Update on my condition...

[stevenh77]

My latest CT scan showed a small tumor on one of my lymph nodes. My urologist referred me to oncology and they want to put me on chemotherapy, I don't know how many cycles yet or if it'll be BEP or just EP.

I should hear from the oncologist in a couple days with an appointment to start chemo.

[dadmo]

stevenh77:
I'm sorry to hear that but with an active tumor I don't see any way of avoiding chemo. I know how scarry this is but you'll do fine.

[Davie]

Steven,

I know this is the news you did not want to hear, but remember you have still caught this very early, and the cure rate for stage IIA/B non-seminoma is approximately 98%.

I do wish you all the best for sucessful treatment.

Davie

[stevenh77]

Yeah, my doctor told me that the cure rate at this stage is still really high. He said the chemotherapy drugs they use for this type of cancer are very effective and they do have side-effects, but it isn't as bad as some other types of chemo.

I'd be a liar if I said I'm not scared, I've seen people on chemotherapy before and I know it can be pretty bad, but honestly I've never experienced it so I have no idea what I'm in for. All I know is I still have a very good chance of cure, so all I can do is keep fighting and keep praying.

[danebert]

Your cure rate is just about 100%. Thats the information I was given by the guys at IU and I was in the same situation as you. THe chemo really isnt that bad and it will most likely consist of 3 cycles of BEP ( or 4EP) depending on your onc's. preference. The guys at Indiana prefer 3 BEP and the guys at Memorial Sloan Kettering 4 EP. Studies have shown a slightly smalller risk of relapse after 3 BEP but there almost similar in terms of oncologic efficacy. THe anti emetics are amazing ( Zofran, and Aloxi work the best when used together) If you drink alot of water and get alot of rest the worst side effect will be fatigue. After the first 5 days of the cycle things will start to look up and, by the second half of week two of each cycle you should feel normal. The effects are cumulitive so the third cycle will grind you down but at that point its over. At any rate good luck and don't be afraid to bother your Dr and let him know if you dont feel well. There is normally something they can perscribe to remedy the problem.

[Scott]

You'll come through with flying colors, no doubt. Many forum members here will be able to help you out with "been there, done that" information from start to finish.

[stevenh77]

Thanks for the info and the words of encouragement.

I'm getting all of my treatment at Los Angeles County / USC Medical Center, which I've heard is really the best place in my area to go for any type of cancer. I've talked to a few other cancer patients at that hospital and they all tell me "You came to the right place, the surgeons here are some of the best." My urologist also told me they deal with this kind of cancer all the time and every surgeon in the urology department has performed the nerve-sparing RPLND surgery "dozens to hundreds" of times. He personally just did one last week and he was trained by Dr. Skinner at USC, who I've heard is recommended as one of the top experts in the country for testicular cancer.

My only real complaint is that it's a very busy hospital, sometimes I get there at 8am for my appointment and don't see a doctor until 5pm.

[stevenh77]

Well, I saw the oncologist Friday afternoon and got my appointment to start chemotherapy. I start 3xBEP in just a little over a week (Sept. 5).

[DianeE]

Hi Steven,

Sorry to hear you have to go through the chemo, but it will be a cure
for you. The guys on this forum who have gone through it will
help you get through it. From what I've heard, the first round is
fairly easy, the second a bit harder, and the third the most difficult
in terms of being tired and feeling run down, but you'll be done after
the third round and will be able to start healing.

Keep us posted as often as you can.

Diane

[Joe's Mom]

Steven: As I recall from my son Joe's experience (rasjoe) with chemo - the first round wasn't too bad. It does take a bit more out of you with each round. Trust that you'll be fine, stay strong, and in the end when you get the "all clear", it's exhilarating. Take care - praying for you. Joe's Mom - Nancy

[Ras Joe]

Hang in there bro, chemo will cure you. Drink lots of H2O and get lots of rest and you will be fine. As others have said, the first one wasn't too bad and then they gradually get worse. In my case the second cycle was the worst, I was so happy to be done (tumor markers normal after round 2) that the third cycle was a breeze. Make sure you take the anti-nausea meds and maybe take a look at some of "alternative" ways you can combat the nausea, they can be more effective than the stuff from the pharmacy. I hope all goes well and feel free to send private messages if you have any specific questions regarding how I kept my head out of the toliet while doing the BEP.

[Mom]

The anxiety associated with taking chemo, especially leading up to the date you first start, is the worst part. As Ras Joe said, the first session went fine and fast, the second session brought my son's markers down to normal so that was great, by the third session, he was saying "its a good thing this is the last of it because I can't take this crap any longer." Then it was over and he was recovering. Now it is like it never happened. Hydration is the key. We're here for you. Dianne

[Fish]

Sorry to hear you have to deal with chemo. I wish you all the best. At least with TC you know there's a cure at the end of the tunnel.

Best wishes, thoughts, and prayers.

[stevenh77]

Thanks for all the encouragement.

It's pretty scary, but my fiance and my oncologist are a big help. My oncologist said the anti-nausea meds help a lot. I told him about the side-effects I was most worried about (especially neuropathy), he gave me the warning signs to look out for and said "If that happens, you'll tell me and I'll see what I can do about it." He also gave me his phone number and email address so I can get ahold of him any time I need to.

As far as "alternative" ways to combat the nausea, I'll keep that in mind for sure (and I can even get a prescription for it in California), but I don't plan on doing that unless I absolutely have to. I'm a little worried about the potential lung toxicity from the bleomycin and I don't want to do anything that might make it worse.

[Don]

Be sure to read some of the post about what to expect from chemo and what to eat and drink ETC... This will be over before you know steve... Chemo sucks but its not the end of the world... Be sure to drink as much as possible to flush that chemo out of your system and listen to your body.. If it tells you to rest ..then rest.... Best of luck Steve and as always were here if you need us!!!!!!