Kidney Cancer Survival Rates
Thursday, February 5th, 2009The overall kidney cancer survival rates are 44% for 5 years and 40% for 10 years. 25% of patients are diagnosed while at stage 4 of the disease and when this happens barely 10% make it to 5 years. However, it must be noted that even at this stage if the cancerous tumor is of a low grade and is localized, the kidney cancer survival rates can be as high as 40%.
Kidney Cancer Survival Rates Lowers
The most common type of Kidney Cancer is called Renal Cell Carcinoma. 31,000 new cases are detected in the US each year of which 12,000 deaths occur. Kidney Cancer is most common in men over the age of 55.
Overall prognosis depends on the grade and the stage of the cancer and also on the overall performance status of the individual at the time of diagnosis and treatment. This is important because a poor overall performance means symptoms like fever, weight loss and extreme tiredness that inhibit treatment. Those who don’t have such symptoms have a better prognosis.
Kidney Cancer Survival Rates By Stage
Generally, if the cancer is at stage 1 at diagnosis, the prognosis is good because a complete surgical resection of the cancerous growth is possible. At stage 2, the survival rate for 5 years is 65 – 75%. At stage 3 the kidney cancer survival rates begin to diminish because the cancer would have spread to the nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 40 – 70% for 5 years. At stage 4, if the cancer has metastasized to the other organs of the body, the overall 5 year survival rate is barely 5%, but if it has not metastasized, the survival rate can be higher.
Kidney Cancer Survival Rates By Size of Tumor
Kidney cancer survival rates are also specified based on the size of the tumors. If the tumors are less than 4 cms, the survival rates are as high as 90-95%. Larger tumors allow a survival rate of 80-85%. Thereafter, if the cancer has spread, the survival rates diminish to 5-15%.
Surgery is the general treatment if resection is possible. Kidney Cancer is resistant to Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Kidney tumors have a tendency to reoccur after surgery. If they do, the Kidney Cancer Survival Rates are very poor.
[...] Kidney Cancer Survival Rates [...]
Hi all,
My mom had a radical nephrectomy on her left kidney 5 years ago. Now,she had another surgey (Partial Nephrectomy) and Dr. removed part of her right kidney(about 10% he said) with tumor. diagnosed as Renal cell Carcinoma stage III.The previous staging was II.how ever in pathalogy test it’s mentioned that the tumor breaches to the hilar fat of kidney! but no invasion to any organ and it was clear cell carcinoma. I don’t know why they staged it III while it’s not metastased to any organ! anyways, she is very weak after suregry …Does any body know that how long is the chance of survival in this case(recuurence of RCC)?
any help and similar experience would be appreciated to share…
Thanks
hath2004
My brother has been diagnosed with cancer on his tail bone, he had one kidney removed four years ago. They have put him on stuten – are you familiar with this? Do people have good results with the tumors shrinking? What is his life expectancy?
Please help us , it is so hard not knowing anything about this disease….
SWad in Florida.
Crystal
I forgot to ask, do your recommend any sites that have information on this – I have searched the we and have been unable to find answers. Thanking you in advance for you help.
My brother has been diagnosed with cancer on his tail bone, he had one kidney removed four years ago. They have put him on stuten – are you familiar with this? Do people have good results with the tumors shrinking? What is his life expectancy?
Please help us , it is so hard not knowing anything about this disease….
Sad in Florida.
Crystal
Hi, I had a small stage 1 renal cell carcinoma2 1/2 years ago with a partial nephrectomy and was doing fine. Just had routine check up and found out that my other cancer has a probably stage 1 renal cell carcinoma. I am having surgery but have not been able to find out..If a second kidney cancer occurs within the “5 year” time frame, what are survival rates?
I am wanting to know what the survial rate would be for a patient that found out that they are in Stage 4 of Kidney cancer and the masses are in her pelvic region, both her lungs and both kidneys? Not only that, but the mass in her pelvic region is eating away at her bone. How much time does she have if she is that far into the cancer? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
My father was diagnosed at age 50 with kidney cancer and died 8 months later. At what age should I get screened for kidney cancer?
My mother , 78 yrs old, has been diagnosed with Kidney cancer. It has spread to the nodes. She also has a benign tumor on the tail of her pancreas. She has lost quite a bit of weight. Other than that, all of her blood work is good. She has no pain, and feels good. Her liver is good and her bile duct has not been affected.
A surgeon said that even if they took out the Kidney, it would not cure her. Any hope?
I was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer 6 mos ago. kidney was removed. Whats the survival rate for stage 2 (removed)
I was diagnosed stage IV 4 years ago. I had a 4 cm tumor on my right kidney that metastasized to my left Femur. My right kidney was removed and I underwent radiation on my left leg. I have been on Sutent for the full 4 years reducing the doseage over time. I am currently tumor free as far as any scan can tell. Never lose hope.
I used to be stage 3, left kidney removed In Oct2009, dec Iam clear, my recent Scan shows metatases on my abdomen 4cm, on my lungs and on my brain. Iam currently on SUTENT 50 mg. Just had a radiosurgery. how much longer is my survial rate
Diagnosed with Kidney cancer that has moved to a mass on the spine. Kidney removal not possible. Radiation treatments will start everyday next week. I’m only being told pieces, as this is a friend. Any ideas about how much time my firend might have?
Back in 2006 they removed my mothers right kidney due to a mass on it. The report said (which I just read this year) renal cell carcinoma but no tumors. But recently, Feb 2010, she had difficulty breathing and we had tests done. My mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. they also say she had fluid in her lungs, twice so far, which was drained. Her hernia has returned and is growing.She is always tired, loosing lots of weight and loss of appetite. Does anyone have any positive insight or maybe time line? I really want her to stay around forever but am prepared for the worst.
Hi
In July 09 my mum had her kidney removed as she had a mass on it. In december 09 the mri scan found she had spots on both her lungs. She started chemo tablets in feb this year as the doctor told her that her kidney cancer had spread to both her lungs she takes the chemo for 4 weeks then has 2 weeks off. Also the lung cancer is a stage 4 cancer. Then july this year the doctor has told her that she had spots on either her lymph nodes or her glands. She is 51 & we were wondering if any-one knows the survial rate of this cancer as it has spread from her kidneys to her lungs & lymph nodes in a year.
I had a good friend diagnosed with Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma in Oct 2009. Surgery removed the kidney + 22 lymph nodes, 18 of which contained cancer. He also had tumors in his ribs, hip, chest and a couple other places. After trying Interleukin 2 and radiation with out much success, they switched to Sutent, which worked for a short time (maybe a month), but the cancer soon adapted. A few trial drugs including biological agents were used, but with little to no success. After a brilliant 10 month battle, he passed away at the age of 45. His was a very rare form of this cancer type and ultra aggressive. I hope we will see a cure for cancer soon ~
My mom had her left kidney removed and they found a mass on her right kidney she gets checked every year for cancer due to having cancer before what is the chances of her being ok and living a normal life style again
I wasdiagnosed withkidney cancer on Sept. 16. I had the kidney removed on the 27. I now am just awating to see if there are any further treatments I need. I am hoping for the best and hope to live a long life. Iam 46 years old and have five grandchildren. It would shatter them to lose their papa. Any and all prayers will help
During an ultrasound examination in 1996, four tumours were seen on my left kidney by the radiologist. I was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital, in Cape Town and underwent surgery for a radical nephrectomy. Histology showed low grade renal cell carcinoma and we believe it was in the early stages. Very painful, but I’m still alive. Since then, I developed atrial fibrillation and soon thereafter congestive heart failure. The specialists at Groote Schuur have put me on Warfarin, Amiodorone, Digoxin, Lasix and Carvedilol and I am feeling better. My next visit is next Tuesday, 4 Jan 2011. I’m 52 now.
My mother had a cancerous tumor in each of her kidneys 11 yrs ago. They removed one kidney leaving the other that was not as bad off. But knowing that it would take her life eventually, which it did within a yr. It was the best yr. I spent being close to my mother. Well, 7 yrs later, I developed a cough that would not go away and could not find any reason for. Finally did a CT and found a tumor on my left kidney. It was 9×11 and covered most of the kidney. It was removed and no other cells were found anywhere. Today I am still fine though it has only been 4 yrs. 2 weeks ago, my brother started urinating almost straight blood with no pain………Finally diagnosed with a tumor in his right kidney and it is more serious than my own. They say that this is not hereditary but this shows me that it just IS….Please get your children checked…….and siblings…………..3 of us have had it……..I may lose my only living immediate family member. I am 52 now and he is 54. Just heed my warning about getting your immediate family members checked. They can say what they want to but proof is in MY family………God Bless Us All !!!!!!
I have just been diagnosed with a 1 inch dense tumor on the left kidney mid wall area, no lymph nodes involved at this point, what am I looking at for recovery? Any help out there, I am a total virgin with this…I am 65 and in really good health or at least I thought I was.
I am waiting for a second CT scan on my left kidney and adrenal gland to see if further tests are necessary to determine if the growths I have are cancerous. I’m doning some initial research to gather information and I found this site. It’s a little disturbing how the survival rates drop drastically because of a few variants. I’m probably a little more worried than normal because cancer is a big problem in my family. I would appreciate any help or words of wisdom anyone could provide.
Thanks.
i was diagnosed with stage 4 renal kidney cancer in feb of 2009.it had metastasized to my lymphnodes,lungs and pancreas.the doctor said the odds of making it were 3 to 5%.i chose surgury and treatment.they removed my right kidney with the big tumor on it.after 6 weeks recuping i started treatment.interlukin 2.tumors shrinking w each set of scans.it’s now jan of 2011.i may be one of the lucky ones..the 3 to 5%…lifes good…dont give up…keep the faith…high hopes low expectations…god bless
I am 42 with 6 kids. I was diagnosed with Kidney cancer after I was in a car accident in Nov. 2008. I had a relatively new procedure called cryoblation- they froze the tumor. I am checked every year and thankfully have not had any other findings to date. I will pray for each person on this email and I pray every day to be able to be with my husband and children for as long as possible. God Bless.
Does anyone know of the success rates for younger people?? The doctors are going to be doing surgery this march. I’m now 31. I’m scared to death. I also have 4 small(under age 10) children.
Any help would be appricated.
My mother was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in June of 2010. She had her kidney removed immediately and went through chemotherapy. Now they found 6 tumors in her bladder that they just removed but when they did her routine chest xray before surgery they found that she has mestasisized tumors all in both lungs. We are waiting to talk to the oncologist but we want to know how long we have without treatment verses treatment. Please help.
I am from Singapore. During my annual health check up last June 2010, my right kidney had a small mass. A partial nephrectomy was done in end July 2010. After 6 months, just had a CT scan and found another small mass on my right partial kidney again. I am so worry that this time the balance of my right kidney will taken out toally. Anyone have this problem before?
For Heather,
My husband was diagnosed at 38 with stage III over 14 years ago. He had the surgery, removed the kidney and nearby lymph node, where they also found the cancer. He was told to get his house, life, finances, etc. in order. At that time the 5-year survival rate was about 15%. He will be 53 next month. So far, so good, and we are very thankful! It is a scary disease because it doesn’t respond well to treatment. We are still only cautiously optimistic, as he was told that his cancer was slow-growing, and could show up again at any time. You have to keep living your life and pray for the best outcome!
My Mom age of 64 was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer . The left kidney was removed . She got clearance she was Cancer Free ! A month later she was having pain in her back , told her she had sciatica, was being treated then took cat scan or exray and found the cancer had mestasized to the femur bone Lung and pelvis. Now it is growing rapidly the Dr. Says . She just got her second bout of Radiation she looks phenomanal, But is in much pain. She is in a Rehabiltative center trying to get her strength back and is doing great . We just wait and pray. I know there is no cure they told us to keep her comfy . But you just wonder how long this goes on. We are up to weeks of duing and feeling great and then a rebound. Very sad in Rhode Island This will be the second Parent I will have lost to Bone Cancer .
my dad 59 has been recently diagnosed with renal cancer in right kidney its stage 2 and he is going to undergo nephrectomy its good to see him ready to fight it out
hi
my best frniend is affecting from real carcinoma he is in 3rd stsge he is just 25.now cancer has spread to prostrate i would like to know survival chance of my pal can anyone help me out please,,,,,,,
Hello,
My husband had Kidney cancer and had his kidney removed and the lymph nobles around the kidney and the surgeon that did the operation said he felt good about the surgery and thought he got it all. Well not a year later my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 mestictic kidney cancer. It is in his lungs, abdomen and in his bones. He was diagnosed in Jan 2010. The doctor put him on Nexivar and in January of this year the scanned showed growth and fluid in the lungs. So the doctors switched his medicine to Afinitor. They said if he takes the medicine it could double his life span. I don’t know what we are up against. I am scared and worried what is going to happen next?? I read that the life expectancy is not long for this type of cancer. He now has coughs and is really tired. Is all this medicine worth the quality of life?? What will happen later?? Will he be in pain?? What can I expect? I need to be there for him but I am lost!!! Nothing tells me what will happen?? I need help..
Thanks
My brother was recently diagnosed with renal cell cancer in his kidney. The cancer has spread to his lungs and is in his bones. He is considered high risk so they will not take out his kidney. He is currently undergoing radaition treatment. He has a family with young children. I am scared for him and so sad about all of this. I know he is under good medical care but is there anything I can do? Any advice is helpfull.
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma in January 2011. It has metastisized to his bones and he has a tumor on his right kidney, lower back and one wrapped around his left hip bone. It has eaten away the bone. He has had strong doses of radiation since January. We had a repeat CT scan last week and it showed they have increased. The one on his hip has doubled in size. Basically they did not respond to the radiation. He is on oxycotton and another pain medication 3x a day and xanax for the anxiety. I am trying to face reality but keep hopeful and praying for a meracle. Any idea his what we are looking at for his survival rate?
I was diagnosed in May 2010 with stage 3 renal cell carcinoma & it had gone into the lymph nodes 7 in all. I had a complete nephrectomy of the left kidney the size of the tumor was 13 cm & between the tumor & kidney it was the size of a football. I have taken Votrient and the side effects were so bad I couldn’t continue on it, plus the lymph nodes had gotten larger. I am currently on a 3 drug cocktail & cat scan I had on 12/23/10 showed that all of the nodes had shrunk & 3 completely disappeared. I had another cat scan on 2/21/11 & two had gotten just a tiny bit larger but the other two have gotten smaller. My oncologist the type of cancer I have is a rapid spreading one & so he was quite excited that we have been able to maintain/shrink @ least half of the nodes. Only GOD knows how much time we have, my philosophy is just to appreciate every day I wake up & can spend it with my family & friends. I think everyone should live like they were dying (as Tim McGraw so finely sings about). Everyone on this site is in my prayers.
Delila,
My sister was just diagnosed with kidney cancer. She has the same symptoms as your loved one; its been eating away at her bones so much she had to have a hip replacement. They also found it had matasticized to her skull and ribs, too.
Just checking in Mom is back in the hospital. She had her 3rd round of Chemo Came home and didn’t eat nor drink for 5 days. I took her back to the hospital , She was dehyrdrated they don’t know why her body is doing this? So today they are doing a cat scan to see where the cancer stands. All i know is this is so stressful. My mom is Bi polar on top the of the cancer so we don’t know if we are battling the cancer or the Bi polar. Will let u know how mom has made out. The airy thing of this is my Dad’s 7 year anniversary of his death is in two days. lost in Rhode Island
Hi, I have been dealing with Kidney Cancer since 1999, when I was 42 years old. My daughter was in the first grade at that time. The tumor found was in my left kidney and it was as large as a cantalope, so a full nephrectomy was performed and they also removed a rib.
Five years later they found four tumors in my remaining right kidney, I then had a partial nephrectomy and they found five tumors in lieu of four. Two years after that in 2006 a routine scan found that the tumors had returned in my only kidney and that the tumors were larger than the size of my kidney. I was then told that I had Stage Four Renal Cell Cancer and that it had spread to my lymph nodes, lungs and panacreas. On October 20. 2006 I had surgery to remove a wedge section of my right lung. I was given some different options, but my husband and I decided to try the clinical study at Beth Israel Deaconness Hospital in Boston, MA. In December 2006 I was approved for a clinical study using two drugs that were FDA approved for single use but not combined use together. I was on this for 2 1/2 years and my tumors shrunk dramatically. My remaining kidney still functions as a normal kidney, but it is checked every six weeks. I had to come off of one of the drugs because my protein level was getting to high. So I stayed on the other drug for a few more months until we noticed that the tumors were growing again. So then they switched me over to Sutent 50mg and this has been working well. In March 2009 we found that the tumors have spread to my right leg and a spot near the spine, so now I also have bone cancer. This was treated with radiation and I now get bone strengthing infusions. I won’t lie to you I do get tired at times and I am on Social Security Disability, but all in all I really feel good. As my Doctor informed me a few years ago I do not look like a cancer patient. And people are amazed when I tell them how sick I really am. As the doctor informed me, a positive attitude does wonders to the immune system. I firmly believe in this so I try to stay positive most of the time. So to end my story, my daughter is now 19 1/2 years old and about to complete her freshman year in college. In 2006 I didn’t think I would see her graduate from High School, now I look forward to her college graduation and getting married later on. So Believe, they are coming up with so many new drugs to work on RCC. BE POSITIVE IT IS GREAT FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. Bless you all.
Tammy, it’s okay to be scared and not know what’s going to happen. Being alive is scary. Being sick is scarier. Take each moment for what it is, not what it should be.
Heather, survival rates are generals numbers that don’t apply to individuals. Just spend each moment with your dad and every other person you love, knowing that anyone can leave your life at any time. Hug each person before they leave the room. Say what you need to say.
Becky, you sound like me. I was diagnosed 4 years ago. They removed a 17cm tumor. The tumor was fast growing but hadn’t spread. I take life day by day. I enjoy life much more now that I know how short it can be. I don’t assume that I will be around to enjoy the little things in ten years. I need to enjoy all those little things in each moment.
When I was diagnosed, I focused on the survival rate. I was given a survival rate of less than 5%. It’s been four years and I am alive and well. Focus on your life, not on cancer. Focus on the positive things, not on the possible things. Focus on enjoying the gift of each moment that you are in, not on what you will miss or what might have been.
Good luck!
My wife has recently been diagnosed w/ Stage IV kidney cancer. She had her left kidney removed, a metastatic brain tumor removed, and we are monitoring two small nodules on her left lung. Sound bleak? Maybe, but we choose not to think so. I encourage everyone on this board to embrace hope. Do not scour the internet for statistics- they are often outdated and / or flawed!! Also, amazing advancements in treatments for RCC have been made in the last five years, and there is every reason to believe more and better treatments are on the horizon. Be hopeful, be positive, state of mind CAN make a difference. Eat a healthy diet, bolster your immune system. RCC is somewhat unique in that it can be very susceptible- more than some other cancers- to the body’s own defenses, e.g. your immune system. Believe that you / your loved one will be okay. Everyone’s situation is different, you are not defined by stages & numbers. State of mind matters, try to keep yours positive!! My sincerest best wishes to you all!
hi all
my beloved boyfriend died at age 59, just after the first of this year (2011) from MRCC. He was diagnosed at the end of May last year (2010). The cancer was found during a visit to the ER when he was having heart palipations.
At diagnosis, he was stage iV, grade IV; he had a tumor on his right kidney, a few spots on his lungs and a large tumor in his right femur (near the head). We had been going to many different types of docotrs treatments for the painful hip for well over a year; he even had spinal fusion to see if that would help- that was just 2 months before the RCC diagnosis.
Within days, stabalizing rods were placed in his hip; as soon as he recovered from that he had a full nephrectomy.
He was on several immunotherapies and had some radiation on his hip and spine, but the spread was fast and aggressive. It was a summer of treatments and then the devasting news around Halloween that it was pretty much everywhere in his body. Two weeks later, he had his first bout of sepsis, and was in the hospital for 10 days. Another vist followed 10 days later. But this time his mind started to go. He was in and “out” – he would be himself for brief periods and then confused for longer and longer periods. He knew he was confused, and it was hard for him, but he knew I loved him
and knew who I was.
When the scans came back showing spots on the brain (very common for MRCC), and they couldn’t get his calcium down, we decided to come home. We had a wonderful christmas and new year and he died shortly after. There are more details I can give you on what to expect, but looking back- MY EXPERIENCE ONLY- the orginal times we were given ranged as high as 5 years. The prognosis changed to shorter and shorter periods of time monthly as he failed to respond to the treatments. Everyone is different, but i never imagined I would be sitting here in our living room, April of 2011, without him. I don’t want to be discouraging, but i do want to tell you- get your things in order… tell people you love that you love them, share with them as much as you can. Enjoy food, take the pain meds (in the end- he was in less pain than he had been in over a year!), keep hope. I don’t mean to be negative- but you have to be realistic in your expectations- someone said that above. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
After he died, all I could think of was all the false hope I had felt. My friend said she had heard cancer called The Disease of False Hope. So at the same time you can’t give up hope, you have to keep in mind that the cancer is in control and you can’t count on a recovery; don’t let it hit you over the head like i did. The end came SO fast- from “normal” to a little strange in a matter of a week…(but still “ok” as far as I was concerned), then 2 weeks of rapid deterioration, and the last week- half of it he was mentally in and out, doing his mental processing (talking about taking trips, seeing people in the room, etc) – then 3 days of “active dying”.
It was the most beautiful and the most heartbreaking experience I have been through. He wasn’t in pain, he wasn’t hungry, he wasn’t thirsty; I slept with him in his hospital bed in our living room, and he loved being cuddled and held (even when he had to lay in only one position, i snuggled against him and it brought him great comfort. He had several bouts of “agitation” where he was angry, non-sensical, throwing covers off and being overall belligerent. But that was in teh days right before he slippped into a coma, and most of the time he was “himself.” A couple days later he died.
I will write more on what to expect along the way later… I want to give it the time and attention it deserves. But I had to write something immediately because I read the words in the posts here (and i don’t even know why i googled “kidney cancer survival stats”, I hvave looked at nothing about RCC for months), and I understand- the fear, the lack of control, the uncertainty of it all
And if I can help in any way, I will. There is so much to learn, at the same time you are trying to care for someone- the demands are so high. I have never had kids, but based on what my sisters tell me about mothering a newborn, it sounds very much the same- it goes so fast and you are exhausted but happy help someone on their journey.
I will tell you right away to take each and every moment you can to spend with the person you love who is sick. Don’t worry about minor setbacks, just keep the important things in mind- MRCC is very difficult to treat, typically does not respond to radiation or to traditional chemos (from what we were told). Make SURE you have an oncologist that READS, researches, or is part of a team that doesso you can be sure you are getting the most up-to-date treatments. There are several meds that have been introduced just in the past 2 years that are very promising. Also, I can’t overstate how important the relationship with the doc is. They have to see you and your loved ones not just in the light of hte disease, but in the process too. i never would have made it without our fabulous doctor.
My last piece of advice is to get Hospice involved as early as your Doc says it is okay. They will set expecastions for you, work with you through legal issues, support caretakers, etc. You need to be prepared. My man was resistant to hospice, and it wasn’t till I practically had a nervous breakdown that he agreed to it, and that was about a month before he died. Oh, how I wish we had them involved earlier as there are so many things I am just learning now- now after he is gone.
I am sorry I have rambled all over the place- there is so much going on in life right now, trying to adjust, that my mind just doesn’t work the way it should.
Bless you all, I pray for you all. Don’t worry, it does no good. Just take each day as it comes, and celebrate and enjoy little victories, no matter how small.
Everyone,
As I read all your comments, let me say I feel for you, and I know what you’re going through. I very recently lived through the nightmare of my husband’s struggle with kidney cancer. He had a 12 cm tumor on his left kidney, and the kidney was removed. Then we heard the devastating news that it had indeed spread elsewhere in his body to his pancreas and lungs. He was diagnosed with Stage IV renal call carcinoma in June of 2008. The doctors gave him a life expectancy of 2 to 2 1/2 years.
That Sept., he started Interleukin-2 treatments. He had two rounds of treatment, and then developed a system-wide MRSA staph infection that settled in his knee. This almost killed him, and he came close to losing his leg. But, miraculously, the infection started to lessen right before they were about to make the decision to fuse his knee or remove his leg. It took a lot to bounce back from that, but he finally did and was able to go back to work the next March. After all this, the IL-2 did not help him at all. But the tumors didn’t grow significantly for a while (not sure if that was because of the IL-2 or not–docs did not think so). When they did start to grow, he started on Sutent, which actually did work for him for a while. The Sutent actually shrunk the tumors somewhat, and held them steady for about six months or so. Then he started to have some growth again. Then they decided to try Votrient, which gave him pancreatitis and made him pretty ill, so they took him off that.
He then decided he wanted to take a break from the medications so he could try to feel normal again, at least for a while. He was off meds for about 4 months. Then, in the summer of 2010, he started losing a lot of strength and his hemoglobin ended up plummeting and would not stay up. He started having to have blood transfusions for this. But still he didn’t want to take meds until we were able to have one good vacation together, which we did in August of 2010. He tired easily and couldn’t walk long distances without resting.
Once we got back from vacation, his doctor put him on Nexavar. But I think that, while he was off the meds for 4 months, the cancer had had a chance to take hold and grow rapidly and was too far advanced to be helped by the Nexavar. By October 2010, there was a noticeable change in him. He seemed to just lie on the couch all the time and not participate in things like he used to. He also lost his appetite and couldn’t stomach hardly any food. Food tasted bad to him. He started dropping weight like crazy. By Christmas, he had been having to go in for blood transfusions about every week or two. They made sure he was home for Christmas.
After Christmas, he was able to summon enough energy to get out of the house a couple times, but was so weak, he probably shouldn’t have. They had recommended hospice a while back, but he didn’t feel ready for that. We tried contacting every doctor we could to see if there was any surgical option available that might help prolong his life, even just a little. Only one said they thought they could help, but he had to be strong enough to make the trip there, which he never ended up being. Everyone else refused, saying it wouldn’t help and he might die during the operation (he was willing to take the risk, but they wouldn’t do it.)
So, he went on hospice in January 2011, and quickly got to where he couldn’t get out of bed at all. He had never had a whole lot of pain from the cancer up to this point, but did start having some. So they started him on morphine when needed. After an incredibly difficult month or so, he died on Feb. 21, 2011.
Everyone’s experience is different, but I thought I’d share his in case it would help anyone. I will say a prayer for you all–this is such a difficult thing to deal with. I remember through most of it not wanting to know the life expectancy, because I didn’t feel I could handle it. I wanted to keep hold of hope, which I did. We did have a great year and a half after his diagnosis where he felt great and he was able to work, and we were able to live a pretty normal life. We were so thankful for this.
My best wishes to all of you.
Hi to everyone, I read from the very beginning of the postings. the common question was “life expectency” The healthier you are to start with the better, obviously, age, extent of the cancer at diagnosis and if you are being treated with any of the drugs on the market for kidney cancer. Before 2006 they really didn’t have a whole lot to offer us, just get everything in order “have a good life” I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2003, had a total nephretomy and off I went. It came back with a vengence in Sept 2009, in my back, lung though tiny, my remaining kidney and my pancreas. I am on Torisel which I get every week at the cancer center. Quality of life is the very most important thing. Many days I wonder about the quality of my life since the chemo has me exhausted more days than not. We all have been dealt a very poor hand in our lives. The only good thing is now they do have things to treat us with. The prognosis for stage 4 isn’t great, but I have made it a year and a half and my cancer hasn’t grown for nearly 8 months. We do need to grasp every day and try to see the wonder of life. Do expect to that you won’t always be able to see a day as a good thing. We all need the support of others out there like us hanging on at best we can.
My deepest and most heartfelt thanks to you all for your courage and your candor. You can’t know what a tremendous gift it is to me to find this page…or maybe you do. In September of last year, my husband went in for a routine physical. Normally, it would take unbearable pain, massive bloody trauma and/or unconsciousness to get him to see a doc. (Cowboy type. Need I say more?) He wasn’t feeling sick. He didn’t have the energy or the stamina of a healthy man his age, but he dismissed that as age, weight and the natural progression of COPD. But his old care provide had retired and the new one that the HMO assigned to him refused to refill his COPD maintenance prescription until he underwent a basic physical including standard lab work. And that’s where it all started. A routine urine analysis showed trace amounts of blood. And each test after that took us deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole. By mid-October, it was clear that we were dealing with something very serious and by mid-November, we knew it was RCC. The day after Thanksgiving, he went in to surgery. They went in for one kidney, but ended up having to take both adrenal glands, his spleen and several lymph nodes as well. In the post-surgery briefing, the surgeon didn’t pull any punches (I’ll always be grateful for that). He told us that, while they’d got everything out that they could see, it was possible and even likely that there were some microscopic cells floating around somewhere. All we could do was wait until any stray cells there were had time to land somewhere and grow to a detectable size if they were going to. By March of this year, they had. It’s in both lungs, his abdomen, his spin, and in two ribs. He took one round of Sutint and tolerated it fairly well, but then went off of it so that they could do radiation on his ribs and his spine. Now he’s back on the Sutint and we’re back to waiting for the next scan (July) to see if, and how much, the tumors that they can’t radiate are grown. I don’t need to see scan results to know he’s not getting better. We’re still having more good days than bad days. But we have had to re-define what we call a good day. For now, he’s still able to drive and do for most things for himself around the house. But the simplest thing takes all of the umph he can muster. Can I be honest here? Just once, can I put aside my must-stay-positive mandate, drop the “warrior-wife face” and say from the heart what I really think, feel and believe? When I look ahead to this time next year, I can’t imagine him there. I’ve tried and tried. He’s just not there. I’m not superstitious, but do I believe that the unconscious mind and the human spirit are much more powerful than we can know. And everything in me tells me he’s not going to beat the odds. The part of me that wants to throw out all pretense that anything is, or ever could be again, normal, is at war with the part of me determined to keep things as normal as possible for as long as possible, and to staunchly refuse to let this hateful disease, though it will steal our tomorrow, get away with even a single minute of our today. Nine months ago, this thing didn’t even exist to us. Now it’s cast its ugly shadow on every stinking thing we think (or refuse to think), say (or don’t dare say) or do (or can’t do). My husband doesn’t share much of what he and his docs talk about—and even when he does, I can’t trust him to not spin it into “no big deal” (see cowboy comment above). So there’s much I won’t know until it slaps me in the reality. Those of you who’ve been through this to the end—I can’t imagine how I would respond to a stranger who asked me to dig up and relive my most painful memories. But I need your help. The one thing I need most desperately right now is to know the truth about what to expect. What does this look like? What can I expect as it progresses? Anything you are willing to share would be deeply appreciated.
My husband had his first biopsy a couple of YEARS ago after passing blood in his urine. He was told that the results showed maybe scar tissue. Since then he has been going to the doctor for passing blood, on and off for over a year. Has been given antibiotics and numerous blood tests w no diagnosis. This year he underwent an exploratory exam of kidney and an MRI. The urologist (different from the first) found that the so called scar tissue had gotten bigger, so he ordered another biopsy. My husband was diagnosed with left kidney cancer by his urologist a couple months ago. Urologist referred him to a surgeon specializing in robotics to have left kidney removed. Since then the surgeon order 2 bladder biopsies because of enlarged spots (lymph nodes) showing up on the tube leading from the kidney that empties into the bladder. The surgeon found the cancer in the bladder to be superficial?? as it had not invaded the muscle area; thus could possibly be treated w chemo. The surgeon reiterated her concerns with the lymph nodes and wanted to do a PET/CT scan to determine if the lymph nodes outside the left kidney were cancerous. Last week my husband underwent the PET/CT scan and we received the results today. The surgeon informed us that the scan identified what appeared to be cancerous or inflamed lymph nodes throughout the body, i.e. kidney, groin area, underarm, and other places were highlighted throughout the scan. She referred us to see an oncologist next week to determine whether or not the inflamed lymph node areas were indeed lymphoma. This meant we would be battling two major types of cancers and she would not schedule the kidney removal until after the lymph nodes were treated for cancer. She also stated that if after undergoing chemo there appeared to be no signs of improvement to the nodes, that removing the kidney would not benefit in treating the cancer as treatment had failed on the lymph nodes. The kidney removal would only create additional pain and discomfort. So, the kidney has not been removed and we are in another waiting game as time continues to pass until we see the oncologist. This means another consultation to schedule a biopsy of the lymph nodes, and then proceeding towards aggressive treatment of that cancer. By the time this takes place, who knows where the cancer will have spread. In all the email traffic that I have read on Stage 4 RCC, 99% of patients have had their kidney removed first and then some type of chemo/radiation procedure take place. Why would that not be the case this time; and wouldn’t the referrals be considered 2nd and 3rd opinions already? For all we know, we could have been dealing with untreated Stage 4 RCC for over two years now already.
Patient with kidney cancer for 15 years who wishes he could talk with each of you personally. Eleven years ago I was told to put my affairs in order as I statistacaly had a life expectancy of about a year. Fortunately my oncologist set me on the correct path when he told me to read everything I could get my hands on regarding kidney cancer. He advised me to find the names of physicians doing research as at that time as there was no approved treatment. He further indicated that he personally had only come in contact with a handful of patients and I needed an expert. Kidney cancer is one of the most difficult cancers for doctors to deal with. Kidney cancer usually is found after it has been active in the body for an extended time. Usually there are limited symptoms and the cancer is identified while diagnosing or treating a patient for other medical conditions. Because the disease spreads through the renal gland and blood it frequently has spread to other.organs before it is identified. This is why every patient faces a unique battle with the disease.
My experience will I hope give you hope and the fortitude to live your life to the fullest. If I sit back and review all the frustrations and focus on the discomforts, stress and rough moments it would be very easy to give up and become totally dependent and depressed. My journey includes tumors in both lungs, a steel rod to replace bone in an arm, Brain tumors that impacted motor functions etc etc.
HOWEVER if I focus on the quality of life AND THE EXPERIENCES we have been able to share with friends and family I quickly realize that the disease has improved my love of life and the love of those around me. I have participated in three clinical trials two of the drugs Stutant and Nexavar are now standard treatments. Student and Nexivar both are helping others and it feels good that I was able to be of help.
There are many new drugs being developed but above all I believe your positive attitude, faith and the support of
friends and family will give you Hope. The last 134 months have been the best year of may life.
So, July 7,2010 my mom started to experience pain in her leg. She was having trouble walking. We took her to the ER and they decided that it was a Baker’s Cyst. The pain increased over the next two days-and we called the doctor. He called in Tylenol 3 for her-stating it would help.
July 11,2010 mom is still hurting and won’t eat. Very restless-back to the ER we go. The doctor’s decide to admit her to find out why the pain is there. She was admitted and the doctor’s did several tests other. Blood work was fine-urine fine-x-rays started. Numerous CT scans were done-showing nothing.
The doctor finally toldus that he would keep doing tests until he found the problem. At which point he did CT’s with contrast.
They found my mom had Stage 4 Renal Cancer-with mets to the brain. I forgot to mention that my mom had be diagnosed with dementia-found out that was not true that was the lesions that were in/on her brain.
The doctor’s were shocked-my mom NEVER had one symptom-she went to the doctor on a regular basis.
No one can explain to me-how they missed this. My mom was fine two weeks prior to the diagnosis-we were at the beach. She was so full of life.
We found out-there was nothing that could be done. My mom passed away July 18,2010 in a Hospice House.
How did they miss what was wrong with her is my question!
@ Bill -15 years! you made my day and gave us hope again. My husband has had it for 4 years matastaic to lung and leg. He came close to death a few times but hanging on . 15 years OMG
my boyfriend age of 21 has been diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer which means its spread to the bone the doctor has given him 6 – 12 months to live can you live longer than that he got diagnosed march this year we found out today how long he has got xx
HI
I WAS DIGNOSED WITH STAGE ONE FUHM NUC GRADE 2 RCC TUMER OF 2.5 CM IN MY RIGHT KIDNEYS UPPER POLE I GOT PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY MY SURGEN SAID ME NOT TO WORRY N WAIT TILL 4 MONTHES TO SEE IF SOME WRONG AGAIN +919680680929
Thanks for sharing your story everyone.
The end of August I had a CT scan following a recent ’bout of diverticulitis (I had a colon-resection for this back in ’04 and had been pain/issue free since…until this sudden attack). While the CT scan showed that my diverticulosis is still very minor (an upcoming colonoscopy will hopefully confirm), an unexpected 4.4 cm mass on my right kidney was also found. I’ve had no symptoms from this, no way of knowing it was there, except for this “chance” discovery.
A biopsy earlier this month has confirmed it to be renal cell carcinoma. I’m 43. Currently, I’m scheduled for a partial nephrectomy/possible radical nephrectomy in early October.
I’m also a person of faith, and our church had prayed together at the end of a sermon last month that anything hidden in us would be exposed and healed. It was ten days later that my cancer was diagnosed. While the discovery has thrown me for a bit of a loop, I am trusting for a full recovery. At the same time, I’m learning to make the most of everyday…and the posts above certainly help drive that point home.
Blessings to all of you who are in the midst of the struggle. I’ll try to keep my progress updated…