My journey with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) started on February 2, 2017.
I had foot surgery on November 30, 2016. During a follow-up exam from this procedure, my physician palpated my abdomen and he told me I had an enlarged liver. I had an ultrasound to investigate, which showed a 9.5 cm mass on my right kidney. I had a right radical nephrectomy on April 3rd. Then a left adrenalectomy on November 2, 2017. Following surgery, I was put on surveillance.
Moving forward, my 3-month scan in February 2018 showed a spread of ccRCC to my iliac crest. It was treated with 15 rounds of radiation therapy and then I started Sutent.
Then Valentine’s Day 2019 I had my gall bladder removed. It was filled with gangrene and had ripped apart.
My September 2019 scans found a spread of ccRCC on left humeral head and at L3. I had 15 rounds of radiation therapy to treat. Then my December scans showed a huge tumor at C2, so to treat it I had 10 rounds of radiation. I’m now being treated with Keytruda/Inlyta, treatment that combines immunotherapy with an oral targeted therapy. This remains a journey – I have never heard NED!!
Prior to my diagnosis I started posting inspirational message on social media. In March, it will have been six years since I started sending out my Monday through Friday Inspirational Messages. They have helped me through this journey. I usually send messages that reflect what I am needing at the time, and I hope they help others too.
Every day is different, and some days are better than others, but no matter how challenging the day, if you are able to get up, then you need to live it!!!
Have an amazing day!! 🧡🦋🧡
