9 – BOB & KATHY                                                     Daisy

Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

 

JUNE 23, 2007

 

I am a 66 years old and this RCC is my second bout with cancer.  In 2001 I had surgery due to breast cancer, which was considered to be small, but they have been watching me for any recurrence of that cancer.  In April 2006 it was discovered I had a large tumor on my left kidney, because I had blood in the urine.    I soon had a nephrectomy to remove the left kidney, also the gall bladder and spleen was removed at the same time.  The gall bladder had stones and the spleen was accidentally nicked during this difficult surgery, so it had to come out also.  For 6 months I was monitored and things were clear, when it was discovered a small tumor had grown back in the kidney bed.   So I began Nexavar and had a terrible time on that drug.   I ended up in the hospital with extreme high blood pressure and an itchy rash on my face and upper chest.  I was taken off Nexavar and soon began Sutent.  I was delighted that I was able to tolerate this drug  much better, although it still caused many side effects.  Right now we are trying to regulate my blood pressure once more as I begin my start-up with Sutent again.

 

I had emergency surgery on a hernia recently, and was  taken off the Sutent for over 2 months.   I had completed 3  rounds of Sutent before becoming sick.  We had thought the vomiting and diarrhea was due to the Sutent, but it most likely was caused by a constricted bowel.  When on Sutent. I have such a terrible taste in my mouth (mouth and tongue get very sore), and I have had nose bleeds too.  And my eyes get quite puffy at times too.  I discovered that I love to eat mushroom or tomato soup with cooked spaghetti noodles in it when on the Sutent.  Also, I live on chicken as I cannot tolerate the taste of any beef or cheese products while on the Sutent.  I am diabetic, so any sweets are very limited.  I use Biotene toothpaste when my mouth gets too sore to use regular toothpaste.  It doesn't burn as the other brands do and then  I use a child's toothbrush, as it is much softer than a regular adult's toothbrush.  I regret I have to begin with this all over again, but I am so thankful there is medicine that has worked for me and RCC.  (Husband: Bob)