Laura,

If there is any way possible get your doctor to refer you to The MAYO clinic. My doctors here told me to get my affairs in order and make a will. My wife made them refer me to the MAYO and it was the best thing that could have happened. The first thing Dr. Leibovich told me was that your doctors at home see something like this once or twice a year and he deals with it every day. I hear to many horror stories about people who allow the hometown doctors to treat them.

Dave

My doctors said to shoot first and ask questions later, meaning once it was detected surgery was performed and the pathology came afterwards. God bless you and your hubby. I pray all goes well for him and he gets on the road to recovery.

Thank you for responding Dave. My girlfriend is an oncologist (radiation) and told me too, to make sure all our affairs are in order. (Which we have taken care of). But he was diagnosed offically August 21st, when the radiation oncologist said he had "1-3 years". He had a bump in his left bicep pop out and that's where it all began. No other symptoms, except he is very tired. Won't get off the couch. He has applied for SS disability too because he can't work. Where is the Mayo clinic? It's really far from where we live I think which is CT.
Laura

I was also wondering Jimmy, how could they do the surgery(which I noticed) was a month after diagnosis. Did it metastasize?
Laura

The mayo clinic is in Rochester Minnesota. It is a ways from where you live but one of the top clinics in the world. There is also Sloan Kettering in New York which is another excellent cancer hospital but not sure if I spelled it right. MAYO is a long way but it has been wonderful being treated there and I would recommend Dr. Leibovich. I am totally bias toward the MAYO but I have not been to any of the other major clinic. I also heard that MD Anderson in Houston Texas is great and I have had a couple friends go there. And by the way, as soon as you are diagnose it is time to get a second opinion.

Dave

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCI-designated_Cancer_Center This web site by the National Cancer institute a list of all Comprehensive Cancer Center that study, research, Trial and Treament. Yes go to Dana Farber Rudy B. Cancer Fighter

Thank you for responding....I really feel so alone here. There is no time for a second opinion right now. The cancer is clear cell with sarcomatoid tendencies. The doctor is going to start him on Sutent with chemo (clinical trial), next week. They need one more CAT scan with contrast on Monday. So far, he's had a biopsy of his left bicep (that's how we found out he has it) there is an encapsulated tumor there. Kidney biopsy, PETscan, echo and 2 MRI. one of the brain and one of the bicep. This may seem crazy but on my end here as wife and caregiver, has anyone been juicing. I have started him on the cancer kryptonite (green drink which he calls swamp water) and now will begin juicing 5 lbs of carrots a day. He will drink it if I add pineapple and apple.
Laura

Laura... just wanted to say I'm so sorry for this sudden recent news you and hubby have been thrown at you. I am just beginning my journey and found this board very helpful and comforting to know we are not alone in this fight. We are all here for you...

Thanks Jen,
Yes, this disease is very scary indeed. It is consuming my every thought. The shock and heartache are gone for now and I am trying everything I can to alter his diet etc. (Our diet was never really the problem, he's not even on any medication). Just getting really anxious to start treatment. It's been since August 21st already!!!

as a caregiver and wife you really should talk to my wife. She is such a trooper and to be honest I really think that this is much harder on her then me. If you need to talk I am sure you can call her. She is wonderful and knows what you are going through

Thank you Dave. Yes, I'd love to speak with your wife. My email address is LLuding@aol.com if you want to send me her phone #.
I can call her tomorrow, today is my long day (teach clinically in the evening, so won't be home until 10:00)