???what next???

[sonny]

so my husband's been diagnosed with Seminoma and the doctor tells him he needs 4 traetments of Radiation and 1 year of surveillance.

Now..since we're seperated, I can't get much more info..it's like pulling teeth. He seems relieved as hell but not very informed. He did not get the actual pathology report?!?!? I sooooo wanna get my hands on it.

Help guys! what's the difference between seminoma and non seminoma?
and should he be getting treatment?

[Jens]

Hi sonny.

Seminoma is the least aggressive form of TC. Most are cured by the operation alone, others are treated with radiation in the initial stages, with a succes rate of around 100%. Advanced cases are treated with chemo therapy. Seminomas are never "poor" prognosis group.

Non-seminomas are more aggressive (tend to spread faster.) If it spreads, it's cured with chemo.

4 treatments of radiation sounds pretty thin to me, but maybe others will elaborate on this?
5 years of surveillance is minimum. Risk of recurrence is reduced as time goes by.


Check this: tcrc.acor.org.

Best wishes
Jens

[Scott]

That's the lowest number of radiation treatments I've ever heard anyone report. The TCRC says, "The typical treatment for Stage I Seminoma in the US is 2,500 rads over a period of 15 to 20 days." It may also be an option to choose surveillance now and hold off on other treatment.

[sonny]

Hi..thanks for the responses.
So 4 treatments doesn't sound right?
His tumour was only 2 cm X 1.5cm...does that explain it?

[Karen]

Nope, 4 treatments is not right. Either he's mistaken or he has a bad doctor. Should be 15-20....in the UK they sometimes give 10 days worth but with higher doses per day. Sure it's not 4 weeks?
My husband's tumor was just a little bigger and he had 15 days, 25Gy total and will go for a physical & bloodwork every three months for the first 4 years with a CAT twice a year and chest X-ray once a year. Decreases after that but he will always be followed up. Seminomas can recurr in the first 5 years, but some are reported ou to 12 years!

[Scott]

So 4 treatments doesn't sound right?
His tumour was only 2 cm X 1.5cm...does that explain it?

No, it doesn't sound right.

[sonny]

ok, so I finally got the real scoop.
his doctor gave him a choice between 15 days od radiation followed by surveillance or surveillance alone.

any suggestions?

[Karen]

Sonny,
It's your ex's personal choice, and there's no wrong answer. 15 days would indicate he has stage I seminoma so the options he was given are the correct ones. He has an 80-85% chance of beign cured already from the I/O. RT will bring the chances to >95%. RT does have some long term risks of secondary cancers, chances are small but they do exist. If he choses surveillance the follow ups will be more frequent and it is critical that he not miss any. In my husband's case he was not comfortable with the stress of a watch-and-wait approach or the frequent visits for follow up so he chose radiation. Your ex will be fine with whatever choice he makes but it needs to be what he is comfortable with. Good luck and keep us updated.

[sonny]

thank you Karen.
he had already chosen radiation. he's aware of the possibility of re-occurance but he'll take his chances rather than live with constant anxiety.

He's doing soooo well, he's so positive.
He just bought a brand new car...and quit smoking. I'm so proud of him.

[Karen]

Sonny,
I am finding anxiety to be a constant companion lately! Search through these posts on medications and tricks for combating nausea/vomiting during the RT. I know I posted a few but can't dig them up just now. I'm glad he quit smoking. If he ever does need chemo his lungs need to be in the best shape possible going into it. Good luck!

[machba]

I just had a similar diagnosis....thanks to all who posted your input! I've learned a lot already about what I am likely to face in the near future.

[sonny]

Hi again..
spoke to my ex last night and he changed his mind. He went for a second opinion and decided he's not willing to live with the possible consequences of radiation.

he chose surveillance instead.

I'm scared..what do you guys think?

[Karen]

Hi Sonny,
Like I mentioned before, it's got to be his personal choice and there's no wrong answer. As long as he is COMPLETELY vigilant with his follow ups if anything recurrs it will be caught soon. Hang in there...he will be fine whichever route he choses.

[Fish]

Hi Sonny:

I'm just past 2.5 years into my surveillance for a stage I seminoma. Your husband will be fine as long as he sticks with the follow up schedule. It should be every 3-4 months the first 2-3 years, then perhaps two times a year for up to 10 years. This way if anything turns up, it will be caught very early and treated effectively. So don't worry too much, if that's possible, surveillance is a very acceptable treatment option.

Best wishes to you both.

Jim