Shocked by what's going on but starting to get my head around it.

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  • MrsB
    Registered User
    • Feb 2011
    • 540
    #16
    Dave, I think the hardest part was the unknown, had it spread, what type was it, what were the treatment options? Once we got all the info and met with the oncologist I felt much better, not happy that my husband has to go thru chemo, but comfortable with our decision and confident that we can get thru this and get on with a normal life. We choose chemo because there was about a 50% chance of a relapse in the next year based on his type of cancer and pathology report. He did not want this hanging over his head. We have 4 children and were done having kids so didn't have to consider the fertility part of treatment so that was helpful. Definitely do your research so you know what some of the options are, not all oncologists are good about explaining everything and if you go in there knowing more, you know what questions to ask, etc. Hopefully he can explain your pathology report so you have a better idea of where you stand with treatment options. Keep us updated. We are here for you Hubby finished day 4 of his first round of chemo today. Feeling well for the most part, a little tired but still able to eat and drink fine, etc.
    Tina, wife to Gene
    Right I/O 2/21/11
    60% embryonal carcinoma- 40% seminoma with L/V invasion, Stage 1B, Cat Scan- clear
    HCG- 1.2, AFP-1.5, LDH-normal
    BEP X 2 started 3-7-11
    Bleo canceled for 2nd round, lung issues
    EP 3-28-11 X 5 days, finished chemo 4-1-11
    F/U cat scan 4/14/11 - Stable
    3rd round EP as precaution because Bleo was cancelled, start 4-25, finished chemo 4-29-11, pneumonia 5-6-11
    6-1-11, 8-3-11, 9-7-11, 10-19-11, 11-16-11, 12-18-11, 1-18-12, 5-8-12 Clear

    Comment

    • davidhanson90
      Registered User
      • Mar 2011
      • 363
      #17
      Originally posted by spcchap View Post
      "Why should I learn this new software, I don't know how long I'll be here to use it."

      spcchap's a positive attitude all the way is what I am planning and I too have these thoughts but its to be expected as this is a life changing event. But reading on here the cure rate is high and the treatments have come a long way so always think that straight after these thoughts. Its helping me.

      With regard to your recover I think thats sounds about right. I felt very tired 3 days after surgery and was taking sleeps during the day. Its a combination of recovery, stress and hormonal changes so its all natural.

      My incision wasn't inflammed so keep an eye on that. It was sore when I stood up and felt like sharp stabbing pains at time but that has gone. Keep posting as we are in this together.
      Dave Hanson
      Found lump 18/02/2011
      Ultrasound confirmed mass 23/02/2011
      CT Abdomen, pelvis, chest (clear) 24/02/2011
      Left I/O 1/03/2011
      99% Seminoma <1% Unknown germ cell 10/03/2011
      Staging T1 - 1A 10/03/2011

      2 month - 27/04/2011 - All clear!
      5 month - 16/07/2011 - All clear!
      9 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!
      14 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!


      Yesterday was history, tommorrow a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the "present"

      Comment

      • davidhanson90
        Registered User
        • Mar 2011
        • 363
        #18
        Originally posted by MrsB View Post
        . We choose chemo because there was about a 50&#37; chance of a relapse in the next year based on his type of cancer and pathology report.
        Hi MrsB,

        I have heard about this relapse rate and it is mentioned here.

        About Testicular Cancer > NonSeminoma Stage I - Testicular Cancer Overview, Non-Seminoma Stages & Treatment
        http://www.tc-cancer.com/about/nonseminoma-stg1.html


        In this article is quotes around 25% chance of relapse for nonseminona with no spread. Which means 75% chance of no relapse but that doesn't really help me make a decision. It still seems like a huge gamble. I also have no kids but was planning to do this soon. Spoke to cancer nurse about sperm banking so getting that sorted asap.

        Can I ask, by taking the chemo option did your oncologist provide you with a % on the chance of relapse?

        Please pass on my best wishes to MrB. Let him know we are wishing him well.


        Dave Hanson
        Found lump 18/02/2011
        Ultrasound confirmed mass 23/02/2011
        CT Abdomen, pelvis, chest (clear) 24/02/2011
        Right I/O 1/03/2011
        99% Seminona <1% Unknown germ cell 10/03/2010
        Staging T1 - 1A 10/03/2010
        Dave Hanson
        Found lump 18/02/2011
        Ultrasound confirmed mass 23/02/2011
        CT Abdomen, pelvis, chest (clear) 24/02/2011
        Left I/O 1/03/2011
        99% Seminoma <1% Unknown germ cell 10/03/2011
        Staging T1 - 1A 10/03/2011

        2 month - 27/04/2011 - All clear!
        5 month - 16/07/2011 - All clear!
        9 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!
        14 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!


        Yesterday was history, tommorrow a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the "present"

        Comment

        • MrsB
          Registered User
          • Feb 2011
          • 540
          #19
          Sorry I am slow getting back to you. I am on call for my job this weekend and have to stay at my mom's so had to hunt up the website. The oncologist told us that his relapse rate with treatment was about 2-4%, much more comfortable with that. He also said 85% cure with the I/O for my husband but I just couldn't agree with that based on his type of cancer and staging. I know, he is the expert but still, my research said closer to 50% because of the vascular/lymphatic invasion on the the pathology report and those were also the odds Dr. Einhorn gave me when I e-mailed him about treatment options. He said surveillence was still an option or BEP X 2 or RPLND. We choose the option we felt was best for our situation and family at this point in our lives. There is no "wrong" options, just different for each case. Have you found out anything new?
          Thanks for the good wishes for my husband. He has a great attitude and other than being very fatigued, is doing great with his treatment. We are done with the first 5 days in a row, he will now get 2 Bleo doses each a week apart then start round 2 a week later. He gets his blood counts tomorrow so will see how that is going as well.
          Tina, wife to Gene
          Right I/O 2/21/11
          60% embryonal carcinoma- 40% seminoma with L/V invasion, Stage 1B, Cat Scan- clear
          HCG- 1.2, AFP-1.5, LDH-normal
          BEP X 2 started 3-7-11
          Bleo canceled for 2nd round, lung issues
          EP 3-28-11 X 5 days, finished chemo 4-1-11
          F/U cat scan 4/14/11 - Stable
          3rd round EP as precaution because Bleo was cancelled, start 4-25, finished chemo 4-29-11, pneumonia 5-6-11
          6-1-11, 8-3-11, 9-7-11, 10-19-11, 11-16-11, 12-18-11, 1-18-12, 5-8-12 Clear

          Comment

          • davidhanson90
            Registered User
            • Mar 2011
            • 363
            #20
            Originally posted by MrsB View Post
            The oncologist told us that his relapse rate with treatment was about 2-4%.
            2-4% Is very good. Did you happen to get any information from your oncologist about long term effect on life expectancy and also the % of other chemo related issues later?

            I see my oncologist on Wednesday and I am totally unsure what to do. Hopefully the oncologist will provide me with the information I need to make a decision.

            I take it MrB is off work throughout his chemo?

            Dave
            Dave Hanson
            Found lump 18/02/2011
            Ultrasound confirmed mass 23/02/2011
            CT Abdomen, pelvis, chest (clear) 24/02/2011
            Left I/O 1/03/2011
            99% Seminoma <1% Unknown germ cell 10/03/2011
            Staging T1 - 1A 10/03/2011

            2 month - 27/04/2011 - All clear!
            5 month - 16/07/2011 - All clear!
            9 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!
            14 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!


            Yesterday was history, tommorrow a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the "present"

            Comment

            • MrsB
              Registered User
              • Feb 2011
              • 540
              #21
              No, he really didn't give us percentages of long term affects. The research I did had most of the percentages pretty low. We felt the good outweighed the bad in our situation. I am glad I did my research because our oncologist wasn't overly informative. Maybe I didn't ask as many questions because I already knew pretty much where we were headed. MrB is self employed so able to adjust his work schedule as needed. He runs a salvage yard and farms, not much farming going on right now and we have a crew in cutting and hauling iron so that is very helpful

              I really hope your oncologist can explain your pathology report better and let you know how significant that 1&#37; thing is. Let us know how it goes and good luck! Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you are not comfortable with his answers and there are no dumb questions, ask anything you want to know and make sure you understand the answers
              Tina, wife to Gene
              Right I/O 2/21/11
              60% embryonal carcinoma- 40% seminoma with L/V invasion, Stage 1B, Cat Scan- clear
              HCG- 1.2, AFP-1.5, LDH-normal
              BEP X 2 started 3-7-11
              Bleo canceled for 2nd round, lung issues
              EP 3-28-11 X 5 days, finished chemo 4-1-11
              F/U cat scan 4/14/11 - Stable
              3rd round EP as precaution because Bleo was cancelled, start 4-25, finished chemo 4-29-11, pneumonia 5-6-11
              6-1-11, 8-3-11, 9-7-11, 10-19-11, 11-16-11, 12-18-11, 1-18-12, 5-8-12 Clear

              Comment

              • davidhanson90
                Registered User
                • Mar 2011
                • 363
                #22
                Started new thread here as more appropriate with oncologist meeting

                Surveillance vs chemo I honestly do not know.. - TC-Cancer.com - Testicular Cancer Information & Support Forum
                http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/showthread.php?p=143261#post143261
                Coping with radiation, chemotherapy, RPLND, or surveillance: treatment issues, test results, surveillance reports. Talk about what's going on with you!
                Dave Hanson
                Found lump 18/02/2011
                Ultrasound confirmed mass 23/02/2011
                CT Abdomen, pelvis, chest (clear) 24/02/2011
                Left I/O 1/03/2011
                99% Seminoma <1% Unknown germ cell 10/03/2011
                Staging T1 - 1A 10/03/2011

                2 month - 27/04/2011 - All clear!
                5 month - 16/07/2011 - All clear!
                9 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!
                14 month - 22/12/2011 - All clear!


                Yesterday was history, tommorrow a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the "present"

                Comment

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