Robert Skinner has been battling cancer for five years.
Robert Skinner: "Some people, when they're diagnosed with cancer, get very upset and they say, 'Why me?' Why not?"
Joe Guthro is fighting too, with one goal in mind.
Joe Guthro: "To live a few more years."
Both have advanced kidney cancer a disease doctor Anil Kapoor says has a grim prognosis.
Anil Kapoor, M.D., Surgical Oncologist: "Often, patients would choose not to go on anything knowing that they have metastatic cancer because the success rate was so poor."
That's changing with a new drug called Temsirolimus. It regulates the production, growth and survival of cells.
Anil Kapoor, M.D.: "What this drug, Temsirolimus, does is help patients live longer."
In a recent study, patients on the drug nearly doubled their survival from six months to eleven months compared to the standard treatment, interferon.
Anil Kapoor, M.D.: "You live four or five months longer. That doesn't seem like a big deal. But when you have metastatic cancer, it means the world."
It preserves the quality of life an important health benefit. Joe has gained a healthy 45 pounds on the drug and his sister Loretta, is hopeful.
Loretta Kotska, Joe's Sister: "You don't give up and you know, as long as he's well and taken care of and whatever time we have together is incredible."
Rob's partner Paul agrees.
Paul Bonehill: "It's very significant. When you love someone, you don't want them to go."
Rob still wakes up every day fighting.
Rob Skinner: "I put my feet on the ground. If I can stand up, I say I made it."
With his spirit and his sense of humor, intact.
