Rising Alpha fetaproteins

[Jeff Plain]

Greetings,
I was diagnosed with Embrionic cell carcinoma back in Sept following a vasectomy. Prior to the Rad. L Orchiectomy my AFP level was @ <23, now after 4 rounds of Chemo using Bleo, VP-16, & Cisplatin, my AFP level is 48.9 and climbing. All 3 CT scans are Clear (thank God), and liver function tests are normal. My oncologist is perplexed and is now considering sending me to a TC specialist out of state.
Is there anyone out there that can shed some light into this situation?

I won't give up!
Cancer my take my health
but it can't take my sense of humor.

Thanx,
Jeff Plain

[dadmo]

Jeff:
With rising markers it's important to get in touch with an expert. Here's a list . The quickest to respond seems to be Einhorn at IU so you may want to start there. Slaon in NY is great but they aren't as easy to get to over the phone or fax, of course that may be different when a doctor calls.
I wouldn't panic at this point, markers can do strange things, if you are taking suppliments or relaxing with extra cocktails stop until this is resolved. It's surprising how often those things can cause false positives.
What additional tests has the doctor run to see if cancer is hiding anywhere. The first places he should look are the lymph nodes, lungs and then brain.

[Jeff Plain]

The Lesser of two Evils

I met with my Dr. this morning. He has been in contact with Dr. Einhorn regarding my situation and as I left the office he was attempting to contact and update him as to my latest test results. Oddly enough, during my visit this morning, I just happen to mention Hep C as a possible culprit, he has now ordered and Hep screen to go with my latest AFP test which was done today. BTW I've never done Intv. drugs, and have only been with 2 other women besides my wife, I don't even drink, but I just might start.
I would have prefered this test been done before the Orchie and Chemo but it's a little late for that.I've had 3 ct scans all neg. Still I am greatful for the situation I'm in considering the situation of others. .
Thank you for your reply
Jeff Plain

[dadmo]

Your doctor is in touch with the right man. Keep us posted on what they find.

[Already Bald]

Good Luck Jeff.
Dr. Einhorn will get it figured out for you.
Dr. Sheinfeld at Sloan Kettering is also a guru- he did my RPLND and that went well.

[Scott]

Keep us posted, Jeff, as you find out more.

[Jeff Plain]

Perspective: Greatful

I beleive bad things happen to good people to protect the innocent and defenseless. This may sound odd to some but in some ways I am greatful for what is happening to me. The day I was diagnosed I knew my life would never be the same. I'm not an overly spritual peson but I do believe in God, and I beleive everything happens for a reason according to His plan. If by enduring this fate in some was releaves the burden of another then I will accept it as part of his plan. People have said to me that God only gives you the burdens he know you can carry, and there have been quite a few times when it has felt that the cart I was pulling was more than I could bare, but my belief and love for my family have given me the strength I need.

Hero's are people who stand up in the face of adversity. The people I've meet at the Cancer Center and the posts I have read at this site only remind me that Heros are not a rare breed. Everyday I ask God to give strength to the HERO'S who are standing up and facing there cancer.
I will keep posting as to the results and updates.

Thank you all! Hero's and suvivors! For changing my paradigm.
Sincerly JP

[Jeff Plain]

My Onc. left me a message yesterday stating that he had spoken w/ Dr.Einhorn and he sugjested waiting to see the results of my latest AFP, which should be in on Mon. If they go up I'll be going to U.I. to meet with him, hopefully after X-mas, I don't want to miss my little ones first, if they drop I will probibly do survailence.
I'm not having a good day today. My mind is all over the place. Depressed then sadness, then sillyness. I guess they call it Chemo-brain. I just feel like running away and if it wern't for my wife and kid's, and my financial position, I'd probibly do so. I've read over my last post in this thread trying to shake this off but all I seem to do is crittically analize it. Damn Cancer, Damn Chemo
In the immortal words of Charlie Brown... Aaarugh!!!
I'm gonna go make myself busy even if it is only 30 deg. outside.

Thanx for listening
JP

[IowaBrian]

Good Luck with Dr E they say he is the best ther is. Wish I could say just don't worry about it every thing will be fine been there done that just remember that on Monday everything could be fine hell I hate Fridays always make you wait over a weekend for test results, makes the weekens suck!!
Don't go too crazy if you want you can come west and walk around in the 5 degree temps we had this morning that made me forget about everything but staying warm when i got into the car this morning .
Good luck maybe the test results will be in today I would call this afternoon.
Brian