I myself do not have cancer, but recently my father came down with stage 4 kidney cancer. He had his kidney removed, and now only has two bean size nodes left in his body. One behind a vein near the lungs and another near his pelvic bone. He will undergo treatment with pills, a medicine called SUNItinib. He has Rccc, and that type of cancer is very resistant to chemo and to radiation according to the oncologist. The pill medicine however is very good at combating this type of cancer.

The oncologist was very blunt with us, he said that the medicine will give us one of three results. He said my dad's body may reject the medicine, which would be very bad. Secondly the pill may be able to control the cancer from spreading any further, and it'll be like treating a diabetic of sorts. Lastly after the regiment is complete, the cancer may completely die of and go into remission. The medicine is designed to breakdown proteins in the cancer cells, and that will stop the multiplying and slowly kill them.

We were also told that he is very lucky that cancer did not invade another organ.

The hope comes from my father's unwavering optimism. He has told he will live, and that cancer wont take him. That he will meet his maker from old age. Perhaps he is dealing with ailment internally, but as of now my dad acts as if he is cancer free. He will be going back to work, not because us kids can not take care of his bills, but because he flat out told us he would die if he didn't work. He is a welder by trade, but he has been a worker all his life. Working the fields of south Texas since the age 6

A little of my experience with cancer. I hope of the DU community battling this ailment remain steadfast. With hopes that tomorrow will bring a better and brighter day.

milestone of being cancer-free for 5 years.

to begin my radiation. I want to start it now and at the same time I dread it.

The stitches stayed in a little too long and they had to cut me a couple of times to get them.

I really wanted to scream at them but they (the doctors) have been wonderful otherwise.

I was just so tired of the pain. It's been a constant.

I mostly feel...I dunno...sorta like limbo, I guess.

Got another caregiver coming in on the 30th. My mother-in-law. She used to be a nurse.

My sister, who also was in nursing, just left.

In a few weeks my cousin, another long-term care provider, will be coming to stay a couple of weeks.

I guess I'm lucky. I'm torn though. I feel the need to play host when the last thing I want to do is play host.

I also don't want to be anyone's project....if that makes sense.

I guess I'm just whining.

Thanks for listening!

as a caregiver please whine and certainly do not play host!

Seriously, this is your time to heal and that is Your project, others can help, but as caregivers we are only playing a small part and are happy to do so.

Be well

but I was diagnosed 5 years ago and there was an 80% 5-year mortality rate, so I guess I'm still around! Some days, though... (sigh)

even though some days are tough.

I get fatigue and the occasional runs but that's about it. I think my supplements from the naturopath + 100% organic diet help.

mastectomy & chemo. 7 years out from uterine cancer. I get all my checkups, and so far I'm cancer free. Enjoying every minute of my life!

Glad to hear that. I'm less than year out and still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Hope to eventually have many years in between as you do.

Remission for my type of NH Lymphoma is usually pretty short term sadly. Therefore it is a bittersweet, tenuous type of celebration. Soon I will be exploring options that include the possibility of a cure - including stem cell transplant. But for now, and until I have to begin whatever comes next, I will be doing my best to appreciate every day and everyone in my life.

We're thinking of you. Feel free to PM me if you like.

- Tab