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[Davepet]

Probably not TC, you would likely be dead by now if it was, but things change as wallz said, go to the doc & get it checked out, it is the only way to be safe.

Dave

[Davepet]

Tey stop producing testosterone if there is an adequate supply in the body, but they do not "atrophy". Stopping the supplement will normally restore production.However if you start on TRT, chances are good you do so because there was an unability to produce enough naturally, so that i the...

[Davepet]

I don't know how healthcare is set up in Spain, but is it possible to change doctors? Maybe ask Doc E if there is one he has worked with in the past? Avoiding travel costs might make it all more affordable.

Dave

[Davepet]

I went 35 years with one testicle & never missed a beat (ask my various girlfriends & my (eventual) wife). Losing #2 was a bigger change, but TRT works wonders & takes care of most everything. Life goes on pretty much normally after either event.

Dave

[Davepet]

My first post chemo scan still showed a tumor, but all the scans after showed none. It will be interesting if yours shrinks further, please keep us posted.
Dave

[Davepet]

My doc didn't advise me to alter my alcohol consumption during chemo, so I didn't. If there were any negative effects, I probably assumed it was just the chemo drugs. Sounds like you got through relatively easy, congrats!

Dave

[Davepet]

I was unemployed, but could not have worked during chemo, I was simply too fatigued. Some seem to manage to keep working to some extent, but I can't recall anyone saying the kept their normal work schedule 100%.

[Davepet]

Yes, normal bloodwork is always positive, but it does not rule out TC since not every TC produces markers. waiting for answers is often the hardest part of this journey.

Dave

[Davepet]

I started out on gels, but can't recall the exact dose. I've been injecting 200 mg ff cypionate once every 3 weeks for several years now, seems to work OK, I fwlt the gels were better, but insurance changed & injections just made more sense.

What sort of side effects did you get with...

[Davepet]

Not necessarily, my understanding is that PET isn't particularly useful with EC, so a lack of it lighting up isn't a pass, but if it did,than you have a better indication that treatment might be needed. I would ask for a copy of the report or even a CD of the scan....

[Davepet]

Why not re-check markers in 2-3 weeks? Stay away from anything that might cause a rise in the meantime. If it is higher, you have reason for concern, if is the same or lower, you are probably OK. It is a n essentially risk-less blood test, after all.

Dave

[Davepet]

I could be wrong, but I thought the guidelines say to scan annually out to year 5. If I am correct you are overdue at 18 months since your last scan.

[Davepet]

Sorry, but that is not accurate in every case. I was aware I had TC for a year before getting it checked out the second time. It got very unusually shaped, but did not grow any larger. Please lets be sure we are giving accurate info on this forum, someone's life might depend on what is said.
...

[Davepet]

The size of your 9x11 mm lymph node suggests some further treatment, but only by .1 mm. I'd contact Dr E & see what he thinks. Did it "light up " in the PET portion of the scan?

[Davepet]

What, exactly did the scan report find? A slightly enlarged node or something big? I woud consider an email to Doc E if there is any doubt about the need for further action....

[Davepet]

I see little harm in an exta scan, & much good if it provides peace of mind. The radiation should not be as much concern as not finding a serious problem. This needs to be kept in perspective...

[Davepet]

Stay hydrated, if you are not needing to pee every hour, probably not enough.Other than that most important part, eat whatever sounds good, even if not considered healthy. Chocolate was my best friend.The steroids will likely make you gain weight, it can be lost post chemo, but try to keep it reasonable,...

[Davepet]

Sounds like you are in California, then, Just be aware that depending on path results of the RPLND, you may need more chemo going forward. Hope you don't.
Dave...

[Davepet]

You need to read the instructions,that came with your gel, but I recall needed to avoid water for something like 2-3 hours By then it's absorbed into lower layers of the skin & water exposure is OK.I don't recall a restriction on sunblock, but holding off on it for the same period seems like it...

[Davepet]

Here's what the Testicular Cancer Resource Center dictionary (http://thetcrc.org/dictionary.html) has to say about AFP:

So it should drop by half every week once the cancer is gone.

hcg should drop very quickly:



The dose of radiation from a ct scan...