UC Diagnosis - Kidney Cancer - Fast Track to Surgery?

Hi all, My first time posting to the forum but, have been reading for months. Here is my story:

I was diagnosed with left side UC in Sept 2017. My GI had me get a CT in October to try and better define that it wasn’t something else. In the scan, they found a RCC tumor on my left kidney. On November 13th, I underwent a partial kidney removal. They tested the surrounding area and was relieved to know that there was no indication of it spreading, so there will be no need for chemo or radiation. Before my kidney surgery, I was taking Lialda and Uceris and my symptoms had gotten realativly mild. about a week after my surgery, I had a massive flare. My GI put started a round of 40mg prednisone. I had a psychotic reaction after the third day. Could not stop crying, throwing violent tantrums, screaming, totally out of character. My GI started tapering me and signed me up to start Entyvio infusions. As the pred does tapered, my symptoms got worse and worse. I had my first infusion Dec 18th, which was also the last day I was on Pred. I spent the entire morning on the toilet before the infusion....so much cramping, blood, the works. Immediately after the infusion, my pain, symptoms peaked. After a few hours of total agony, they sent me to the ER. Shot me up with steroids, pain killers and did another CT scan. They confirmed that the UC had spread to my entire colon but, luckily no perforation. I spent the next 6 days in the hospital trying to get everything under control. I’ve been home now for 4 days and trying to figure out where to go from here.

My GI is recommending that I stay on a lower dose of prednisone until the Entyvio has a chance to take effect (6-10 weeks), I’m fine with as long as I don’t turn into a total lunatic. He doesn’t recommended that I do any of the other biologics based on my cancer history. Basically, it feels like I’m putting all my chips on this drug. If doesn’t work, I’m signing up for surgery. Which at this moment doesn’t sound so bad.

It just seems nothing is getting me relief. Diet, drugs, nothing seems to be making much of a dent. Trying to be patient. If anyone has some tips, I would love to hear them.

Jer
42 yr old male - Father of 4 wonderful kids and the best wife in the world
DX: Left side UC Sept 2017. - Pancolitis Dec 2017. - UC Symptoms since Dec 2015.
Meds: Entyvio, Lialda, Prednisone, Past meds: Cortocol enema, Uceris

I had surgery and I am doing fine. Not to say that surgery is in your future, try to think positive, entyvio might end up working for you, but if you do end up needing surgery, it can be quite liberating to be finished with UC forever. The surgery is risky, there's no way to know how your outcome will turn out, but statistics show that over 90% of people only regret not doing it sooner. There may be other options for you in the way of clinical trials, but with your history, I can understand not wanting to take any risks. I had sepsis from pneumonia caused by UC drugs, and after that near-death experience, I was very quick to accept surgery as a better lifestyle. I live free of drugs, free of doctor appointments, and free of unpredictability. Post-surgery life not without its challenges of course. I go more often since I am without a colon, but it's been a small inconvenience for me compared to all the expenses, time, stress, and chemicals I pumped into my body with the chronic illness. Surgery is not perfect, but sometimes knowing there can be a light at the end of the tunnel can help to reduce stress and ultimately make you more comfortable with whatever comes. You can read my story in my signature.