New To This Game

[leaffan-Dave]

I just want you to know that this is the best site out there for TC Info. Thank you all for posting all this info. I had surgery to remove right Testicle on Nov. 22 and just waiting for the results from the doctors to see whats next. I went to my family doctor today and he has the initial pathology report saying it is Seminoma. I guess this is good? Not sure which is better to have, nonseminoma or just seminoma. The waiting is excruciating but I go on Thursday to the specialist who will give me full report then. Once again the information posted on this sight is invaluable. Keep up the good work.
Dave

[IowaBrian]

Welcome
The difference as to what cell type has to do with the treatment options that they will consider for you.
If you want you might want to get a copy of the report when you go in and that will help a lot since there is more to it then just cell type.
For the Sem they would consider RT and Non Sem it is Chemo for the most part. Once you get you full path report and CT scan results then they will come up with a plan for you to consider as you may not need any more treatment at all.
The best thing to do now is try to relax and read up on TC from the main home page and all of the links that we have on here. I would have someone go with you to the next visit, it helps to have a extra set of ears in there and to take pen and paper with you because they will have a lot of info for you to digest in a short period of time.
Also write down your questions so you don't forget any and make sure the doctor answers them in a way that you understand.
IF you have any questions fire away there are a lot of great people here to help.
Brian

[Scott]

Seminoma is often easier to treat than non-seminoma if it has spread. You'll notice in the TCRC's staging information, there is no "poor risk" category for seminoma.

[kfo9494]

I hope that you got the cancer before it got in any other part of your body.

I was one of those that let it go too long before I went to the DR. I just wish I had had this forum when I first noticed a problem. It would have saved me from Chemo treatments.
>
Anyway- Good luck to You!

[matthias]

This is the best site for TC support. Period.

Realistically though, Mark and Doug over at TCRC.ACOR.ORG are doing a tremendous job in distributing hard-hitting facts through their arcane @listserv.

Do yourself a favor and subscribe (visit) both. It doesn't get any better: most manageable cancer, best support resources.

/M

I just want you to know that this is the best site out there for TC Info. Thank you all for posting all this info. I had surgery to remove right Testicle on Nov. 22 and just waiting for the results from the doctors to see whats next. I went to my family doctor today and he has the initial pathology report saying it is Seminoma. I guess this is good? Not sure which is better to have, nonseminoma or just seminoma. The waiting is excruciating but I go on Thursday to the specialist who will give me full report then. Once again the information posted on this sight is invaluable. Keep up the good work.
Dave

[mikeygti]

As Matthias has suggested,don't be shy with questions to the experts.

Doug Banks is a godsend as far as advice goes, and seeing that your are a fellow Canuck,Dr Jewett in Toronto is a local that has replied to my e-mailed questions.

Best Wishes

[leaffan-Dave]

Update

Thanks all for advice. I went to the specialist today and he said that it was pure seminoma and contained to the testical and did not spread according to the path report. He is sending me for a CT Scan as soon as possible due to the fact that I have been experiencing much pain mainly in the lower back area. I am also being referred to the London Health Sciences Cancer Clinic where they will take over my case. I am wondering if proper protocol on this is to just do survailance or do they still do radiation regardless? He also said my markers were normal before the operation. Does this make sense?

[dadmo]

Pure seminoma will not elevate the markers so that's normal.

[djmac]

Thanks all for advice. I went to the specialist today and he said that it was pure seminoma and contained to the testical and did not spread according to the path report. He is sending me for a CT Scan as soon as possible due to the fact that I have been experiencing much pain mainly in the lower back area. I am also being referred to the London Health Sciences Cancer Clinic where they will take over my case. I am wondering if proper protocol on this is to just do survailance or do they still do radiation regardless? He also said my markers were normal before the operation. Does this make sense?

Hi leaffan-Dave,

If your CT scan is negative, you may be offered three possibilities (in London), adjuvant carboplatin, adjuvant radiation, or a protocol of close surveillance. If you aren't offered all three, you should ask some questions...

Best of luck!

Regards,

djm