Rplnd

[Scott]

He then went on to say that everything will be alright.. these cancers are very treatable. Yet when I researched my sons type everything says that the prognosis is not as good for him?

Your doctor is absolutely right; your son's cancer is very treatable. I know it's impossible not to worry, but he's going to come through this with flying colors.

[mstlyn]

This is the range for elevated markers considered "good risk." I'm sure he meant 250 and 500, but it would really help to have the units of measurement.

It's going to be really important to see what those markers do, since if they don't drop to normal but start to head back up, chemotherapy will definitely be needed.

The vascular/lymphatic invasion increases the likelihood of spread beyond the testicle, but it doesn't mean it has occurred. The high percentage of embryonal carcinoma also means RPNLD may not be the best choice, since that type of cancer can spread through the blood directly to the lungs.

Be assured that if chemotherapy is required, it's a proven cure.

I wonder why the doctor is talking about surgery. Thank you for the information. Your information is clear and easy to understand which is really needed at this point.

[mstlyn]

Your doctor is absolutely right; your son's cancer is very treatable. I know it's impossible not to worry, but he's going to come through this with flying colors.

These words are music to my ears (in this case "my eyes") Bless you!

[Scott]

I wonder why the doctor is talking about surgery.

I assume he means retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), but I believe you'll find that the best option is surveillance for now and chemotherapy (3xBEP or 4xEP) if and when there is confirmed metastasis.

[mstlyn]

I am sorry you are so worried, even though it is normal to feel that way, it is still difficult to get through. Waiting for the tests and scans drove me out of my mind with worry.

The RPLND, if done by an experienced doctor, is major surgery but I feel 100% that your son will get through it okay. I would opt. for the full surgery and not the laproscope because the full surgery has a better track record and less risks...hard to believe but true according to our doc at Sloan Kettering. The day after the surgery my husband was walking around...yes with pain and discomfort, but he was up and making progess. 5 Days post surgery he was allowed to have something to drink and all drainage tubes were removed. He had to stay 7 days in the hospital and he walked onto the airplane home with no assistance from me. 1.5 weeks later he was back at work (desk job) and now, 4 weeks later he is playing with our son, throwing a football, going to the mall, and walking on the treadmill.


They will help your son get well and we are here to support you. If your son would like someone to talk to that has been through it all, I can give you my husband's phone number.

Hugs,

Margaret

It is amazing to read about the experiences of others and see that it is nothing like what I read about when I am reading information on the internet. I like to be well informed, but sometimes I wonder about the value of some of the things I read on medical sites. Sometimes it only serves to scare the daylights out of me.
Thank you for your generosity. I will be introducing my son to this forum sometime over the weekend, so he can get a feel for what this is about and how to use it.
I will let him see your post and see what he has to say about it.
I would like to see him get involved with other people that are going through the same thing. I really think it would be good for him, so thank you for your generous offer. I hope he will soon open up more and accept your offer.

[Fed]

It sounds like things are moving along well and that your appointments are all set up. It's hard not to worry when your kid is sick (we parents know this all too well), but from the sound of it, it looks like your son will be alright as long as you guys keep up with things and remain vigilant and diligent.

Best of luck with the upcoming tests,

[mstlyn]

It sounds like things are moving along well and that your appointments are all set up. It's hard not to worry when your kid is sick (we parents know this all too well), but from the sound of it, it looks like your son will be alright as long as you guys keep up with things and remain vigilant and diligent.

Best of luck with the upcoming tests,

Yes it is hard not to worry about him, and what he will have to endure on the road to recovery. Ultimately, his life is the most important, but it still hurts to see this happenening to him. For the most part I feel positive about the outcome and I have a lot of faith in God. This forum and so many knowledgeable, caring people help tremendously. During my moments of fear, things I have read on here pull me back up again! Thank you so much!

[dadmo]

With no teratoma nodes in the reports it's quite possible that your son won't need an RPLND. Most of the people who have that procedure done have had that as a component of the original cancer and that is un affecterd by chemo. If your son should need chemo that will more then likely be the end of his treatment. His blood markers indicate that even if chemos is required he is a good risk patient and should have a positive result.

[mstlyn]

With no teratoma nodes in the reports it's quite possible that your son won't need an RPLND. Most of the people who have that procedure done have had that as a component of the original cancer and that is un affecterd by chemo. If your son should need chemo that will more then likely be the end of his treatment. His blood markers indicate that even if chemos is required he is a good risk patient and should have a positive result.

I have a new question to add to this thread. My son was awakened through the night by back pain. The pain does not feel any better no matter what position he tries to lay in. I read that back pain is a sign of advanced cancer. Is that true and if so does that mean the prognosis is not so good?

[mstlyn]

I have a new question to add to this thread. My son was awakened through the night by back pain. The pain does not feel any better no matter what position he tries to lay in. I read that back pain is a sign of advanced cancer. Is that true and if so does that mean the prognosis is not so good?

One other thing. He is having a CT scan this morning and he is not supposed to eat or drink anything now. Does anyone know if its ok for him to take motrin when he drinks the liquid that he has to have an hour before the scan?

[dadmo]

The catscans will show if the back pain is related to the cancer. The cause would be swollen lymph nodes and it should not affect the outcome of his treatment. Don't assume the pain is related to anything, it's quite normal (once you are sick) to associate everything with cancer including sinus headaches.

[mstlyn]

The catscans will show if the back pain is related to the cancer. The cause would be swollen lymph nodes and it should not affect the outcome of his treatment. Don't assume the pain is related to anything, it's quite normal (once you are sick) to associate everything with cancer including sinus headaches.

Ok thank you. Since he is only 21 and has never had a back ache in his life, this is why I assumed it is related to the cancer. I hope it does not take long to get the scan results and get on with the treatment. I personally think his doctor wasted valuable time when he should have given him a referral to a urologist right away.

[dadmo]

Please don't focus on the should haves. You're doing great just keep moving foward.

[Scott]

Since he is only 21 and has never had a back ache in his life, this is why I assumed it is related to the cancer. I hope it does not take long to get the scan results and get on with the treatment.

Maybe, or maybe it's related to his recent surgery. The CT scan today will tell you.

[Margaret]

I am thinking of you and hope you get good news from the doctor and that his pain stops.

Let me know if I can do anything to help