Conflicting opinions from Doctors

[carolynnec]

I'm hoping that by starting this new thread some of you will let us know if you have faced this issue. This may be a bit long but please bear with me. My son was diagnosed with testicular cancer one year ago. He had back and leg pain but it wasn't until an MRI was done that a tumor on his spinal cord (L4) was discovered and numerous nodules on his lungs. He was barely able to walk at this point and surgery to remove the tumor took place the next morning. He was in pretty bad shape. The results were testicular cancer with metastases to spine and lungs. It was called poor risk, nonseminatous germ cell tumor His AFP got as high as 10.000. He had 4 rounds of DEP and in September his AFP had returned to normal. Doctors felt that scans showed residual markings but not active cancer. In February his AFP started to rise and after some scans we were told he has relapsed but it was low bulk disease ...nodule on lung base that was new . David agreed to a tandem stem cell transplant and was given a round of TIP after which his creatinine levels rose to 280. He was hospitalized for 10 days and levels came down to 126. The transplant began around the18th of May. and he left the hospital June 7th. His AFP level currently is 5. He has not recovered well from the 1st transplant . Blood counts have taken a long time to recover. He has had transfusions and neupogen to support the immune system. Because of the sluggish response to the SCT his primary oncologist has suggested that David not continue with the 2nd transplant. His words were....we may be doing more harm than good. The stem cell team whom we met with this last Wednesday feel the he could handle a second transplant. The 2 Doctors haven't talked yet and we don't know what to do. We are right at 6 weeks after the first transplant and I'm concerned with the time line. I am trying to contact Dr Einhorn to see if we can arrange for him to review David's case. I know this has been a long read but if you persevered and have any comments I would appreciate them Thanks Carolynne (David's Mother)

[S P]

Yup you need to be in contact with an expert STAT. Dr. E is the best as far as responsiveness. You could also try Sloan-Kettering in New York. Dr. Bosl or Dr. Feldman. Don't have anything to add or advice to give, just wanted to say good luck and you'll both be in my prayers!