How long can a person live with renal cell carcinoma (matastatic)?

My husband is currently in the Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr in Boston having his 2nd week of Interleukin 2. His right kidney was removed 6/5 after having hematuria on 5/15 and being diagnosed the same day. He had no other symptoms. He just turned 50. There are small tumors in the lungs and a very small one in the muscle bed of the removed kidney (which they either didn't catch or see, or subsequently popped up, we don't know which). We have a 7 year old son and I need to know all I can for my son and myself, our future as a family, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated. We met a man with the same disease who is 6 years out of his surgery. It gave me some hope but I know that everyone is different. Thank you.

Wow...first let me just say that I'm very sorry that you're having to go though this. Secondly; As much as you'd like an answer right now, I would recommend talking to his doctors. Without a lot of very detailed case information, it's difficult (if not impossible) to make a determination of life expectancy.

Do some web searching OK? There is a lot of material out there. His prognosis depends in part on how well he responds to the Interleukin. Talk with the Drs. - they won't want to be pinned down, but you deserve answers. Try not to despair, I know it is really difficult now but you will all learn to live with the disease. Whatever you do don't lie to your son (or anybody else for that matter). I.E. Dad has cancer, it is treatable and being treated. Yes, early death is possible, but not certain. Let's just enjoy the days when Dad feels good and try to get through Dad's bad days. Good Luck to you (I feel sorta inadequate, but I DO hope for the best for all of you).

PS I checked the Wikpedia site on this type of cancer - I'm sorry but the news, particularly for metastatic renal cancer is not good with 5 year survival at ~5%