First Time On and Need Help

[Kerry]

Hi,

This is my first time on. I rec'd my news last Tuesday and I'm scheduled to have my right testicle removed next Wednesday.

Can you folks help me? I need to understand what I’m dealing with. The surgery seems to be the only option and the Doctor has informed me we need to take that step first and without delay.

I’ve noticed swelling and pain about six weeks ago and went to the GP after about 3-4 weeks. He sent me to the Urologist and within days of the ultrasound here I sit facing surgery and many unknowns.

The Doctor tells me from the surgery we will have a better idea of what we are dealing with and where we need to go. I don’t know what that really means…

I’m live on Vancouver Island, BC Canada.

I’m going to read many of the forums but thought you folks can fast track me to what I need to understand first and the questions I need to have answered.

Thank you for the time and advice you are able to give.

K

[Scott]

Kerry, welcome to the forums. Your ultrasound must have shown a solid mass, which is almost certain to be cancerous, in your right testicle. The surgery is, as you probably know, called an orchiectomy. The testicle will be removed through an incision at the "bikini line," about four inches long. Have you already had blood drawn to test for tumor markers (AFP, hCG, and LDH)? That will give you more important information about what may happen next.

If the tumor is confined to the testicle, that's "stage I," and you may be finished with active treatment after the orchiectomy, with regular check-ups. If your CT scan and/or chest x-ray show that the cancer has spread, you will need additional surgery (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection or RPLND), radiation therapy (for pure seminoma only), or chemotherapy.

Keep us informed as you learn more, and feel free to ask all the questions you have.

[Chris'Mom]

Kerry, glad you found this site...you will learn alot...after the orchiectomy, the pathology will tell alot....my son last year dealt with this and is doing fine....remember that......after his cat scan we saw that the cancer had traveled to his lymph nodes, but not up to the abdomen....the pathology made it seem that it was contained in the testicle...so the cat scan tells alot...take it one day at a time....read alot of posts here...I'm sure many people will fill you in on their experiences...just know you will get thru this...Mary Ellen

[dadmo]

Kerry:
Go to the Research Library section of this forum and you will see a link to the Testicular Cancer Resource Center. When you are at that site you will find a list of question to ask your doctor, do yourself a favor and ask the questions. You will get through this but thew more you know the easier the battle will be. When you get your repoats back don't be to upset if you find that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and/or lungs. As bad as it sounds that's quite common, it's part of the normal progression for this type of cancer and as long as it's following the predicted path you should be ok.

[Kerry]

Thank you

It is only my first day on this forum and it is hard to believe how fast three people have answered my call and directed me to where I need to be. Thank you so much for taking time for me. It is a gift and I am encouraged to know that total strangers will do this.

I understand I'm just at newbie at this, but I want you folks to know that you have already had a very positive effect.

The emotional part of this is a stranger to me and in some ways it is harder to deal with than the physical part. I imagine I'm not the first to say all I want right now is for this not be be part on me.

Thank you

K

[IowaBrian]

Your not alone had mine removed a couple weeks ago not something I want to have done everyday but as surgery goes it was easy.. just follow the doctor orders and you will be fine remember keep the ice on to keep the swelling down and all is well .
As for dealing with it... it isn't easy but in just the last week listening to members here I have really turned the corner I think life gets back to normal (still have to go the the doctor every month) and your doctor will be able to point you in the right direction as to resources in your area to help you cope with everything. If you have any question just ask there are many people that will provide answers.
Brian

[DianeE]

Hi Kerry,

You're not alone in this as you can see by these forums.

Read as much as you can so you know what to expect as
you take each step towards a cure. My son was diagnosed a little
over 5 weeks ago, and it was so frightening at first, but as
we became more educated about this disease the fright turned
to determination to conquer this damn enemy. We got most of
the info at this site, so read, read, read. Everyone here
is your friend.

Diane

[Mom]

Kerry, make sure someone goes with you to the doctor and take notes. Ask for a copy of the path report. Sometimes it is a lot to take in and you may hear one thing the doctor is saying and miss the rest. You will get through this. By the way, you live in one of the most beautiful parts of North America!! Dianne

[mikeygti]

Hey Kerry,

Things may seem to be happening quickly right now,but that's a good thing.
The surgery isn't that big a deal.Expect to sore for a few days afterwards.
The pathology report,and pre and post op blood works are key in determining
if more treatment is required. Did you have a CT scan? That's important as well. Good luck with your surgery. You'll do fine !

BTW...I now live in the Okanagan,but moved here from Qualicum Beach

Bset Wishes

[Kerry]

Thx's Again

Again, thank you for your support and guidance. It is helpful. I have not had a CAT scan yet. It sounds like that will be important. I will keep you posted.

K

[huckchef]

you will find wonderful advice and support from this site. it really is a blessing to have such a place to get info! keep us posted on the results and you will be in our thoughts and prayers!! Brian

[mrb1980]

Kerry,

I was examined, diagnosed, and had surgery almost before I knew what was happening. In retrospect, that was a good thing, since I didn't have time to get scared. The orchiectomy was not a big deal, even for an ancient old guy like me. I'll bet you sail through the surgery.

The pathology report will determine what happens next. Like others have said, you may not need any more treatment at all. Let us know how things are going.

[jdunn]

Hi Kerry,
Welcome, and I'm sorry that you have to go through this. I wish I would of found this site earlier when my son was first diagonosed, it would have been so helpful. As you can see, you already have alot of people here who care. Take it one day at a time. Good luck to you on you surgery! Keep in touch.

[BeachTech]

You'll get through it...if you never give up.

I imagine I'm not the first to say all I want right now is for this not be be part on me.

Yes, we all thought this. It's normal. Definately go to the Testicular Cancer Resouce Center website. There is a lot of info there.

The pathology report is going to tell you just what type of cancer (seminoma=radiation treatment, non-seminoma=chemo). Although some may try to guess if the cancer has spread by looking at the pathology report, you can't. The "tumor markers" (levels of HGC, AFP, and LDH in your blood) and the CT-scan will show if the cancer has spread. Even if it has, your chances of surviving this cancer are good.

I posted this on another post and thought you might benefit from it:

Most of my family has some pretty serious health issues due to lifestyle choices. When I was diagnosed, I was by far the healthiest, most athletic member of my family.

I told my dad. He said "You lead a very healthy life and this is what happens? How do you feel about having to have one of your testicles removed" This is what I told him:

"It's like your walking down the street in Los Angeles. It's a nice day and you are going to visit one of the sites. All of the sudden, a drive by happens and your eye gets shot out. You're lying on the sidewalk. Are you just going to lay there and die? Hell no. You go to the hospital, get treatment, and go on with life. Yeah, it sucks that your missing a body part, but hey, you could have lost your life".

________
LIVE SEXY CAMS

[Kerry]

Surgery Done

Thank again folks

The surgery is done. It was a couple of painful days but it is feeling better every day. My family wrapped around me pretty tight and that was more helpful than I would have guessed. (I'm not good at being the one down) Along with the word of encouragement and the advice you folks have given this has not been too difficult.

I guess I how wait for the pathology report and C-Scan. Thank you so much again for your support.

K