Patient Stories
Kidney Cancer Awareness Month
During Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, visit us at KCCure each day, where we’ll share a new story from someone whose life has been touched by kidney cancer. We share Kidney Cancer Patient Stories to let others know that they’re not alone. One day, after talking to a kidney cancer patient on the phone, my daughter Josie asked me what we had been talking about. I said, “He has cancer, and he’s afraid.” Josie responded, “I hope you told him not to be scared! That he’s going to be OK!” I asked her to tell me something that scares her, to which she said, “rollercoasters.” Then I asked, “If you were riding a rollercoaster, and I told you ‘don’t be afraid,’ do you think it would work?” Thinking about it, Josie concluded that it would no...
Voice of Kidney Cancer – Words from Forrest
Forrest is a stage 3 kidney cancer survivor. He recently shared these thoughts in our clear cell kidney cancer patient community. His words not only showcase how many patients feel on a daily basis – they also explain why we believe that connecting with other patients and caregivers is such a crucial part of survivorship for kidney cancer patients. Thank you Forrest for inspiring others! We hope today is a good day. But good or bad, we are all here to support you. My wife and I were talking last night, about how, in my career in the military and law enforcement, I faced many difficult, life altering, events. She asked me how I handled those things. Well the true answer is not so well… that’s why now I struggle with severe PTSD. With Anxiety and Depression. I have pseudo-seiz...
Kidney Cancer Patient Communities Matter
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, we encourage you to seek out help from others from any one of the amazing kidney cancer patient communities that exist. Whether you have stage 1 disease or stage 4 disease, there is a place of comfort for you. You are not alone!
Voice of Kidney Cancer – Michael Robson
Today, the combination of Yervoy and Opdivo is approved in the U.S., Canada and Australia for treatment of first line metastatic kidney cancer, thanks in part to pioneers like kidney cancer patient Michael Robson who bravely participated in clinical trials. Most recently, Dr. Jim Allison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of the mechanism that led to the development of these therapies.
Voice of Kidney Cancer – Viola’s Story
Hello, my friends. Like you, I am at war with Stage Four RCC. I’ve learned so much from everyone of you. This week marks the fifth anniversary of my diagnosis. Like many of you, it just seemed like it was one excruciating event after another. Since the worst of it seemed to be the decimation of my left femur, I endured many operations, learning to walk four times. Finally a wonderful surgery implanted an artificial femur. It works for me. I have always been goal driven and I love Scotland, so last year, I got an all terrain walker, returned to Scotland to celebrate my 70th birthday by climbing Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Edinburgh. I climbed the rock face on my 40th Birthday, but could I do it again? I did, short leg, Stage Four Cancer, and all! What do I plan for this year? I’m g...