Stephen Andrew has an update regarding his cancer. He is proud to confirm that his condition is NED, which means no evidence of disease. That's amazing.
Here is a transcript of the message posted to his website which has July 2016 as the updated date:
It’s been nearly ten years since I was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Hearing you have cancer is very difficult to hear and, as I have learned, extremely painful to those around you.
In April 2007 the disease spread into my lungs and later that year onto my spine.
As one of my doctors so eloquently told me “I can’t do anything more. All I can suggest is that you prepare and perhaps talk to your oncologist to see if there is a drug you can take”.
Well, that drug is Sutent.
It’s a daily regime and it takes a toll on the body, but there is an upside.
During one of my monthly checks at the end of 2011, my oncologist classified me as being in “clinical remission”. He then told me I’m not a normal patient and then roared with laughter. Hmmm, I’m still trying to figure that one out.
The drug worked . Currently the doctors classify me as being in drug free remission for nearly five years.
Doctors can no longer see tumours in the lungs, and the lesion on my spine is “stable”.
Needless to say, I am very pleased and optimistic. Hell, I’m overjoyed!
I do want to be clear though, at this point we are not saying I’m cured. I'm not sure anyone ever says that - they like to use the term NED - No Evidence of Disease.
Now I am off Sutent, could the cancer grow again? Well, that's a question noone is willing to answer, probably because they don't know.
Should it happen, I would expect to go back on the drug. I am leery of sharing this with you because I would not want anyone to make decisions without the advice of their oncologist.
IF you are taking Sutent, or any other medication, please talk to your medical team before making any decision.
From the beginning of this journey I have shared the details of what’s going on. I felt I had to.
As a journalist I asked many people to share their stories, so it would be a little hypocritical not to share mine.
More important, I hope my experience will help others.
One of the lessons I learned; always, always get a second opinion. Not all doctors are created equal, and as I found, some are more aggressive than others.
It’s why I think I’m alive today; I have a doctor who is not afraid to push the limits and let me be an active part of my treatment.
A great resource for kidney cancer in Canada is Kidney Cancer Canada. I am a member of the board and our focus is to improve the lives of patients, their families and caregives.
If you need help connecting with any group, please send me a message and I’d be happy to help.
So many people have asked about my health. They stop me on the street and wish me the best, others have written, and there are those who are praying for me.
Your good wishes are a source of great comfort and inspiration.
A great resource for kidney cancer in Canada is Kidney Cancer Canada. I am a member
Thank you and here’s to good health!
Stephen
Updated July 2016.