What looked like another ride on the coaster

[Fed]

I was coasting through the last four months since my last surveillance appointment. The work and the new kid in tow have kept me distracted, and I was actually feeling normal again... until this past Saturday. The reason: dull ache on the left side, and I happened to be at work to boot, just like the first time. I did a self-exam, and I noticed no abnormalities with lefty other than a seemingly swollen epididymis, which looked to be the cause of the ache. Of course, without a frame of reference, there's no way to know for sure .

The ache had persisted since Saturday, and on Monday I contacted my GP; but Monday is her day off. I spoke to the doc that was covering for her, and I gave her my entire Hx along with my suspicion that this was not a contralateral presentation, but rather epididymitis or perhaps a varicocele; however, unless I had an ultrasound, there was no way to tell what was causing the wretched ache. Coincidentally, I originally had an ultrasound scheduled for the day I had my next set of surveillance bloodwork and scans, but those were not slated to take place until 09/30. The doc advised that I have the U/S done promptly. She contacted my oncologist, who moved heaven and earth, to have it done at once; I ended up having it a few hours later. Fortunately, the U/S was all clear. No epididymitis, no UTI, no varicocele. As of now (after a visit with my GP), it is likely to be a cremaster muscle strain, possibly from cycling or spin class.

I was able to keep my cool through the weekend, but after I spoke to the substitute GP, the anxiety started to take over. While I was somewhat convinced that it wasn't TCx2, the uncertainty was excruciatingly painful. It was almost like going up a roller coaster without having seen how far down it went. This brought many bad memories back to light, and it sadly correlated with the adage that "cancer never leaves you." While I know that this ended up well, it serves as a constant reminder of the need to be vigilant. This experience sucked big time. Nevertheless, I wanted to bring it to light here. The best thing one can do under these circumstances is to be prepared. I can say for sure that I'm glad I'm off the ride now.

[mikes mom]

Hi Fed,
So glad to hear you acted on this questionable abnormality. You can never go wrong in checking out suspicious findings.
I know how busy you must be with your family, work and this forum. Don't forget to make time to take care of yourself! You are important to ALL of us!!
I'm sure I am only one person of many tonight who is happy you are OK!
Thanks for all that you do!
Fondly,
Debbie

[Paul54]

Whoa, I hope you're OK, bro. It never freaking ends, does it?

I was worried. I discovered somewhere near the end of the second paragraph that I had stopped breathing, and then I could exhale. You gave us a TC Left-hook Wind-up for a minute there. I could feel that groinal displacement guys feel when the rollercoaster starts to drop.

Take care, OK?

[DianeE]

Fed, my heart sunk when I started reading your post!! I felt
such a sense of relief when I got to the end and found out it
was OK. Geez, I feel as relieved as I was when my son got
his last, "all clear!!"

Another reason to say "Thank You" in my prayers tonight!!!

Diane

[Mom]

I sure as heck know about that roller coaster. It's amazing how those feelings come back. A real body blow. Glad everything is okay.

[Jay68442]

Hey Fed,
Sorry you had to deal with that and I'm very happy to hear everything is fine.

LiveStrong
Jason

[Already Bald]

Fortunately, the U/S was all clear. No epididymitis, no UTI, no varicocele. As of now (after a visit with my GP), it is likely to be a cremaster muscle strain, possibly from cycling or spin class.

Wow. So happy to read good news. I also know about these roller coaster feelings, hard to explain to the rest of the world...
Good job on getting the US pronto- glad you feel better.

Take care of that family!

[Kiwi]

Hi Fed and Team

Should the double ever happen (and I hope you will never experience this)there will be all the emotional stuff , but hey 2 months on from my second I have a complete new release on life and are actually the happiest and most energetic I have been for a very long time . So for me, as hugely strange as this may be its been a positive experience.

Cheers

Kiwi

[TCLEFT]

This brought many bad memories back to light, and it sadly correlated with the adage that "cancer never leaves you."

And neither will we. Glad you're OK!
Much Love,
Mark

[Aegletes]

Puxa vida, cara, que susto, hein!? Fed, I don't even know what to say. That's one of those freak-out moments and all I can say is that TC2 is a very exclusive club and we're definitely not recruiting new members. So sorry, you are most definitely not welcome and you'll just have to hang on (pardon the pun) to lefty. Seriously, though, I hope the fact that lefty is obviously working was some reassurance that it probably was not a TC2 case. But I know all too well how scary it is even to contemplate. I hope you're managing to breathe a little easier now. I think this calls for a caipirinha. Or two.