Still Healing - What's Next?

[ChrisN418]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum being just recently diagnosed and am just wondering what is next for me? I am still recovering from my L. Orchiectomy 2 weeks ago and meet with an oncologist tommorrow. My pathology looks encouraging being 100% seminoma and blood work good but to be honest Cancer scares the heck out of me. Last March I lost my Father at age 57 to Lung Cancer. In August my Brother passed after the most courageous fight with Hodgkins Lymphoma that any 30 year old man could ever withstand. In the end it was horrific and I still wake up in tears some nights. Cancer is scary and Sucks......I would love to hear from someone with a similar diagnosis and how it was for them. You are all incredibly brave and deserve the utmost respect for sharing your stories for guys like me. Thanks for listening.

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Chris. Sorry about the entrance fee.

There are plenty of members here who have been through what you're going through now. Be sure to read up on all your possible treatment options and these guidelines.

Hang in there. You'll come through with flying colors.

[Fed]

Hey Chris,
Welcome to the Forum. I always get mixed emotions welcoming someone new to the club, but rest assured that you are in good company here. My diagnosis was quite similar to yours, with the difference that you are reporting that you were staged at I-B (L/V invasion present in the pathology, right?). That being the case, it is very likely that your oncologist will recommend a course of adjuvant radiation (chemo is not the standard for seminoma unless you are at least stage II-B or higher). Many here have gone the radiation route, and you should feel confident that it is a thoroughly vetted form of treatment that is likely to ensure a cure.
I am sorry to hear about your family having dealt with cancer woes. It certainly makes dealing with the situation a bit tougher. It's OK to be scared; cancer really screws with your head. Keep in mind that we are here for you, and we can address your fears and concerns as best we can. Stay strong,

[dadmo]

ChrisN418:
I'm really sorry for what you have had to go through. Yeah cancer can and should scare the hell out of you. Just remember that the poor outcome for your other family members doe's not reflect how you will do. You seem to be on topof this fairly early and with proper timely treatment you have no reason to expect anything but a positive outcome. Turn your fear into action, learn everthing you can about the disease because knowledge is certainly power when it comes to fighting cancer.

[Karen]

Chris,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dad and brother. When someone expereinces such loss and then has to deal with their own health concerns scarey is an understatement. Please post your path results and what the oncologist advises. We are all here to help you through this.

[Margaret]

Chris,

I am so very sorry about the loss of your father and your brother. You have been through so very much. I hope you have a good support network at home helping you through all of this. It is terrible to be told you have cancer, but I am glad you found out it is 100% seminoma. I hope your treatment course goes well and I also hope you will lean on us for support. We are all pulling for you!!

Let us know how you are doing.

M.

[fuse929]

Chris,

You might be interested in seeing some statistics, if you haven't yet. After radiation, the probability that you are completely cured (with a 100% stage 1 seminoma) is around 98%. Even in a higher-degree stage 1 seminoma, the cure rate is extremely high.

Bobby

[ChrisN418]

Thanks to you all.....

Just wanted to thank everyone for your kind words of encouragement. I was amazed to see 6 replies to my post in one night. All of you lifted my spirits and gave a boost to my family's morale. Thanks again. I hope I can do the same for all of you sometime....