Terrified - "Exploratory Sugery" tomorrow

[ShawninTX]

Hello,
I am brand new to this group and hoped I could get some support and
answers. I am 35 years old and scared to death right now. I have
had discomfort in my groin when sitting down for about a month and a
half now. My Internist sent me to get an ultrasound about a week after it started hurting. The radiologist thought it was a hemotoma after we discussed a minor injury that could have caused the pain. The Radiologist said come back in three months. Well, after a month and a half without the discomfort leaving, I couldn't wait any longer and made an appt with a Urologist.

The Urologist did an exam last Tuesday. After feeling both testicles, he said they felt normal. He then did an ultrasound and the urologist saw the same mass (said it was about the same size) on my right testicle and wants to
do exploratory surgery (I could tell he was concerned). He said if they determine it is cancer, they will remove the testicle.

My surgery is being done tomorrow, April 2nd. I am hoping to get
any information about what to expect when I go into surgery and
after. I am not sure if they will take the testicle, but the
pessimist in me says it is cancer and I have never been this scared
in my life. Any info about what i can expect when I get to surgery
and the recovery would be great.

Also, anything you would wish you would have known before going into
surgery but didn't would be great also. I am just absolutely terrified right now and need some guidance from anyone who has been through this experience.

Thanks,
Shawn

[tlh]

Shawn,

First, welcome to the forum. I'm assuming the exploratory surgery is going to be exactly like an orchiectomy. If that's the case, then it is a simple outpatient procedure that you recover from rather quickly - much like a hernia operation. It's great that you didn't wait and found a urologist who is being proactive to find out what this is. I know it's hard not to expect the worse, but if and until you have something to worry about - try not to worry. I know that's easier said then done. The upside is that if it is TC then it is curable. If you haven't had the opportunity to do any research this link is a great place to start http://tcrc.acor.org/.

Try and take it easy and get ready for tomorrow. I think if you read through the forums you will find many people (myself included) who have been through this and are willing to answer any questions and help in any way we can. Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

TLH

[tlh]

It looks like Robert was a little quicker on the send button than I was!! See, we're here to help.

[Michael112]

Also, anything you would wish you would have known before going into
surgery but didn't would be great also.
Shawn

Yea, ask the surgeon to please try not to dissect the inguinal nerve.

[dadmo]

As everyone else said it's a fairly simple operation, it usually takes less then an hour. Make sure you have sweat pants because the cut will be rignt at the belt line. The next week to ten days will be tough while you wait for the results from the lab. Just try and stay calm and read everthing you can over at the TCRC web site. The more information the better. I don't want to get too far ahead but the normal path for this cancer is to get the testicle then spread to the lymph nodes back by the kidneys and then to the lungs and possibly the brain. I know it's scarry but as long as it follows the predicted path they should be able to cure you. Remember that most guys are cured when the testicle is removed so you may be cured (if you even have it) tomorrow. Write back when you know more and maybe we can smooth the road a bit.

[Russell's Mom]

wish I had

Wish that I had the connection with this site at the time my son had his surgery. From my experience with my son, the fear does not get bigger, but I can honestly say you can get through it and will come out the other side stronger than before. I probably could have acted irresponibly if someone told me that as Russell went into surgery, but it is making sense to me now. One step at a time is all that you need to do. The people here are a great source of knowledge and support. Do you have someone who will be with you during/after the surgery? Take care, write back. Russell's mom, Sharon
PS If needed, write down the information that they share with you, or have them print out reports for your review. The info can become confusing when the emotions are high and the words are new.

[dadmo]

Sharon is right on the mark. Bring a pencil and paper, these meetings can make your head spin and don't be afarid to ask the doctor to explain every detail.

[ShawninTX]

I have to say I am amazed at the support and information you all have already provided (glad you all told me about where the incinsion would be - otherwise I probably would have spoken up when they were in the wrong area!).

Did any of you hear results from the urologist when they came in after the surgery or do you always hear once the pathology report comes in (a week or so later)?

My biggest fear is that it has spread all over my body due to the 1.5-2 months it has been since I first felt discomfort. My mind is just going crazy right now and I am a basket case. Any ideas on things that worked the night before surgery to get it out of your head ?

Thank you for taking the time to post your experience's and what I should expect. My wife and mother will be with me tomorrow and we will bring pen and paper for sure. I will also bring loose fitting pants to come home with. Talk to you soon - Michael, I don't know what that nerve is you spoke about, but I will absolutely make sure to mention something to him - it sounds important .

Thanks,
Shawn

[dadmo]

When the urologist removes the testicle he will have a really good idea if it's cancer or not. On his paperwork there will be an evaluation of what he found and from that you may get an idea about the staging but you really need x-rays, ct scans and bloodwork to get a true picture.

[ShawninTX]

Surgery went well yesterday although they did take the testicle out as we believed they would. The Urologist said the mass was completely inside the testicle and he said he decided to not cut into it to take a look. It was about 1cm in size and felt that it was probably cancer so he took it out. We have to wait a week to know for sure. He did say that 1cm was somewhat small as he has typically seen them at 4-5 cm in size.

I really don't have any pain today and it was mild yesterday. Trying to stay ahead of it though so it doesn't turn bad. I am just so releived the surgery is over and it is out of me. Now the waiting game.......

Just wanted to thank you all for all of the encouragement and support through this mess. I really can't thank you all enough and will let you know what we find from the report next week.

Thanks,
Shawn

[dadmo]

You will find that the waiting is the worst part. If you need to ice the incision a bag of frozen peas works great.

[Scott]

Shawn, I hope you're resting and recovering. You should also have had blood drawn to check for tumor markers. Was that done, and do you have the results?

[ShawninTX]

I am resting and recovering right now. Today hasn't been bad at all from a pain perspective. This jock strap device they put on me is not comfortable. The doctor told me to keep in on until tomorrow. To be honest, i am scared to take it off and see the results. That is going to be tough to get used to.

Scott, yes, they did draw blood for tumor markers just before I went into surgery. I don't have the results of those tests and will likely get them when I go to hear the pathology report from my Urologist on Tuesday.

I feel so much better about getting past the surgery, only to now find myself a complete wreck counting down the days to the pathology report. This is all like a bad dream I can't wake up from...... Thankfully, this message board has been unbelievable in getting through this process so far. I can't thank you all enough.

Shawn

[Fed]

I feel so much better about getting past the surgery, only to now find myself a complete wreck counting down the days to the pathology report.

This is, by far, the worst part... waiting for the path report. Nonetheless, it's out of your hands right now, and you won't be able to move to the next phase until that is released. That, together with your bloodwork and radiology, will determine what are the next steps.

In the meantime, focus on recovering from the surgery. Get some rest, and don't do any heavy lifting. Physically, you'll be feeling better each day, and you should wean yourself off the pain meds (they make the constipation worse). Hang tough dude. We're here for you.

Best,

[Michael112]

Make sure you have sweat pants because the cut will be rignt at the belt line.

Am I the only person who didnt get there inscision right at the belt line??




ShawninTX, you should take it very easy for the next 2 weeks, and eat plenty of food for recovery.