Orchiectomy in 13 hours

[jason137]

It all seems to move too quickly. On June 30 everything seemed fine. On July 3 while showering I noticed my right testicle much larger than normal. I saw my GP on July 5 and he ordered an ultrasound. I had the ultrasound on July 12 and got the news. Saw a urologist later that day. He said, "It's coming out. When do you want to do this, Thursday, Friday or Monday? Any questions?" I would have loved to be in a state of mind to ask rational or meaningful questions.

I found the list of questions on this site and will hopefully get some answers.

[DianeE]

Hi Jason,

It's good that things are moving fast. One of the hardest things
is waiting!! My son discovered something "not right" on a Sunday
evening and by Thurs. he had the testicle removed. The sooner
the better!

Good luck with the surgery and when you're up to it, please
post back and let us know how you are. You're going to see that
this site a wonderful place to ask questions, get answers and
find support.

Diane

[Joe's Mom]

Things do move rather quickly and it doesn't help given we are shocked with news like this. Do you have a support person that can be with you (Family member, girlfriend, best friend). It's better to have another set of ears to listen and someone who can help you ask the questions you want answers to.

I am new to this support forum. These people are wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. We are all here for you. I know this is tough - but hang in there. I pray that all goes well for you.

Joe's Mom (Nancy)

[MROSE]

Welcome to the forum!!

I certainly agree with the posts. In my case, my boyfriend's Urologist didn't have great bedside manner at all and was pretty blunt about the whole ordeal. It really helps to have someone on the side that you could be with and spend time with, whether it be family members or a friend. We are here in this forum to support you and help you through your concerns and experiences. Keep us updated on the orchiectomy - it's a very simple procedure, and your recovery will be great!

Melissa

[rupert]

My operation took just under two weeks to schedule from the diagnosis. Although everything seems to be going very quickly it is much better that way than the waiting. Good luck and remember there are lots of people to support you during this period.

[Don]

Its amazing how many times I hear of patients just being railroaded by their doctors with a bad diagnosis... I was in real bad shape when I went into the hospital originally so I was on alot of pain meds while they ran a massive battery of tests in which I didn't know why all this had to be done. after ultrasound,bloodwork,ct-scan,mri ,pet-scan and what seemed like 500 ex-rays they put me in the hospital room for about 16 hrs.. at 4:30 am on a saturday morning the Urologist stormed into the room like Kramer from Seinfeld waking me up from a heavy slumber and proceeded to tell me, in what seemed like one breathe , that I had TC and he was removing the testicle in 1 hour and the reason they did so many tests was because they couldn't find my left kidney (which was basically engulfed by the tumor in my stomach ... and then he turned around and walked out and the next time I seen him was in the OR. ... What is wrong with these Urologists.... Just a little emphathy, just one ounce is all we ask!!!! Treat me like you care just a little for my life... In some cases I guess we just ask to damn much.... Be well!!!! DON

[jason137]

Thanks for the support. It's always good to know someone else has been there first.

I think I'm doing pretty well. There's not much pain, but there is some swelling. I can walk around pretty well. I should see the urologist on Thursday or Friday and get the pathology report.

I know it's good that they work quickly on this, I only waited until Monday so that my Mom could come down and help. She's been really good.

[Scott]

Jason, it's good to hear you're recovering well. Did you get your pathology report yet? Blood test results? Are you scheduled for a CT scan?

[Ras Joe]

to add to the bedside manner stories, here is a good one from me--

I got my biopsy results not only over the phone but also on my 21st birthday. The doc did manage to get in a "by the way I just noticed on your chart...Happy Birthday!" before the hang up. Well, at least I will never forget my 21st like most do b/c of the massive amounts of booze that is usually consumed .

[justinsmom]

Had to put in my 2¢ on the bedside manner theme- Justin also spent his 21st b-day getting bleo-but the onc nurses were great- they made him a poster with poker chips and sang & had cake-one joked about bringing him a beer but I guess decided not to because of his treatment ---he'll certainly remember his 21st-instead of going to the bar on the way home he went to ER because his CT scan showed a blood clot! Oh the memories cancer provides..... Lanette ><>

[justinsmom]

And Jason137 have you gotten your test results? What is your age? Tell your mom this site is good support if you need future treatments-for her as well as you-God Bless-Lanette ><>

[drom]

My son came home from college for the winter break at 1pm on Friday, he had been having bad back pain for weeks. I took him to the doctor at 2, by 4 we were checking into the hospital, we were told he had TC and they operated 12 noon the next day. He spent Christmas in the hospital doing chemo, his birthday he was recovering from RPLND (he had been let out the day before and the best birthday present ever, a no active cancer Pathology report). He followed that with two more operations on the lungs.

Through it all he smiled, the nurses and doctors everywhere were great and now he is getting ready to go back to school. It seems fast now bt at the time it took forever.

There will be a happy ending.

Domenic

[Scott]

Through it all he smiled...

Attitude is everything. Congratulations on the happy new beginning!

[Chris'Mom]

I agree Dominic, there is a happy ending and the stories here prove that....Jason137, keep in touch here...we are the support that can sometimes be missing...when my son Chris last year felt a lump on Spring break, we took him to the local urologist...felt Chris and said it was nothing..I took the next day off to celebrate....by 9am he called me, Chris was sleeping, and yelled in the phone "get him to Sloan Kettering, he has cancer"...bloodwork showed AFP at 84....the Dr. where he had the orchiectomy in Rochester, NY was the coldest man on earth....would not look me in the eyes....said I was an anxious mom when I told him we were going to Sloan Kettering for a second opinion....but from then on, chemo nurses, Dr.s at Sloan, have been wonderful...hang in there...you will get thru this thing....Mary Ellen

[Scott]

...said I was an anxious mom when I told him we were going to Sloan Kettering for a second opinion...

Well, of course you were an anxious mom, and you had every right to be. Second opinions aren't an insult; they're good practice.