kidney donor + non-seminoma = what type of treatment?

[concussed1]

In November 2003 I donated a kidney to my brother who has glomerular nephritis. I had a right I/O on September 24th. I believe it is an NSGCT, though no histology has been processed yet (elevated AFP, normal beta-hCG and CEA).

I am quite concerned because I have read that BEP therapy is standard for NSCGTs, and I have also read that it is highly nephrotoxic (toxic to kidneys).

Is anyone in the same situation? Is there anyone out there who has only one kidney and has undergone chemo or treatment for TC (of any sort)? Are there any short term/long term side effects outside of the expected side effects associated with chemo?

[dadmo]

concussed1:
I know it was your brother and you would do anything for him but I still want to thank you for your unselfish act. Not all brothers would be willing to do what you did.
As to your situation, don't get to far ahead of yourself. Most guy's are cured when the testicle is removed. Let's hope that's true in your case. There are really two standard treatments for NSGCT, BEP or EP but both are cisplatin based and that's what can damage the kidney's. You may want to take a look at this thread , the document list gives information about Long-Term Medical Care of Testicular Cancer Survivors.

[Already Bald]

Concussed1,
I agree with Dadmo, you are likely already cured. Also, if you had a NSGCT, you may also be a canidate for RPLND, surgery where the nodes are removed and studied.
Has your CT shown any reason why further treatment will be considered?

Either case, I believe chemo can be managed with one kidney- lots of fluids, maybe even in-patient 24 hour drip would be my guess.
Try not to worry about what you don't know.
Joe

[Karen]

Welcome! Kudos to you for the kidney donation to your brother! Hope he's doing OK now. As soon as you get the pathology report please post it and hopefully we can be of help. Chemo is tough on the kidneys, but an option may be having it as an impatient so you get get a major IV flush to clear things through the kidneys better.