Our Story

[Enelach]

I've been turning to this forum for answers since Dec. I am so grateful for the answers that everyone tries so hard to answer. Thanks to the ones who keep it going.
Since the end of Aug, my whole world has revolved around TC. My husband was diagnosed then and had a left orchiectomy on Sept. 5. A follow up CT scan indicated a mass in the back of his abdomen so therefore he was put on chemo. Four rounds of cisplatin and etoposide. He did quite well on it, other than extreme nausea. We're so glad that long and tedious ordeal is over now. His last treatment was Dec. 10. I might add that he's 59, almost 60 so the diagnosis was a total surprise. He had no symptoms. The lump was discovered in an exam by the dr who treats him for diabetes. Then, 3 weeks later, our 36 yr old son was diagnosed with it too! He had symptoms, but was told he had a hernia. He was operated on for that but when the pain didn't go away, he went back and they discovered the lump. His left orchiectomy was Oct. 11. He is at the University of MI hospital now after undergoing a RPLND yesterday. They started by laparoscopy, but had to resort to cutting him open because when they got to the aorta area, his veins were routed wrong. There was a risk of rupturing the aorta if they continued. So they cut him from his navel to the sternum. To the naked eye, they didn't see anymore cancer (PHEW). Of course, the tissue has to go to pathology to know for sure. The good news, too, is that he seems to be doing good today. A lot better than I anticipated. Just wanted to share our TC nightmare with you! I have no idea what the make-up of their tumors were. I just know that pre-surgery, husband's HCG was 99, son's was 109.

[Davie]

Enelach,

I'm totally amazed that father and son have had TC within 3 weeks of each other. I can't imagine that there's ever been a similar case to yours. If your husband had seminoma at 60, that's very late to have it, but if it was non-seminoma, at that age, it almost unheard of.

My oncologist said to me that chemo hits you and the cancer hard, but given the patients are relatively young, they get over it pretty well. All repect to your husband having to go through chemo at nearly 60, and getting through it unscathed! I understand TC chemo is much worse than other cancer chemos.

You've obviously had a very rough time of it recently, but hope that you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

My best wishes to your husband and son for a speedy recovery.

Davie.

[Margaret]

I am surprised too, but as a woman with a husband that has cancer and a 7 year old son, I can assure you that I will have my son checked often even though people say it does not run in families.

I am glad you mentioned the RPLND and the laproscope. This is the risk of trying to do this type of procedure with lapro...they told us 70% chance of having to "open you up" during the lapro and then they are sometimes in a more difficult position with the surgery. I would opt. for the full surgery even though recovery time is longer, I feel there are less risks.

I hope all goes well for your son and husband, I will keep them in my prayers.

Margaret

[dadmo]

Enelach:
Holy smokes. Two at once. I know your guys will be fine but how are you holding up?

[Enelach]

Thanks for your concern. It seems like this is the only place that others truly understand. Most people have never heard of TC unlike the other cancers where everyone knows someone affected. Davie, my husband's was seminoma. Apparently son's was non. I would think if it's the family trait, then both would have had the same? The oncologist wants us to meet with a genetic counselor, but at this time, we need a break from all the appointments. Maybe sometime in the future. As far as the lapro, I talked to my son this morning and he's feeling good, may even come home today. I will let you know how he progresses. Dadmo, how am I holding up? Hard to say. Just two weeks before husband's diagnosis, my beloved mom died. So, going into all of this, I can't say I was ok. We'll be ok provided we don't have any more setbacks. Don't think any of us could handle anymore bad news...not for a long while anyways!!

[Mom]

Enelach, my husband was diagnosed with TC at 35, my son at 29. My husband was non-seminoma (embryonal), seminoma and teratoma. Back in 1980, they did the RPLND and hoped for the best. Did not do chemo unless there was spread to the lungs. My son had embryonal and teratoma. He ended up with 3xBEP. My son was diagnosed with TC on Tuesday, my husband with bladder cancer on Thurs. My son was operated on Friday, my husband the following Tuesday. They have the same urologist, he said he never considered himself practicing family medicine until he met us!
Margaret, make sure your son is checked. We were told it wasn't genetic but don't you believe them!! (If I had only known then what I know now...) BTW, they are both fine. My son is passing his 2 year mark on January 28. As spouses and mothers, it is up to us to see our men through this with all of the strength and support we possess (then we collapse). Hang in there. Dianne

[Scott]

Welcome, Enelach. I hope 2007 holds far more pleasant challenges!

[Already Bald]

Hang in there Enelach,
You've been dealt with some mighty blows in a short order, but I feel in my gut that your family will pull out of this thing okay. Keep reminding yourself that TC is one of the most highly treatable forms of cancer, it's beatable.
Your men will beat this thing, and your family will develop a powerful bond as a result.
I'm sorry to hear about your Mother, I hope she didn't suffer.
Joe