What are the odds of getting TC again

[socrates2k1]

Hi,

It has been quite awhile since I last posted in here, please forgive me. It has been almost 3 years since I was diagnosed with TC. I had my right testicle removed and underwent radiation treatment. I make sure to check myself often and go to my doctor regularly. Now I have pain and lumps on my left testicle and scrotum. What are the odds of Cancer returning?

[socrates2k1]

What are the odds of getting TC again

Not sure where I should post this Q? Please forgive me.

I was diagnosed with TC almost 3 years ago. I had my right testicle removed and underwent radiation treatment. I see my doctor regularly, get my blood tests, chest X-rays, and CT scan regularly as well. I also check myself often, meaning the left testicle to look for any changes. Well, I have been having pain in my scrotum the last few days, and I have found a lump. Upon further self examination I also have found a lump on my left testicle. My doctor had told me that the odds of getting TC in the other testicle was greater within the first two years after diagnosis and surgery. Is it possible to have it again? I am not due to see my doctor until August, and I know this may be a "no brainer" contact my doctor immediately. Could I be jumping to conclusions, or is it better safe than sorry? I don't want to "panic" my wife, if it is not necessary.

[Scott]

Hi, Socrates! Good to hear from you. If your remaining testicle had cancer, technically it would be a new, second cancer rather than a recurrence of the first. Somewhere around 3-4% of testicular cancer survivors end up having it again, so it's uncommon, but it does happen.

I suspect you'll find it's something other than cancer, but I agree that you should check with your doctor now instead of waiting for August.

[socrates2k1]

I went to my Primary Doctor who sent me for an Ultrasound

Update:
I went to my Primary Care Doctor to get his opinion, he said it may not be TC again, but to be on the safe side he sent me to have an Ultrasound done on my remaining testicle, yesterday (June 21st). The tech told me the Radiologist would examine the Ultrasound then send a fax of the findings to my doctor sometime this afternoon. Problem, my doctor does not work on Friday afternoons, so I will not get the results until at least Monday.
On the bright side, the first time I found out I had TC, when I went in for the Ultrasound, the Radiologist didn't allow me to leave the building before telling me his findings (that I had a large mass that covered the entire testicle that would have to be removed). So, I guess I can take comfort in that, this may be simply nothing. However, I still believe it is better to check it out and find nothing, than to not check it out, and it be something. I will let you all know the results, when I know. In the meantime, I am doing a lot of praying.

[Karen]

I'm glad that you had the US and understand the torture of waiting for results, especially when it falls over the weekend or holidays. If the docs office is open with other staff you may be able to convince them to give the doc a page and ask him to call you with the results. If can very well be something other than TC....we're pulling for you !!!!

[socrates2k1]

And the news is . . . Great

They did not call me, in person, but left a message on my home answering machine, that I was able to listen to after getting off work, this evening (Friday), and the results were great.

I am "within normal range" so there is nothing to be concerned about.

My primary care doctor had started me on antibiotics, as a precaution, in case it was just an infection.

Wheeew, dodged that one.

Thank you one and all for your support, take care and may God bless each and every one of you, as He has me.

[Scott]

In the meantime, I am doing a lot of praying.

For what it's worth, I recommend praying for the strength to deal with whatever life throws at you -- not to try to change what already is.

Congratulations on your good news, Socrates!