G.I.S.T. Sutent

[sandface]

My name is Sandy. I am asking for support from any one who is familiar with the drugs Sutent. I have been diagnosed with G.I.S.T. This is a recurrence of a diagnosis I received in 1988. It was called plexo sarcoma back then. I am feeling a little discouraged because I have been taking a drug called Gleevec for the past six months and nothing has really changed as of yet. I understand that this is not to uncommon. The cancer is in my stomach with metastis to my liver. Diagnosis in 1988 left me with only 5% of my stomach and portions of my liver disected. Ironically, it has plagued those tow organs again. I have been suffering tremendously from Gerd. One of the worst cases I am told. My Oncologist wants me to stop the Gleevec and start Sutent. I am just wondering if anyone is familiar with this drug - Sutent, and what the common side affects are. I work a full time job as a Case Manager in San Francisco CA. I commute approximately 60 miles each way everyday. I mention this because, I am just really trying to find out what to expect. If you are familiar w/ this drug, please reply. Will it affect me in such a way that I will have to stop working? Help

[grand00]

sandy,
i am sorry to hear of your condition and to reply to your posting i will be brief.i started on sutent on april 7th.l work for a major reatailer as a operations manager and work about 10-12 hours a day,5 days a week.i also drive roughly 60 miles one way.my cancer is rrc and i had a kidney removed in 1994 and the cancer later spread to my left hip and lungs.i have had some fatigue,backache,cramping in my stomach,lack of taste, and sore feet so far i have not missed any work and from what i've read around the 10th day the symptoms are the worst and during the 2 week recovery by day 5 you are back to normal. the success of sutent on some of the nci blogs looks amazing so i pray it will help you.be strong and live life fully.
gene

[sandface]

Dear Grand00,
Thank you much for your reply. I am glad to hear that the side effects seem to be fairly moderate. Your work day sounds like mine. Stay encouraged, and keep in touch. Whatever moral support I can offer, please let me know. You are in my prayers. God Bless you. You are a SURVIVOR