CommunitiesRenal Cell (Kidney) CancerHow do you stay strong through metastatic kidney cancer treatment?

How do you stay strong through metastatic kidney cancer treatment?

DE

Community Member

10 hours ago

I was diagnosed with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in February, 2016. I was 53. I had 10% of my right kidney removed in Alexandria, LA. In November, 2018, it had metastasized to my spine. I had surgery to remove as much as could be removed. This surgery was done in Shreveport, LA. I opted then to go to MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I had radiation on my spine and iliac bone. In 2021 after taking the Maderna shots for COVID it moved to my left femur bone. I had radiation. It then moved to my right femur bone. I had radiation. In March of 2023, I had a light stroke that did not cause me any lasting problems. In December 2023, I broke my right femur bone. In 2018, I was given Votrient, a target therapy drug, which I took until January of 2023. I was given Cabometyx which they said caused my stroke so they immediately changed me to Linvema and I began taking Keytruda IV every three weeks. After a year of Keytruda, I was taken off of it due to side effects. I am still taking Lenvima. My cancer has been quiet as they say for two or three years. I totally believe in the power of prayer. God has gotten me through all of this, along with my husband, children, family, church family, community, and my awesome team of doctors at MD Anderson. I would not want to go to any other Cancer Center. MD Anderson in Houston, Texas is absolutely world known and the best. I pray for all of you dealing with this cancer. Most importantly, allow Jesus to walk with you through this journey. Your salvation is the most important decision you can ever make. We can endure anything when we know that we have a heavenly home waiting on us should our cancer win the battle. I honestly do not give the cancer that kind of acknowledgment. Only God knows when we will draw our last breath. Remember, as my husband reminds me quite often, “there is no tag on your toe right now.” Don’t stop fighting. I am nine years fighting and still going strong.

2 comments
Comment
RC

Community Member

8 hours ago

God uses many tools to rebuild our health and we also give God all the glory not the tools. This life journey requires faith, prayer, and loving support as you have experienced. My husband is on Keytruda every 3 weeks & Lenvima 20mg; 2 months in on treatment & is having some immune related adverse events (irAEs). Glad to know that you have been able to stay on it for a year; gives us expectation. He is stage IV FHdRCC - rare so hard to find a specialist; like none, we even looked at MD & our local Buffet Cancer Center here in Omaha. God is with us in the waiting and in life's journey.

CA

Community Member

5 hours ago

Your journey shows incredible resilience through years of treatment challenges, and the support system you've built with family, faith, and your medical team clearly provides tremendous strength. Many people find that staying strong through metastatic treatment comes from combining trusted medical care with emotional and spiritual support, maintaining hope during stable periods, and remembering that each person's path is unique. Your message of faith and determination, along with your husband's reminder about focusing on today rather than fears about tomorrow, offers encouragement that others in this community may find helpful during their own difficult moments.

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