New guy, getting ready for chemo

[Chris3877]

Just found this site and have found the information and the posts very helpful. Had left orchiectomy Nov 10, last year. Path said that it was 90% embryonal carcinoma. First CT scan afterwards was "questionable," so the doc wanted to do the lymph node dissection. Second abdominal ct scan was last week and the results showed a "nodule" in lower lung and two on the lymph nodes. The radiology report actually said "possible metatastic growths." Did another batch of blood work and scheduled a upper chest ct scan (the abdominal scan only caught the bottom part of my lungs) So now I am supposed to meet with an oncologist next monday. Don't exactly know what to expect from this, but have been playing the "wait and see" game for two months now and really tired of getting bad news. Have a lot of friends who know someone that knew someone that went through chemo, but would appreciate some first hand experience on exactly what to expect and what are the right quesstions to ask. I'm in the Navy, so at least money and cost is not a problem, but it definately limits my choices on doctors. Basically, I don't really get a choice. Have heard good things about the oncologist that I'm supposed to be seeing, and I know that he has a lot of experience, but still worried about this. So any information or help you guys can provide will definately be very appreciated.

[dadmo]

Chris:
Welcome to the forum. I know your going through a hard time right now but don't lose sight of how curable tc is. If you haven't already take a look at this site it will help answer a lot of questions (http://tcrc.acor.org/). From what you have written it does seem that chemo is likely. I can't give any first hand knowledge as to what chemo is like since it was my son who had the tc. What I can tell you is that his biggest problem was staying ahead of the nausea. They will give you pills for that just make sure you take them befor you don't feel well. As for the feeling of chemo he said it felt like the morning after he drank too much and it kept him jumpy. I know others will add to what I have said so make sure you check back in.

[amorgan74]

Hey Chris, I think the best thing you can do is go to the treatment thread and read about the protocols and side effects everyone has experienced. I would particularly check the folks that have had what you have and when you know what the treatment plan is I am sure more of us out here can tell you about our experiences. Hope you at least get a treatment plan underway soon so you can mark the days until your finished with it. Let us know more when you find out about your staging and what the onco. thinks about treatment plans. Take care, April

[Chris3877]

Starting to get nervous. . .

Hi all,

reading lots of posts here lately, especially in this forum on side effects. One week left before I start my chemo and definately starting to get a little nervous. Had PET scan last friday, but doc says the results should not change the treatment plan, it will just give us a better plan on what we up against. Should have the results tomorrow. Had Pulmonary function test today to set baseline in case of lung problems from chemo. At least at this point my lungs are perfectly healthy (with the exception of a spot or two). Anyway, I believe that its always better to know in advance, especially in this case, so that I know what to expect. So good luck to all, and I will be back in touch after my treatments

Chris

[Don]

Best of luck to you Chris!!! Know that you WILL soon be cured. This is a tough road to travel but it is one that has Successfully traveled many times over. Be sure to take advantage of this sight for support any time you need it. Know that you will never be alone and we will always be here to support you in any way possible. Stay Positive and Stay Strong!!!!!!

[jdunn]

Thinking of you Chris! Keep positive, take your anti nausea meds, drink lots of fluids. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted. Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane