Second go around.

[Logan]

Hello, I never thought I would be in this position but here I am. In July 2001 I was diagnosed with Stage II Non-Seminoma testicular cancer in which was followed with an Orchiectomy and 4 rounds of Chemotherapy due to having infected Lymph nodes. I was in full remission in Feb. 2002 had a clear bill of health since.

Last week almost 8 years to the day of my first diagnosis I was shocked to find out that I had a growth in my other remaining testicle that was found during a scrotal ultra sound that was being done for something totally unrelated. Lucky me.

So I have since met with a Urologist who told me if it "looks like a duck,walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck." An booked me for an Orchiectomy on Aug.7. I have not been told to have a CT Scan, Chest X-ray before hand, my Urologist told me a CT scan and x-ray will be done after the surgery. I know due to my last battle that things happened very fast diagnosis,surgery and Chemo all within about 14-21 days. So I am wondering if waiting 3 weeks for the Orchiectomy, X-ray and CT scan is normal or if I should try to possibly push to get bumped up if I can?

I know that the Cancer has been detected much earlier than previously but I remember how fast things progressed the last time and the 3 week window does concern me a little bit. The other question I had was if anyone that has been through the same was given the option to do Chemotherapy rather than go with surveillance because I would much rather nip anything at the bud than get a surprise 2,4 or ever 6 months down the road.

Thank you all in advance and Im very happy to have found a community such as this where someone can shed some light on the situation from past experiences.

[Fed]

Dude, I am really sorry to have read about the second presentation. Given that this is an entirely new diagnosis, any treatment should be done expeditiously because you still don't know what the components of this new primary tumor are.

Now, since you already had chemotherapy for your first TC, it is very likely that, barring any mets, you will be told to go on surveillance. Any chemotherapy that you would get in this case if it is even necessary would not be BEP-based since you have already had that. It's too soon to be thinking of this though. You need to focus your efforts on the first step: having the I/O done.

[Logan]

I understand that I focus on the up coming surgery first but its hard not to wonder why things are moving along so much slower than the first, though I do understand my original diagnosis in '01 was more progressed. Its just tough not to think that waiting over 3 weeks might be a little much, since I remember the night and day difference 3 weeks made for me previously. But I guess things would be rushed along if they needed to be.

[Aegean]

Logan,

Personally I feel 3 weeks is too long. Can you get down to VCC? They will probably book you within days;

Dr Christian Kollmannsberger
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Medical Oncology
British Columbia Cancer Agency
Vancouver Cancer Center
600 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6
Phone: (604) 877-6000 x2674
Fax: (604) 877-0585

If you can do it, I would go ahead and get there. At least you will be at a centre of excellence.

[Logan]

Unfortunately I don't have the means to get out to BC and pay for surgery myself. I had a meeting with my family doctor today and she is on my side and told me to contact my Urologist tomorrow just to let him know my concerns with the 3 week wait time. The appointment was booked by his receptionist who may or may not understand my sense of urgency due to my previous experiences.

[Aegean]

Another member, Buster, lives in Calgary too. I'm not sure if he is around or on vacation, but you can try to PM him and see whom he used in Calgary.

[Scott]

But I guess things would be rushed along if they needed to be.I wish that were always the case. Glad to hear you got some support from your doctor to try to move things along faster.

[AdrianE]

Hello there,

I just wanted to jump in and say hello. Sorry to hear that you are going in for I/O number 2 after all this time. I'm out in Vancouver, so I won't hold it against you that you are in Calgary. ;)

This is a great forum, feel free to ask any questions here and someone will be sure to help you out.

Let us know how your appointments go.

Adrian

[Logan]

Thanks for all your input/help already guys. I have learned more from this forum in the last 5 days than I have my entire first battle with TC. A side from having to wait almost 3 more weeks for my I/O Im much more at ease with my current situation.

[Kiwi]

Hi Logan

You need to think about a testosterone replacement plan too, have you considered or discussed Prostheses yet?

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Logan]

I have discussed the testosterone replacement with my family Doc but she has informed my that the Urologist that will be doing my I/O will be taking care of that for me as well and getting me all set up. I will be sure to get that started ASAP after the procedure.

As for Prostheses I have thought about it but Im unsure where to find out more info on costs or anything of that nature. From what I recall from my first discussion about it 8 years ago it was considered strictly cosmetic thus I have to front the bill. And being a seasonal construction worker if I need any treatment after my I/O then I will miss out of about 2/3 of my annual income and Prostheses would obviously have to wait for a later date. Which brings me to my next question is there any down side to waiting a certain period of time to get Prostheses??

[JamesC]

I think its best to get the Prosthesis in when you have your orchiectomy. One surgery is enough. I was told this surgery is not considered cosmetic. ie If they must take out a Testicle for valid medical reasons (And what else is there???) that putting in an implant is not cosmetic.

If I can put in another vote for AART Nevada
http://www.aartinc.net/
they make (I think) a really nice device (I have a pair that are near and dear to me) I like them for the following reasons.

#1 no liquid to leak out - no Liquid Silicone to worry about.

#2 They offer them in adult sizes. No one wants to have implants that are the size of a little kids... *No offense intended to anyone who has them... The adult range goes up to around 29mL and I opted for a pair of 31mL so I actually felt kind of good about my orchiectomy which might be a first!

#3 They feel right. They "squish" right and are not so firm they feel like "superballs" or those little footballs they give out.

Silimed has a device in adult sizes but my surgeon said he thought the AART was a better choice and came in a variety of sizes and textures.

I've had one put in at a time so I've had one natal and one AART and I think they are very similar to a testicle. I know this last part is very subjective and maybe part of this is about your own needs but I feel more "whole" with them. They don't feel alien to me but a part of me. Of course they are surrounded by me so if they are being handled etc "I" feel it. A few people put me off on this saying it would be like carrying a marble between my cheek and gum. RUBBISH! I've never felt that way! Not even right after surgery.

Good luck! I hope the idea of being "augmented" for the better will make this difficult time a little bit easier.

And DO get reading on HRT. This is a complicated thing to get right and as the newest member of our "Flatbaggers" club we want you to get through it right and feel ok!

- JamesC