Metastatic Renal cell carcinoma

[phxguy]

Anyone in the Phoenix area? I have been on Votrient for metastatic renal cell carcinoma for 2 years now and am grateful it has kept my cancer stable. My main complaints are GI issues, fatigue, wt loss and isolation. I live alone and am fortunate that I am able to manage by myself but I am a full time job which doesn't leave much time nor energy to do things with friends. Most people don't understand that and consequently friendships fade away. It would be great to meet others in similar situation that are understanding and empathetic. I hope to hear from others with similar experiences with hope of developing friendships and sharing ideas.

[neophytemessiah]

I'm going through something similar. I just don't have the energy to do the things I was doing before starting chemo. And my friends don't seem to understand that. And as a result they just sort of went their own ways. I tell myself that its understandable but it can still hurt and feel very lonely . Those who still talk on facebook they offer pity but I hate that.

[phxguy in reply to neophytemessiah]

Loneliness and isolation is very challenging. I have often said to myself...I can't be the only gay male in this difficult place. My hope has always been that I would be able to identify another gay male in a similar situation so we could support each other, understand, talk about and share our feelings. Noone is capable of truly understanding better than someone who has been there and can relate to what we are experiencing. So...what do we do about it? My answer is to continue supporting each other by allowing one another to verbalize our feelings and nurture our friendships the best we can. Unfortunately ... we are in a very difficult spot.

[neophytemessiah in reply to phxguy]

Yeah. I think because most of us don't have a traditional family base to depend on its very difficult. I was glad to find this group.

[phxguy]

Me to...I have not been active here and I know that needs to change. Where are you?

[neophytemessiah in reply to phxguy]

I'm in East Texas in a little town called Rusk

[phxguy]

Who is your biggest support? Are you able to care for yourself?

[neophytemessiah]

I take care of myself and my mother who has Parkinson's . So far i'm managing ok. If the time comes when I can't i'll call my sister to take care of my mom. My biggest support is actually a 5 year old little girl I do my chemo with every monday. Her name is Kelli and she is such a warrior . We skype every day so she can read me books. She keeps my spirits up.

[phxguy in reply to neophytemessiah]

Nice! What is the name of your chemo medication? I am a RN and am on disability. You?

[neophytemessiah in reply to phxguy]

floxuridine , cisplatin, mitomycin C, and doxorubicin. I'm a web designer. I'm now on disability. I hope after chemo I can start back to work since I work out of the house all I need is the energy to sit at my desk.