Just another update

[GeoffH]

I keep reading things here and am amazed at what I read. I thought I would also finally contribute again. So far it has been just under one year from the IO that I had in Oct last year. The CAT scans and chest x-rays have been fine. Minor flux in the blood work. The "shadow mass" in the remaining side has been slow to change in size. The downside is my last sperm count was 4, and not million.
Has anyone had an experience in low sperm count? Also at my last visit to the doctor, to get schedualed for another set of tests, he noticed some "swelling" in the remaining side toward the tip. Not sure what side it would be. Any thoughts on that?
He also mentioned that it would most likley be a matter of time when the remaining testical would have to come out. I assume that is do to the mass in that side. He also recommended getting the RPLND at time of treatment, but to continue on observation as I have been.
This is a new doctor, due to a move and insurance changes. Please, I would like to hear any thoughts or comments you might have. I love the remarks made to everyone else. Sometimes my heart drops to hear of another one having to join us, but at least they came to a great place to be picked back up.

[IowaBrian]

Welcome back
I don't really have a answer as to the other one having to come out unless they see a mass then for sure it would have to come out.
I know the sperm counts can be low and it might be that it was low before it all started.
Just wanted to say good luck I know Don, Scott, Fish, dadmo and the rest of the crew will be giving you some good advice soon since they have seen a lot more then me.
Brian

[dadmo]

Geoff:
You may want to have your case reviewed by someone on this list of experts. It doesn't sound like your doctor has a well thought out plan. I'm botherd by the slow change in the mass and the the talk about doing an RPLND some time. These are things that should be done in a very specific time frame and manner. I know it my put you out some money but the doc's on the expert list will certainly do a phone consult with your doctor. See if you can't have him give your local expert a call. Your doc may be insulted but he works for you.

[GeoffH]

Thanks

The original doc who did the surgury did talk with IU about my case. This is a new doc and he asked me what I wanted to do. I of course stated I wanted to continue my observation that I had been doing, and I want the tests done again. Last tests were done in late april. He agreed and I am getting the blood work done tomarrow. The remaining tests, xray/ct/ultrasound, he needs to get aprovale from my lovley insurance company first. He was more acting as a sounding board while he looks over my records. I left a copy of all my reports with him. He wanted to talk to me after blood work comes back and he looks over my paperwork. Oh, if anyone is interested, I can post pictures of my original ultrasounds for those woundering what the shadow mass is I am talking about. It hasn't grown much, maybe a few mm is all. The radiologist label the mass as "Neoplasm", which I understand to be, pre cancerous.

[dadmo]

Geoff:
Thanks for responding. This last post sounds better. Let us know what your new doc has to say after he does his review. It sounds like you have everything under control. I don't think you should have any trouble with the insurance ( ) company.