, I only by chance saw one person on line so I came in...willing to continue to support you as best as I can. Take care, ML
StandUp2Cancer
StandUp2Cancer
Appreciate the response greatly! I hope you are doing well & will keep you in my prayers. Im new to this so was unsure what group to join. I was hoping to find someone with a similar prognosis as my dad so we could compare stories. I have ordered numerous books & done much research on diet. I purchased gallons of essence ph water, fill his plate with vegetables & protein & make sure he eats several small meals a day . I must say changing my dads diet has helped tremendously. My dad is in excellent shape, barely any symptoms other than tired at times and minor and occasional slight back pain. I was concerned that surgery was not an option but have read success stories with the medications. Google is quite scary I must say! Do you suggest certain groups for me to join? Please keep in touch & appreciate the response more than you know.
mlr0853
mlr0853
Anyone with a name like yours, how could I not respond!!! I am bipolar1 and have put forth a suggested group for kidney disease, as lithium has been the killer of many kidney health. What you are doing is wonderful, and google is overwhelming. A diet of low protein, potassium, and magnesium will reduce over load on your Dad's kidney. Don't take any anti inflammatory (advil, motrin, etc) medications, even Tylenol. If your dad has stomach issues, no nexium, Prilosec, my dr. said zantac is ok for me to take....ask dr. don't take my word please....each persons case is different. What is the function level of your Dad's kidneys, there are several stages of kidney disease, being proactive will help to curtain additional damage. He is seeing a urologist, is he seeing a Nephrologist...Kidney Dr.? I see mine every 3 months alternating my testing with blood work/total work up including 24hrs urine output testing. Thank you for your prayers....we are all connected through universal spirit, and I believe all people I come in contact with arrive to teach me or be helped by me :-), Take care, ML
StandUp2Cancer
StandUp2Cancer
Do you know anyone that has been on the pill? We've been really hesitant to let my dad eat red meat however you do think its ok in moderation??
mlr0853
mlr0853
So Sorry I missed your post! Went back into my messages and you weren't there...just thought of you because I've not heard from you. What pill do you mean? Something your Dad is taking or birth control pills? I don't know your Dad's case. For me, I'm not supposed to eat red meat, I am allowed once/twice a month a Lean Red meat. Is your Dad getting medical diet information for his specific diet? If not, advocate for a nutritional evaluation and a nutritionist/dr consultation to give a diet recommendation for your Dads food intake. You've been doing really well on your own with fruits and veggies, water, and no over counter meds. Since I last wrote, I've posted on the bipolar web group a bit on kidney disease...maybe some help for you to check out....My best to you and your Dad! Take care, ML
AC-mtnbiker
AC-mtnbiker
Hi.. First of all, I'm new here.. Just joined. In August diagnosed w stage 4 papillary renal cell carcinoma and had a radical nephrectiomy of the right kidney. More to my story but just want to quickly share... Please encourage your Dad to get a 2nd opinion? My oncologist recommended Dr Bryce at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. I met with him the other day and was greatly encouraged and now armed with new information and a plan from this highly respected Dr ... My oncologist is working with Dr Bryce for my care and treatment. Please call Mayo and learn about your options? If insurance / finances are an issue they can work with you. I have been prescribed cabozantinib (same class of drug as pazopanib and here is some good news for you? When discussing medication Dr Bryce said at Mayo pazopanib is the first line treatment they prescribe. My type of RCC is aggressive and atypical so requires a little different treatment approach. I wish your Dad and you and your loved ones much strength during this uncertain and worrisome time. Xo
mlr0853
mlr0853
Hi Stand...thinking of you and hope you and your Dad are coping. Take care, ML
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