son just diagnosed

[mkl]

my 19 year old son was just diagnosed with tc on 6/28 and had i/o on 6/29.
so far all we know is hcgb was 52 and alpha beta was 28 prior to surg.
should get path report tomorrow. tumor was 4 cm and very painful..i think he had had it for awhile. i think the dr said he knows it is nonseminomas,but don't know anything else. guess we just wait and see where levels go from here...
________
Oregon dispensary

[mkl]

one day post op r i/o

my 19 year old son was diagnosed on 6/28 with tc, had right i/o on 6/29. his tumor was 4 cm and very painful. i think his bhcb(?) was 52 and alpha beta was 28 prior to surg. He goes tomorrow for more bloodwork. We should get path report back tomorrow. We don't know much else...very scared. I think the doc said it is not seminomas, but not sure what type it is yet. How soon do treatments start? Is the blood work the most important thing to watch right now?
________
The cigar boss

[fuse929]

Blood work is important to watch, in addition to post-op CT scan and chest x-ray data. Those three things, when paired with the lab pathology of the tumor, will determine the course of action to be taken for treatment. Let us know when you get the pathology report back, and the people here will do their best to give you as much information as possible. We are all here for you.

Bobby

[Fed]

Hello mkl,
Welcome to the forums. First off, it is great that the surgery has been taken care of. That is the first big step towards being cured. Although the markers are higher than the normal range, they seem to be low enough to indicate that the cancer was caught early. If the markers drop off after surgery, then that will be a great sign. Also, since your son presented with both elevated HCG and AFP, it is pretty clear that he had non-seminoma.
As Bobby indicated, the pathology, in conjunction with the radiology, will indicate the future course of action. In the meantime, make sure your son rests up and recovers from the surgery. Waiting for the pathology to arrive can be annoying (it's typically the worst part), but rest assured that right now you are doing everything right, particularly by being watchful over your son. Feel free to drop in as many questions as you want. We're here for you. Best,

[Karen]

Welcome to the forum, unfortunately. The markers do indicate a non-seminoma, and the chest X-rat, CT scan, post I/O markers and pathology report will put all in place so you can move onto the next steps. http://tcrc.acor.org/ and this site will provide you with a lot of information, questions for the doc, and next steps to think about. Please post the path when you get it. It's a scarey time, but the guys (and gals) here will help you though this.

[petep]

hello -

right now, you are in the midst of what is generally regarded as the worst time...you are awaiting tests, try to digest every bit of research you can get your hands on...head spinning.

Things will slow down and you will be on your way to an action plan in a couple of weeks.

The treatment protocols for this type cancer are well documented and standardized...which will help you as you approach decisions.

I'm certain you know this - it is one of the most curable cancers....doesn't mean much to you now...but the serious consequence in life is dying and most of things are annoyances and bumps in life...and chances are extraordinarily high that this will be a bump in your sons, and your, life.

This is a great board - keep us posted and we will all chip in to assist.

pete

[mkl]

thanks so much for all the encouraging words..our heads are spinning and waiting is hard. hopefully i will know path report soon and will let you know what we find out.
thanks
Brad's mom..
________
Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensary

[Karen]

Brad's mom,
Like Pete said, the waiting is THE WORST!!!! You have a whole lot of Moms here that will support you as well. I suggest that you ask for a copy of all the labs, scans and path report for your files. That will allow you time to read, digest and understand it all. Hang in there!!!!

[Margaret]

MKL, I am so sorry that your family is having to endure this. It sounds like you are a loving family and that will be key in supporting each other.

Waiting for the results is always the worst part of it. Lean on us for support if you need to. We will be here for you.

Margaret

[mstlyn]

Hi mkl, my son has been undergoing treatment for TC now since December 11, 2006, and I know what you are feeling.

I've been a mom for almost 30 yrs now and I can tell you that my sons TC has been more heartache and worry than everything combined over 30 years of raising 4 kids; and without the wonderful people on this forum, I just don't know what I would do.

Here, you and your son will find some of the most supportive, caring, understanding people ever. You will also find a LOT of the BEST information and advice about TC, treatment, doctors, etc ...

Hopefully your son has a doctor that has a lot of experience with treating TC since many doctor's do not. Thankfully, people here can help out in that department too, if needed.

Soon as you have the path report and stage, you will hear from many that have a wealth of knowledge that can help you understand, and guide you in your steps, if you should need that.

Welcome to the forum .. will watch for more information from you.

Tammy

[mkl]

tammy
thank you sooo much. i was told i would hear results today, and i am still waiting. i actually work for the urology docs that are taking care of my son, and they are the best. they have called me today checking on Brad, but the path report is just not back yet. Through this forum i have learned of many questions i should ask when the report does come back.
i have 4 sons....and as a mom it is so hard to have one of your kids go thru this.
thanks for your support.
brad's mom..(michele)
________
MEXICOCITY HOTEL

[MRMRSU]

Hi Michele: Our hearts go out to you and your family for everything Brad is going through. It's amazing how quickly your life turns with news like this, but you will find strength in you and in your son that you never would've imagined. Be strong, be positive...find comfort in the smallest of steps...and remember one at a time.

I highly encourage that Brad not go to any appointments without a loved one. It's so important to have someone else listening to the information because it becomes so overwhelming.

Very happy to hear that the orchiectomy went well. My husband Andy found great relief in applying ice to the incision site. The re-usable kind of ice packs through your local drug store or pharmacy are highly recommended (kept things cool without getting soaked!)

We have found great comfort and information from all the good people on this site...we hope it becomes a good support system for you as well. Best wishes!

[drom]

Hi Michelle,

My son was 19 when TC was diagnosed and his levels were over 6,000. He has been in total remission for over a year. As others have said this is the worst part.

Welcome to the forum. This place kept me sane through the nightmare. Please feel free to ask any and all questions. You will get through this and your son will be back to his life.

Keep focused on him and keep us posted.

Domenic

[jdunn]

Hi Michele,
Welcome to a great bunch of people we call family. First of all, sorry that Brad, and the family especially you have to go through this. It is so hard and the waiting and worry can sometimes be overwhelming. You are so fortunate to have found this site early with Brads diagnosis. So much support and information is here for you. Only people who go through it can understand what you are feeling. Keep us posted on Brad and try to take it one day at a time. Be strong.
Thinking and praying for you both!
jane

[mkl]

thank you so much....
i am still waiting. the preliminary path report came back as non-seminomas--with embryonal and teratomas....they are checking more tissue i guess to see if there is something else..not sure of % of each. Brad goes back for bloodwork on thurs and then we see the urologist on Monday(Brad's 20th b-day)!
I am so thankful i found this site.
Thanks for your support.
Michele
________
Weed Vaporizer