elevated AFP, dr unsure

[saraheltorky]

i had an orchiectomy 1 year ago today for very early stage nonseminoma(embryonal/yolk sac). for the past year i have been on survellliane follow-up. four days ago a routine blood test showed my AFP levels elevtated from 3.1 to 11.5. i repeated the test 2 days later and it was up to 17.4(my AFP was not elevated prior to surgery). all my imaging tests(ct) appear normal. my dr wants to wait at least 2 weeks and repeat the blood tests again. i am concerned about waiting any longer. there are no specialists in my country, and my oncologist is very unfamiliar with testicular cancer(maybe never seen a case). i myself am a dr, though not an oncologist. i know much more about my particular cancer than my dr does. should i follow my gut instinct and insist on chemo right away?
Misha Eltorky

[Scott]

Since your CT scan is clear, I would wait for the repeat test, or at least get a second opinion, before starting chemotherapy.

[dadmo]

I would wait for a follow up blood test. In the mean time you can have your doctor get in touch with an expert. I know the ones at Sloan-Kettering and Indiana are willing to give phone consultations. The experts list is attach and I did notice one in Isreal, maybe your doctor could give that person a call. Good luck on your next blood test and keep us posted..

[saraheltorky]

hi, its sarah(the wife). our current dr is not very interested in consulting with any specialists anywhere. would these specialists talk to my husband in person? my husband is more familiar with his case than the dr. over here all lab and imaging tests are given directly to the patient after the tests. our dr has nothing at his office. generally patients here are responsible for their own stuff and getting 2nd opinions. my husband would certainly be well equiped to talk to any specialist as he is a dr himself. what are these drs names? my husband talked to his surgeon this morning and he completely disagreed with the drs advice. we are more inclined to trust the surgeon as he was trained and worked in canada for many years and isnt threatened by asking advice from other drs. we are getting another blood test in 4 days. we were concerned about a new primary tumor in the other testicle, but thankfully the ultrasound this morning was clear

[Scott]

Yes, you can arrange a consultation directly. The TCRC's expert list is at this link: http://tcrc.acor.org/experts.html