RCC Redux
Dear Family and Friends,
I had an MRI and biopsy over the past few weeks to investigate a growth around my spine close to L3. We got the results today.
I have metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Unlike what we originally thought, this is the same kind of cancer that I had in 2014. It is behaving unusually by hiding in weird spots. Usually RCC recurs in the lungs. We are going to check the lungs next week. I have a CT scan scheduled for July 3rd that will look at the chest and abdomen, and somewhere else as well--maybe pelvis.
The treatment will be a double shot of two types of immunotherapy at once. They sound like they have unpleasant side-effects (rash, slow wound healing, digestive problems, fatigue... all kinds of fun things!), but generally allow people to maintain a life. One form of the immunotherapy is a pill, the other is an infusion which will occur about every three weeks. The plan is to stay on that for about 9-12 weeks.
If all goes according to plan, then we will likely have surgery to remove the tumor. Right now, they need to shrink it. After surgery, I will have more treatment.
Many of you were aware (or correctly guessed) that Chris and I planned to have a baby this year. Because people who usually get RCC are not of child-bearing age, my doctor did not have great data on how this impacts fertility. He noted that immunotherapy can have auto-immune side-effects that impact pregnancy. We will consult a fertility specialist to see what our options are going forward.
Right now, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, stressed, and need some time to grieve all the loss that comes with this heavy diagnosis. I am creating this blog in hopes that it will reduce the pressure I feel to update all of you wonderful, caring people in my life with the details of what is going on medically. Feel free to share this blog with anyone you think may be interested. This means that we can keep the texts and emails to topics and pictures of your kids, gardens, culinary exploits, and hilarious gifs. I always feel loved supported when you reach out to me-- I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed at keeping up.
Thank you all for your wonderful support and love,
I had an MRI and biopsy over the past few weeks to investigate a growth around my spine close to L3. We got the results today.
I have metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Unlike what we originally thought, this is the same kind of cancer that I had in 2014. It is behaving unusually by hiding in weird spots. Usually RCC recurs in the lungs. We are going to check the lungs next week. I have a CT scan scheduled for July 3rd that will look at the chest and abdomen, and somewhere else as well--maybe pelvis.
The treatment will be a double shot of two types of immunotherapy at once. They sound like they have unpleasant side-effects (rash, slow wound healing, digestive problems, fatigue... all kinds of fun things!), but generally allow people to maintain a life. One form of the immunotherapy is a pill, the other is an infusion which will occur about every three weeks. The plan is to stay on that for about 9-12 weeks.
If all goes according to plan, then we will likely have surgery to remove the tumor. Right now, they need to shrink it. After surgery, I will have more treatment.
Many of you were aware (or correctly guessed) that Chris and I planned to have a baby this year. Because people who usually get RCC are not of child-bearing age, my doctor did not have great data on how this impacts fertility. He noted that immunotherapy can have auto-immune side-effects that impact pregnancy. We will consult a fertility specialist to see what our options are going forward.
Right now, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, stressed, and need some time to grieve all the loss that comes with this heavy diagnosis. I am creating this blog in hopes that it will reduce the pressure I feel to update all of you wonderful, caring people in my life with the details of what is going on medically. Feel free to share this blog with anyone you think may be interested. This means that we can keep the texts and emails to topics and pictures of your kids, gardens, culinary exploits, and hilarious gifs. I always feel loved supported when you reach out to me-- I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed at keeping up.
Thank you all for your wonderful support and love,
Amanda
Sending lots of love to you and Chris!
ReplyDeleteWell, F***. I am so sorry Amanda. I am sending you and Chris love and healing thoughts as you begin treatment. And sending many expletives cancer's way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the love and expletives... that's about how I feel as well. This was not how I really wanted to spend my summer. XO
DeleteWishing you a speedy recovery! HUGS - AK
ReplyDeleteAmanda, this must be frustrating and overwhelming and sad. .. my thoughts are with you and Chris!! Hope you can take care of each other and let people help you!!!
ReplyDelete