Recently diagnosed - chemo or surveillance?

[Domingo]

I just started writing a blog to share my experience and research. I only just started reading up on this, so maybe someone could point me to other websites on the subject.

Yesterday, I was told the tumor was at 5cm in diameter. This means a 40% chance of relapse. Chemo or surveillance? I really don't know.

If you have a moment please read my blog: http://meandtesticularcancer.blogspot.com/

Any information would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers,
Chris

[RyanSeattle]

This website has a great amount of info. The main things that help to decide the best option are:
1. Did you have vascular invasion?
2. Did you have a clear ct? Blood markers?
3. What was your tumor made up of?

[apple]

Good blog Chris. It will be useful for future patients to read

I'm in a similar position to you: I'm 36, and also had stage 1 seminoma. Mine was 4.8 cm and also had invasion of the rete testis (another risk factor for relapse).

For me, surveillance wasn't an option, especially since the response to single dose carboplatin seems to be so good (at least in the short / medium term).

I'm also in the UK. Near Birmingham. I lived in London until recently. I think you'll be in very good hands at Charing Cross.

Good luck with the decision. There's no wrong answer.

A

[Domingo]

Thanks Apple,

A second risk factor was mentioned at the consultation, but I didn't write it down. Silly. I'm going to email the doc now to ask what it was. I think it was also invasion of the rete testis.

I had a long chat with my girl last night. I'm also going to take the single dose carboplatin. How was the chemo experience for you? What was your recovery time, if any?

And thank you also Ryan, your last question I didn't ask. I'll email my doc with that one also.

Cheers,
Chris

[jeffsonxl]

The samiliar thing happened to me, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Seminoma, the size of tumor is 5cm. Although there is no evidence of invasion, but I still went for a shot of carboplatin as there were two lymphy nodes suspeciously enlarged. I am recoverying well, I still go swimming and gym as long as I have time, I didn't feel anything different from before. so don't worry about the chemo, for most of people, one course of carboplatin can be handled well.

[Mat]

Hi Chris

I think it comes down to personal preference. I know there's plenty out there who say dont use the chemo until its needed. However i decided against the surveillance mainly for peace of mind as it would massively lower the chance of a relapse and touch wood its been the right choice for me as im coming up to my 3 years at the end of the year.

Dont know what there like at charing cross but im sure there great. Im currently being treated at the Royal Marsden at sutton and cant say enough good things about them.

All the best