About deniseford

deniseford

Hi Chenzo Sorry about your diagnosis, but glad they are confident they got it all. I don't want to scare you but my husband had his Kidney removed due to RCC in August 2009. He was also told that it was all clear and they were confident it had not spread. He had regular scans of his abdomen (kidney) every 6 months for two years with good results. Two weeks after his last abdomen scan he had a random check of his heart due to problems with a family member that was thought to be hereditary, and unfortunately they found the RCC had metasised to his lungs. Long story short he has Stage IV advanced Cancer. I would suggest that you are very proactive and make sure when they do the regular scans that they scan chest and abdomen and ask lots of questions. If we had found it earlier, he would more likely not be where he is right now. Take Care Denise

deniseford

Hi JJ I haven't been on here for a long time, so don't know where you are at at present. My hubby was diagnosed with Stage iv Advanced RCC in February 2013. He has been taking Votrient 800mg since May 2013 (nearly a year), he does get some side effects and at times they can be quite unpleasant, but overall he is doing good. He still works full time and we took a leaf out of Johns book and have been doing quite a bit of travelling, which is all manageable. So far the Votrient is working with some tumours reducing substantially and others disappearing all together. My only advice is to research and ask lots of questions, in our experience unless you ask the doctors do not freely give out information. Let us know what treatment plan you ended up going with. Take Care Denise

deniseford

Hi John This has been one roller coaster year. Max was put on Votrient in May as a CT Scan had shown the tumours had grown as well as 'multiple new ones'. He was put on the full 800mg dose, he has had some of the more common side effects: diarrhea, lethargy, white hair, nausea, taste. He takes other drugs to help with the side effects. He too has not had one day off from work (only when we go on holidays). The side effect he hates the most is the taste, he luvs his food (he is a chef) and can't stand that he can no longer taste things properly. We have taken your advice and kept on living....we went on a cruise for 7 days to the South Pacific Islands, we went for our trip to Canada, absolutely luved it and have now planned to go back for Xmas 2014 so we can see it in Winter. We got Married (this was a big one)and went camping on the beach with the family for our honeymoon. We are planning to spend Xmas at Rainbow Beach and I am busy organising our Cape York or Bust 2014 4WD adventure (this is top of Max's 'to do list'!!! Overall the Votrient has been good for him, his last scan showed a reduction in the tumours and no new growth. He did have to go off the Votrient for a couple of weeks as his Liver Bloods were extremely high (due to a course of antibiotics he was on). Now his bloods are back to normal he is back on the Votrient at a reduced dose 600mg. Would luv to hear how you are doing, and what adventures you have in store. Cheers Denise

deniseford

Hi Janice I won't say 'welcome'...under the circumstances not sure that is quite right. Instead I hope you can get some information, support and friendship out of being here. I also am the carer for my husband who has terminal Kidney Cancer (RCC), we found out it was terminal about 3 months ago, so I understand how you are feeling right at this moment. Make every moment count, arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can and never be afraid to ask heaps of questions, make sure you have a doctor you trust, surround yourself with family and stay strong. I am sending you a big hug....sometimes that is all you need...no words....just a hug!!!

deniseford

Cancer is just so cruel....it robs us of the most important thing...life!!! My husband is also incurable and currently undertaking pallitive care. We have had a few months now to come to terms with it, and we try to make lots of good memories...from as simple as a BBQ with lots of friends and family, to organising holidays that have always been on the back burner. I hope you can enjoy some quality time with your family when you come to Brisbane, a walk along the river, a swim at southbank (though it could be cold)a picnic in the park.....I would think time spent anywhere as long as it is with your family would be precious. I have so much respect for people like yourself and my husband, you are so strong, and selfless....thinking of your families before yourselves. Stay Strong and enjoy every precious moment with your family. “Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water -it will make ripples throughout the entire pond...”

deniseford

Hi Geraldine I understand what you mean....sometimes the bad days outweigh the good. One thing I have learned as a carer....if you don't look after your health both physically and mentally how can you support your partner. You need to take some time out whether it is a couple of hours or a whole day. Maybe have a coffee with friends, go to a movie....do something for yourself, just have some downtime. Sending a big (HUG) your way!! Denise

deniseford

Hi Ejb I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your family....cancer just sucks!!! My husband has also just recently been told he is terminal with Kidney Cancer, so I know just how you are feeling, the emotions at times are just so overwhelming. We were devastated, the sadness was unbearable and no sleep compounded it all. We are slowly starting to deal with it all and what it will mean to our family....the biggest thing is to not be afraid to talk about it. We have a big family dinner once a week, and talk about how we are all feeling and what we can do to help each other. You are not a burden on your family or friends.....that is what your good friends are there for....the good and the bad. Keep telling your Dad that you love him and that you will be there for him....but I would be sure that he already knows that. Lots of Hugs Denise

deniseford

Hi...has anyone heard of the Australian plant called Gumbi Gumbi...we have been told it is used as traditional medicine for Indigneous Australians. A friend has suggested it as a natural therapy for cancer....has anyone used this or know where to buy it. Thanks

deniseford

Hi Timothy It is a lot to deal with....and even though you should respect her wishes, it is unfair on you. Talk to her and tell her how it is affecting you, maybe some combined counselling might help with how to approach and tell your families. I really feel for you....as I don't think I could cope without the support of our families. If she still insists on the secrecy, maybe a Cancer Carers Support Group....as well as this site, which has unfortunately lots of Carers who are more than willing to be listen. It is extremely important that your health both physically and mentally is looked after....as you are going to need to be very strong. Hugs Denise

deniseford

I am extremely lacking in motivation right now, and I am not the one with this insidious disease festering inside me. Whats it matter if the house is messy, grass is too long and there is no food in the fridge. While I am lamenting what I am going to lose.....he is busy (while he can) to finally build that front garden I wanted, showing me how to do the odd jobs he normally does around the house.....oh and cooking, he is the chef of the house, I am the disaster waiting to happen in the kitchen. He is now giving me instructions on where everything is in the kitchen and how to use it (the rest of my family will get a kick out of that). Now it is my turn to be strong like him and show him that I will be ok (even if I know that is not quite true), because that is what worries him the most ME! So I have decided that today is as good as any day to give myself a good quick kick up the butt! (not an easy feat). I am setting a goal: 1. I WILL start with a long walk to clear my head of all these negative thoughts. 2. I WILL clean the house and fill the fridge. 3. I WILL get in the garden and get rid of those noxious weeds that have taken over. 4. I WILL attempt to cook dinner (we may end up going out for dinner). 5. I WILL try to be as positive as you can be with all of this over our heads! 6. And the most important.....I WILL make every day count. I know it is a bit far into the New Year for resolutions...but have decided to add another to my fast growing list......From this day forward...I will take it one day at a time.

Re: Kidney Cancer

Re: Uncertain times

Re: Renal Cell Carcinoma

Re: Hello everyone I am new to this site in writin...

Re: Life's too short!

Re: another bad day

Re: Hello everyone! I am new

Gumbi Gumbi

Re: My Fiancee, soon to be Wife.

Motivation

Connect

More information

Join the community

Want to join the discussion?