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[Davepet]

From what I found online, "extracapsular extension" is often used when a cancer escapes a lymph node, but I couldn't find a reference mentioning it in regards to testicles, however that fact tht it wasn't found is probably a good thing....

[Davepet]

That is absolutely ridiculous, people's lives are at stake...

[Davepet]

You should not have to wait a month to get partial results of a CT scan, especially positive results. You need to find out the size of the node to judge what is going on & might be needed going forward.

[Davepet]

I agree that expert opinions are the way to go. This could be teratoma, or necrotic tissue, but it is also possible that those nodes will shrink further, since he is only 4 weeks post chemo. Nodes in the lung are pretty common, & rarely point to TC, but it should be monitored for change. I'd question...

[Davepet]

I doubt his results are TC related, but there is some reason his LDH is over twice normal, AND it has been over normal in all three tests. I'm not sure what the normal range is for AST & ALT, but the rise in both of those along with a big rise in LDH is probably what triggered the order for the...

[Davepet]

For most types of TC, 1 cm is the trigger point for further treatment, I seem to recall that for seminoma, it is 2cm, can anyone verify that?

[Davepet]

So the CT scan only showed 2 nodes back in April but now there were 10 with EC?, I would definitely get Doc E to weigh in here. Since you had a robotic surgery, it's more likely that some node got missed. I'll be surprised if he does recommend 3xBEP.

Dave

[Davepet]

Pretty sure teratoma won't light up on a PET scan, technically, it's not even cancer, it is normal cells growing in abnormal places:...

[Davepet]

It would be unusual if he didn't get neutropenia, actually, most guys do. The shots seem to help, ask about them, some docs are not on board with them.

[Davepet]

I can't recall the exact timing of my CT scan post chemo, but my node was still showing, y doc wasunconcerned & by the net scan it didn't show, so yes, they continue to shrink for a while after chemo is done.

[Davepet]

Please discuss with your doc before making changes. Probably the easiest way to reduce is to get the doc to prescribe a 200mg/ ml dose & test again in a few months. I do not know if the prostate will reduce in size if T levels are lowered. I did find articles saying higher T levels seem to correspond...

[Davepet]

Cool, it just works better when all the responses to a particular question are in one thread, this forum software does strange things at times, so probably not your fault.

[Davepet]

I assume you are injecting just one ml at 250 mg/ml?

In my case, I inject one ml at 200 mg/ml once every 3 weeks & my levels seem to hang around the middle of the normal range. I'm 64 years old & ~200 pounds.

It seems to me that you should discuss a reduction in dose...

[Davepet]

What type of TC did you path report say you had? What treatment(s) did you get? Lung nodules are pretty common & often unrelated to TC, but probably best to check it out.

[Davepet]

How much do you take every 3 weeks? Are you saying your blood levels are maximum for your age?

[Davepet]

I can't recall anyone mentioning this before, but my guess would be something related to the surgery, let your doc check it out.

[Davepet]

Assuming 3xBEP was given, you should let your doc know, but I doubt it is anything serious. It's normal to be concerned about every pain we get after a TC Dx, , hapens to mst of us.

Dave

[Davepet]

First thing: getting a CT "just because" is not recommended anywhere I have seen.

Second: Since the antibiotics appear to have helped the first try, it seems likely they just weren't sufficient to completely knock out the infection. When dealing with an unknown infection,they...

[Davepet]

While the chance of spread generally is considered increased wit LVI, I cannot recall any exact percentage of increase. While trying to not worry right now is difficult, just keep in mind that your cure rate is very, very high, even if it has spread. The only thing unknown is what path you might take...

[Davepet]

Welcome to the forum on one wants to join, equinox.

Fee free to ask any. questions you might have, we will do our best to provide answers.

DAve