Need suggestion, just got diag. and had the left one removed

[rjs]

CanMan -
Looks like you are on a path that is very familiar to myself and others on this site. I also opted for the radiation option for the peace of mind knowing that we were doing all we could to knock this out. The side effects mentioned in another post are fairly standard and will pass a few weeks after treatments finish.

Let us know if you have any questions. But know that you are on the right path and there is light at the end of this tunnel. Stay strong.

-rjs

[CanMan]

Thanks everyone, I'll let you know what they say once I get my followup treatment scheduel. Mine was less then 1cm.

[burgdob]

That is great news. My tumor was 5 cm. I got low dose radiation. 3 weeks, every weekday (15 doses). I was literally in the place 15 minutes. They marked me with 5 dot sized tatoo's so they could get the same place. Got diarrhea, and nausia, but not much. When it was over, I felt good, like I was done with it. If you have any questions, let me know.

[CanMan]

Well just got my results in, said was pure senoma, small in size, and confined to the testicle. Said a follow up clinic will contact me for treatment, and if anything might be a bit of radiation and/or survailance. I guess that is good news considering.

Thanks for your help guys, and hope this thing stays away now!

[burgdob]

They really didn't give me a choice. My reading told me I could choose survellance or radiation. I had my mind up that I would get radiation. My Doctor sent me in that direction and I planned on taking it, so it never came up "What if I don't want radiation."

BTW just had my first follow up Ct (4 months) and all was good.

[CanMan]

CanMan,

My experience sounds like yours. Not elevated tumor markers, CT and x-ray were clear. Mine was a seminoma and confined to the tesicle. I chose to have radiation. It was a low dose and one 3wks worth. (every weekday). Let us know how it goes.

Will do, still no resluts from the doctor. What "choice" did they give you?

Thanks.

[burgdob]

CanMan,

My experience sounds like yours. Not elevated tumor markers, CT and x-ray were clear. Mine was a seminoma and confined to the tesicle. I chose to have radiation. It was a low dose and one 3wks worth. (every weekday). Let us know how it goes.

[CanMan]

Thanks for your support and everyone elses. I'm trying not to worry, but that's easier said then done. The way I see it is hopefully its just stage1 and I need survailance, but even if I need other things, as long as they can fix it, that's all that matters in the long run.

Thanks.

[IowaBrian]

Try not to worry Ice the area to keep the swelling down as that can cause problems and you will be fine. Sounds like early stage if all the test are clear which is the best news for this.
Good Luck
Brian

[CanMan]

Thanks for your reply.

The Doc told me to call him on the 17th if I hear nothing from him on the Patology report. I guess it all hangs with that now. Wish I knew the answers sooner, but what can you do.

Thanks everyone.

[Fish]

CanMan;

The presence or absence of vascular and lymphatic invasion should be noted on your pathology report, from the examination of the tumor/testicle that was removed. Make sure you ask for a copy so you can refer to it if needed.

Regarding tumor markers (AFP and HCG): I had non-seminoma in 1988 and pure seminoma in 2003. I never had any positive tests for tumor markers. I think with non-seminoma most guys have either AFP or HCG elevated. For pure seminoma AFP is never elevated, and HCG is elevated in less than 20% of patients. Here are some good links on markers:

http://www.tcrc.acor.org/marker_links.html

Best wishes, let us know when you get the pathology report.

BTW I will be in Calgary in August for the IAFP meeting at the Telus Center, looking forward to seeing some great sites.

Jim

[CanMan]

I'll keep you updated on what happend. If the CT/bloodwork were clear, how did you know you have vascular and lymphatic invasion? I think when they did my ultrasound they might have looked at that, 'cause they looked at my abdomen (after finding the mass on the left teste) and looked at my bloodlines all the way upto my heart, but don't think they saw anything.

Thanks,

Igor.

[Sans rt1]

CanMan - -

It sounds like you caught it early. Rest and heal up, try not to overdo too soon. I wish you luck on your pathology report, if it is seminoma you may be cured. Mine was larger with vascular and lymphatic invasion but CT and bloodwork were clear - I considered surveilance, but chose to do radiation because I felt I would not handle the waiting well - and I had read that a small percentage don't generate blood markers. You will have to make these kind of decisions, and finding this forum early (I wish I had) will make it easier. Some advice though, once you make a decision don't look back because you can drive yourself crazy second guessing or worrying. Focus on the positive - you will be cured!

Anyway, I read with great interest your doctor's comment that the "normal" blood test might mean a more difficult to catch reoccurance of the cancer/tumor if it ever decides to come again. Because of what I had read, this has been a concern of mine and something I intend to discuss with my oncologist and urologist when I have my first follow-up in few weeks. I would also be interested if anyone has any knowledge on this topic.

Good luck to you.

[huckchef]

there are others who can go into more detail than i about the non-seminoma side of this. it could mean just surveillance(if caught early enough), it could mean retro-peritineal lymph node disection(RPLND), chemo and sometimes both. it will all depend on the make-up of the tumor. some spread and react to treatment in different ways than others which call for different outcomes.

[CanMan]

Thanks guys.

I haven't had any tests done prior to the orchiectomy. If its a non senouma, what kind of steps will need to be taken. Just hate the waiting game....