COming back stronger

[Tatt]

I just finished my 3xBEP, have CT scan booked tomorrow and discussions on results with consultant next week. Starting to feel more human and more positive - hoping that the CT scan results wont undo that as i'm pretty scared at the prospect of RPLND (slightly inflamed LN prior to chemo)

my main question now is how can i get back to normal? My body has not had exercise for 2 months and existed on a pretty poor diet. I used to walk everywhere, but now find i'm panting and sweating after a 10 minute strole. does anyone have tips for building back their strength, and a good pace to take things? i'm trying not to think of the RPLND possibility, and focus on me gettign fit and well over the next few weeks!

[Fish]

Congratulations on finishing chemo! I don't know what the pathology of your original tumor was, but there is no reason to assume you'll need RPLND. Chemo should have wiped out everything, with the exception of what we call teratoma here in the US. It's refered to by another name in UK, but it's the quasi-malignant cell type that is not killed by chemo.

Anyway you survived chemo, if and that's IF you need RPLND you should do fine. When my doctor told me he wanted to do an RPLND I was greatly relieved, it was chemo that terrified me, fortunately I never needed it.

I would start your recovery slowly. You might have some temporary decrease in lung function so you don't want to overdo. I'm sure some of the other folks can offer better suggestions than I can. Just take it easy.

Best wishes.

[bchjetdrvr]

Tatt,

I understand your concern for health and fitness after something like this.
I'd like to put my .02 cents in and say....It's totally possible. It's just about
time and effort.

When I was done with my orchiectomy and rplnd, I thought things were
never going to go back to normal. But they did, slowly at first and then
it seemed like things accelerated becuase of a new found confidence of
surviving.

So hang in there. You'll be great. New and improved even. Consider
yourself just to going to the garage for a tune-up. :-) To show you what
someone can accomplish after going through this check out my site
www.aircrewphotos.com

Take care of yourself and best wishes.

Tyler