How long would this all take?

[Adrian]

Ok ive come to terms with not going to college while on chemo. I stupidly thought i could but i think it would be the best if i rest.

Now im just thinking of this from a pessimistic view. Say i was to go through 3xBEP chemo (should start next week), an RPLND and then 4xTIP/VIP.

Im just preparing myself for the worst (i hope this doesnt happen ofcourse).

How long would you estimate this would take, if i start all of this at the start of April? Anyone be able to take a rough guess?

[Chris'Mom]

Just a quick timeline, Chris started chemo in April of last year...(4 rounds of ep) not three, finished in June, RPLND in July...all the while he had to leave school for the last two months....so he is a little behind.....but your health is what you have to be concerned about right now...college will come again soon enough...during Chris' off weeks on chemo..he was good to go by Wednesday and would go up to be with his friends and girlfriend and stay on campus....so he still kept up normal routines...he is back at school, started on time in late August, and is doing great...goes near school for blood and chest x-rays every month....hope that helps...Mary Ellen

[Vinny]

Well, figure 21 days for each round of BEP. That would have you finishing in the beginning of June, assuming your blood counts stay high enough that no delays are necessary. Then figure about a month before the RPLND. Then each cycle of VIP/TIP is 21 days, so four cycles would take you through early October.

I did 4xBEP starting late January of 2005 and finished in mid-April, then had the RPLND on May 31. Been on surveillance since.

[dadmo]

Without going into all of the detail it would seem that you should be fine for the spring semister. And that's if you need the RPLND.

[danebert]

First thing first. Why are you already worried about salvage chemo. What stage are you? Have you had BEP already. The CR rate (complete response rate) with BEP is near 95% for good risk, 88% with Intermediate risk. DOnt be so pessimistic. A study by Dr. Einhorn revealed that those with Good Risk disease and lese than 1000 IU HGC have nearly 100% chance of cure with 3 BEP. Also, If the vast majority of your tumor is composed of EC, the chance of needing an RPLND is alot lower.