I would contact the American Cancer Society for information about the disease. I did a quick google search and there are online communities. I would also contact a cancer care center in your area. They may have groups meeting there or know where some are.

...I have done most of that, but have not connected with anyone else with kidney cancer or family/friends of such a patient. There was to be a meeting at a local hospital, but it has be cancelled. Still looking.

This is one of my closest friends ~~ like family to me ~~ and I am having a very bad time with this.

I wish both of you and your families the best of luck. I hope someone on this board will be able to give you better insight and information. I will light a candle for your friend.

Ben and your name have been added to my list. It will be lit every night. I learned a long time ago loved one go through treatment also. It's why one of my favorite sayings is that we all walk this path of life together.

...you are so dear and so comforting.

Diagnosed with it but was stage 1 clear cell renal carcinoma . I had surgery Nov 21 to remove my left kidney and ureter. No treatment necessary for mine right now other than rechecks with the Dr. I was told that kidney cancer does not respond to the regular chemotherapy or radiation. I have no idea what it does respond to as all of this is new to me.
I'm sorry that I can't be more help with information but just know the people here are a great.

You are correct: People on the DU are the greatest!

I am still recovering from the surgery but
while in the hospital came down with Guillain -Barre Syndrome which is like a creeping paralysis.

I wish the best for your friend. Keep us
Posted !

KC, i just had surgery 3/13, lost my left kidney, was wondering if i could contact you off line and talk about your ordeal?

Last edited Sun Jan 22, 2012, 03:33 AM - Edit history (1)

Although it doesn't respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it does respond well to immunology, interleukin 2, Alpha-interpheron and various other biologic and other targetted therapies. Please contact me for more information. My MIL had Renal Cell, (clear cell) carcinoma, stage IV.

I have done some research on interleukin 2 and it sounds very promising for advanced kidney cancer. Have not heard of the others and will research them today. Kidney cancer, as I am learning, is and odd cancer: Wherever it goes in the body, it remains kidney cancer. As I understand it, this is not like most other forms of cancer. That is why, again as I understand it, the immunilogical treatments work even when there are mets involved.

Thank you so very much for the info and the best to you and your family, especially your MIL!

It was not the kidney cancer that got him -- it was all the ancillary medical problems. His body just could not fight all of the other problems. In fact, the Sutent (oral chemo for RCC) had halte the progress of the cancer.

I saw you post in GD and I cried with and for you. Cancer treatment can almost destroy your ability to fight off other illnesses.

....the ancillary medical problems were just too much for his body.

Thanks for the tears -- I understand. I just remind myself, he went before it got to the point of watching him racked with pain that the pain meds did not touch.

too many times the body gives up just when the disease also gives up.



My Mom's cancer was pretty much under control, but she had already been through so much, we all hope for that day when these diseases no longer have control of us.

...his body gave out at the time the cancer was under control.

I am finding that this is what often happens.

of the treatment killing the patient, for now it is a real balancing act and you take your chances. My husband did two clinical trials before and during his transplant for acute leukemia, they have come a long way, but there is still much further to go.

Www.medlineplus.gov

A portal to all sorts of wonderful, vetted information