Treatment Update

[Lori]

Well my husband officially ended his high dose chemo/stem cell treatment. He did great, never having to be admitted and only needing platelets 3x and blood 2x.

Markers:
AFP: 48 - the doctors believe this is still high due to the amount of known teratoma from his original pathology and believe they will normalize after the surgery

HCG: 3.9 as of today, was 1.0 last week. It has actually been between .7 and 1.9 since the first round of hdc. The doctors told us not to worry about it going to 3.9, but of course we are.

Anyone have experience with HCG to share?

We are now waiting to hear when the first surgery will be (his tumors are in neck, chest and stomach) so there may be 2 to 3. Of course, as always, the waiting is the hardest part.

Thanks for everyone's support!

[Scott]

AFP: 48 - the doctors believe this is still high due to the amount of known teratoma from his original pathology and believe they will normalize after the surgery

I'm confused about this part, since teratoma (in United States terminology) doesn't cause elevated markers.

Congratulations on completing this round of treatment!

[Lori]

Scott, we were too but there are studies that show tumors with immature teratoma may yield slightly high afp and once the tumors are out the afp goes down.

[Scott]

I'd say I still have more to learn about the different testicular cancer cell types!

[mikeygti]

I'd say I still have more to learn about the different testicular cancer cell types!

Hey Scott,

Nothing like "the school of hard knackers"...oops..I mean "hard knocks" to learn one's lessons in testicular cancer cell types !

Sorry,I could'nt help myself !

Best Wishes