on the same path

[Scott]

Does this mean no invasion? No metastisis? No spreading?

A clear CT scan and normal blood markers are great signs -- no spread detected! ("Invasion" refers to whether your primary tumor had spread into the blood or lymphatic system, which increases the chances that the cancer will spread. That would be in your pathology report.)

[The Prospector]

Hi Slimjim,
I had my I/O surgery just over a week ago and it was no problem, but I would definitely get a hotel room or see if they can keep you in the hospital for an extra night if you just have to come back the next day. They did this for me because I live about an hour from the hospital and I was grateful. you wouldn't want to be broken down at the side of the road and not have the strength to change a tire!

I'll be waiting to hear how it goes,
Good luck,
Gary

[slimjim]

Thanks Gary! I think I'm going to reschedule that Endocrinologist appointment...some posts have suggested that there wouldn't be any harm in waiting a week so I'm going to try and coordinate my surgical followup with my Endo appt on the same day........

I'm glad to know your surgery went well.....I'll be checking in to hear about your pathology and your next steps...I'm sure glad to know there are others out there surviving the same ordeal....

[slimjim]

Well, I found out over the weekend that my insurance doesn't cover the prosthesises (or whatever plural of prosthesis is) ...."elective surgery" sounds like I'm upgrading the rims on my jeep rather than fixing a flat...neverthesless, at $2k each I've decided I'd rather upgrade the rims on my jeep....they get seen a whole lot more anyway......I guess I won't be able to say I'm freeballin' anymore when I leave my boxers at home, but I'm sure I'll be able to create some new expressions while I'm recovering.....I'm going to take others' advice and begin liquid meals today to prevent any unnecessary and uncomfortable "movements". Bought my frozen peas and white vinegar... I think I'm ready! Thanks everybody for the knowledge and the advice....I couldn't imagine how I'd be going through this without the aid of this site.....

[Margaret]

Hi SlimJim, I hope you won't mind a woman butting in on the prosthesises topic. My husband asked me what i thought about him getting one after his ot and I have to be honest and tell you that he does not even look that different with only having one instead of two. I have talked to othe women who also share my feeling. Also, I would hate the thought that something plastic or silicone was rolling around in my body. After everything you have been through....get your jeep new rims and walk tall.

[slimjim]

Slimjim1,cancer0

Well, I've got great news to share....with a week's worth of postsurgery recovery behind me I can say ....no too bad. Pathology was pure seminoma.

We've made 3 trips to Gainesville already....have met with Endocrinologist and started Androgel. I had to "out-of-pocket" my Rx, because BCBS denied my initial claim...can you believe that? However, I feel very comfortable this is a battle I'll eventually win back my bucks. The gel is as easy to use as putting on sunscreen. Also met with an oncologist and have scheduled a round of radiation next Monday. I ended up choosing to have a second prothesis installed to match the one from 1983, and despite an uncomfortable anchoring stitch that I'm waiting anxiously for it to disintegrate, I'm healing well. Although I don't expect to be riding my motorcycle to work soon, I do expect to be back supervising by Thursday.

Thanks to everyone here who helps others through this process. The solid information offered here has provided me a foundation on which I could manage this process both mechanically and emotionally....

[slimjim]

forgot to mention that BCBS did cover the prothesis's after a lil' discussion, which made the decision to complete "the pair" a little easier....i think a similair discussion will take care of the Androgel Rx as well......

[Fed]

It's great to hear that you are on the mend. Likewise, the diagnosis of seminoma bodes well for your recovery. Did the remainder of your pathology show anything else (i.e. L/V invasion and such)? As you probably already know, adjuvant radiation is quite well vetted as subsequent Tx for seminoma, so it looks like you will be fine.