May lose second testicle to cancer (5 yrs after initial diagnosis)

[Scott]

Mark, thanks for demonstrating that "attitude is everything."

[twotimer2]

its not worst case scenario

Joe,
Hope your recovery is going well.

I just went through the similar experiences earlier this year, losing a second one after ten years, its not the worst case scenario, in fact things can be better in some ways.

I'm using 5gram/1% Androgel, I've only been on it for 6 months but it seems to be working perfectly for me, right from the start. I have had no noticeable side effects, my sexual function and sex drive are all back to pre-surgery levels, wahoo!!! (this was my biggest fear going into #2 as well). Its all a matter of getting your testosterone levels back to normal and you can have a perfectly normal sex life.

As for sex being better or worse, I have to say honestly that physically it is not quite as good(maybe 90%??) as I have lost an "erogenous zone" so to speak. But what more than makes up for that, are the mental aspects of being a survivor and knowing that maybe I'm lucky to be having any kind of sex at all!!! So, in all seriousness, like the song says, "Live Like You Were Dying" the loss of both testicles brings a new sense of appreciation and significance that makes sex so much more satisfying and much more precious.

For me, with the survival of the disease and the physical loss, came a new sense of maturity, gratitude, and a fresh outlook in life; it has changed me in some fantastic ways that MORE than offset the lost body parts left at the hospital. I have been especially aware in my second cancer, that healing from this is not just about the physical, its about healing mind, body, and soul.

Best wishes.....good luck!
Mark

[Fish]

Joe:

I've been using Testim, which works Ok for me most of the time. I do periodically get some hot flashes, mood swings etc., but nothing I can't live with.

Best wishes,

Fish

[Scott]

Recover well, Joe!

[Ras Joe]

Hey Fish--

I started on Androgel (spelling?) the day after my operation. I hope it works. What do you use?

Joe

[Fish]

Glad to hear you're home and doing well. Have you discussed hormone replacement with your doctor yet?

[Karen]

Joe,
Glad all went well! Did the surgeon see any thing upon gross examination of the testicle?

[Ras Joe]

Hi everybody! Happy to report that I am doing GREAT post-op, I am home and walking w/ ease. I already take narcotics for two herniated disks in my C-Spine and I am taking no more meds than I already do for my back! I was really worried because I have had major problems with the anethesthia (spelling??) in the past and have had to stay in the hospital for extra days because of it. Thanks for all they prayers!! Updates as they come. Joe

[Don]

Hope recovery is going well Joe....

[Karen]

Nancy,
Will do!

[Joe's Mom]

Please keep Joe in your prayers today. He is scheduled for surgery (orchiectomy) at 11:30.

Joe's Mom - Nancy

[Karen]

Good luck Joe! Glad all scans are clear and you can ice some swimmers for the future!

Joe's Mom,
Waiting sucks, plain and simple. Thanks for the post. Us moms always have to put in our two cents!!!!

[Ras Joe]

Well-- It looks as if my mom has told you before I could get to the computer (thanks- ma) about the appt today. In any case my spirits are high and I am anxious to get the testicle removed-- I want to get the cancer outta my body and as quickly as possible. My fiancee is thrilled that I have some "good" sperm to save, as am I. Wednesday is my operation-- my surgeon is my urologist that did my first one and my RPLND (he saved my ejaculation with the nerve sparing procedure), needless to say I am very happy and feel in good hands with my doc, Dr. Kevin Gee, he comes highly recommended by myself, great doc and great vibes. Updates to come-- God Bless!

Joe

[TimsWife]

Our thoughts & prayers are with you!

[Joe's Mom]

Hello Everyone ... Joe's Mom here ... Just wanted to update you on Joe's (Ras Joe's) appointment today. The last few days have been nothing short of "hell". There truly is great pain in the waiting. Joe was about to celebrate his 5 year anniversary related to his first diagnosis with testicular cancer. As you know, he recently discovered a lump in his left (remaining) testicle. He has been diligent about all of his follow-ups. After his discovery, he called the urologist who performed his surgeries, and who set up an appointment for the next day and scheduled labs, CT, PET scans, and semen analysis.

At the appointment today which seemed to take forever to get to and in reality, was only a few days wait, Doctor Gee (Urologist) came into the exam room and said he actually had some good news. We were told that Joe had normal appearing, viable, sperm, (good motility), and he suggested setting up sperm banking. The CAT scan was normal. PET scan was normal. From what I understand, the PET shows metabolic activity in tumors and is fairly accurate in diagnosis of malignancy vs. benign tumors. Doctor Gee said he didn't see any indication of this type of activity on Joe's PET. It was completely normal. Dr. explained it by saying its possible that it's because the tumors are just so immature (new)? What do you think??? Again, CT was normal. Tumor markers were normal - AFP, LDH, although Beta Hcg was 5. Doctor was o.k. with the lab value, and still felt it was normal. I questioned whether or not the tumors (3 very small) could possibly be benign. Doc said it's a possibility (<1%), although unlikely given the number of tumors and Joe's history. More likely if it were a solitary lesion. At any rate, Joe will do some sperm banking and then have an orchiectomy sometime this week. This has been a rough week and I thank you all for your kind words and wisdom. Please continue to keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,

(Joe's Mom) Nancy