Prosthetic Testicle problems

[TcInNyc]

I just had an orchietomy (left) for TC and had a prosthetic testicle inserted at the same time. I'm having a lot of issues with it and think it will have to be removed. Essentially it is attached very tightly to the front of my scrotum and pulls in almost every situatation: walking up stairs, standing and changing my weight from one leg to another, changing positions in sleep (the irritation actually wakes me).

I'm worried that the irritation inside could spread any lingering cancer cells (I've not gotten all my reports back yet, but it looks like so far isolated seminoma cells and my urologist does not think it has spread).

Any thoughts or opinions from anyone who has a prosthetic testicle. Does it somehow "loosen" up with time and not pull and get irritated?

[GAH]

Hey NYC,

I had the left removed in Aug. and had the prosthetic inserted. I've been less than thrilled with it, though I'm not sure how I'd have felt with something missing either.

My biggest issue the first few months was skin irritation. That has mostly, but not completely, subsided. I do get some pulling and discomfort at various times. The fake one is very firm. In my last appt. my urologist said he filled it to the max to try to match the size. We'll it still is smaller than the real one but much, much harder. I wish he would have gone a size or two up and not filled it as firmly, if that's possible.

I've venture that your discomfort will lessen considerably over the next few months.

I wouldn't worry about the presence of the prosthetic affecting the spread of any cancer cells.

Hope that helps,

Glenn
________
XT600E

[TcInNyc]

Thanks for your reply.

Mine is also very much harder than the real on on the other side.

I've done a lot of feeling around and found that it is pointy(!) and not egg-like on the botton. It is almost football shaped. I know it sounds silly, but I didn't ask to see one before it was put in (the surgery was scheduled almost immediately, and I was more concerned about the cancer at that point... and I still am).

Is yours round and smooth on the upper and lower ends? Or is it more American football-shaped?

[TcInNyc]

I just searched the site and found a lot of discussion on this topic.

I've also read lots of stories about people's treatments. I am literally on the edge of my seat to find out what my fate is. This board is a godsend. Thank you guys whoever thought of this.

Waiting,
John

[dadmo]

John:
I'm glad you found the forum, I certainly agree that this is a wonderful place. I have been given great comfort from the compassion and knowledge of the people who visit here. If it's not too much to ask what did the doctors determine about your tc and where are you being treated. I take it from your login that you are in New York City, if you had to be anywhere that's the place to pick ,Sloan has some of the best in the world.
I can't add anything about the prosthetic (my son didn't get one) I just wanted to welcome you and let you know that there is almost nothing that someone on this board can't help you with. I'm just letting you know that because you first wrote on a Sat and weekend are a bit quiet even here. When the general crew is back you will have a lot of responses from guys in your situation.

[TcInNyc]

I take it from your login that you are in New York City, if you had to be anywhere that's the place to pick, Sloan has some of the best in the world.

I am indeed in New York City. I didn't go to Sloan, however, for two reasons. First, it all happened so fast: seeing my regular doctor when I noticed having a rock hard left testicle, going to the urologist several days later on referral, and then the surgery the day after that. Second, Sloan sadly isn't in my health plan. If things are looking bad, I might go there for second opinion advice anyway though.

I'm awaiting the results now as seen below in my signature.

[dadmo]

John:
There are plenty of places that do a great job treating tc so you certainly don't need to go to Sloan but if your case should become difficult they are close to home. The treatment plans for tc are fairly routine so it shouldn't matter much where they treat you. We took my son to Sloan but were treated in NJ and it worked out great. Good luck and keep in touch.

[rightone]

I have not had a prosthetic replace ole' lefty. Sometimes I still get "phantom pains" Other than that I don't notice that I'm a single shooter. neither did any of the girls I hooked up with in college a few years ago. additionaly my wife now says she can't really tell that one is missing either.