Possible Recurrence?

[dns529]

I am just over 3 moths post I/O, 100% Embroyonal Carcinoma, Stage 1A, Surveillance.

I just had my first CT and it showed "slightly prominent" nodes - the largest was 1.1cm. However, there were several that appearaed to be larger than on the original baseline CT scan.

Yesterday, I re-ran my markers and in 1 month my HCG went from <0.1 to 4.2, others were normal (HCG was "slightly elevated" at time of diagnosis).

Should I be fairly certain that a recurrence is on the way, or can these size changes and lab values fluctuate to this degree? If it was just one or the other, I wouldn't be worred, but both tests moving in the wrong direction has me concerned.

My oncologist wants me to repeat markers on Jan. 5? and re-do CT on January 19? Do I need to wait that long? Are there any other tests that can be done now, or sooner than then?

Advice is welcome.

[Fed]

Unfortunately this is starting to smell like a relapse. Per what my oncologist has told me, nodes become worrisome when they are greater than 1 cm or "misshaped". The increase in HCG is also suspicious. Given that you showed markers upon diagnosis, they disappeared after the I/O, and they seem to be on the rise, it would be worthwhile to get another read soon. I'm not sure whether another CT scan will help if it's taken too soon after your most current one. If this is, indeed, a relapse, the next likely would be chemo (3xBEP or 4xEP, both of which are equally effective).

Fed

[dadmo]

dns:
It sure does sound like the I/O wasn't a cure. Let's hope for the best but be ready to fight a bit more.

[dns529]

Yeah, from what I am reading, its not looking good. So I am sort of preparing myself for it - and if this turns out to be nothing, other than an unforunate coincidence of two tests going borderline at the exact same time, then I'll be all the more happy. But I'll be pragmatic until then.

Any advice on where I can gather info. on what the chemo will entail? Still hopeful, but I have significant professional obligations that I will need to shuffle if it will lay me up for any period(s) of time. I would like to understand what it will require - both in terms of time, and physiologically, so I can begin to think about what I need to do

[dadmo]

Here's a good place to start gathering information on chemo. If you need it we can fill in all the blanks. Just remember how many we have here who have been down that road and are now cured.

[Already Bald]

I wonder if you are a canidate for RPLND?
As we know, EC can sometimes skip the nodes, but maybe not in your case.
Did your oncologist discuss the next treatment option in the event of recurrance?
When was your IO?
Keep in mind, BEP and EP are very effictive treatments. A second opinion is always a good idea as well.
Best,
Joe

[Fed]

I wonder if you are a canidate for RPLND?
That choice is always available; however, because of the following:
As we know, EC can sometimes skip the nodes, but maybe not in your case.
My gut feeling tells me that chemo is likely to be curative while the RPLND might not.