Just Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer -- What's Next? | Forum profile

You have all given me a lot to think about, and I am still going back and forth between surveillance and the chemo decision; I appreciate all the advice and will consider everything carefully. I am trying to set up an appointment to get a 2nd opinion asap as well. However, I keep coming back to the fact that, if I were to chose surveillance and relapse, I would probably kick myself for a long time to come for not just doing the chemo up front...

Best of luck to you and hang in there. you will be fine. rossi

A second opinion would be a good idea. As explained to me "all three roads lead to the same destination". Some may be bumpier than others. Your tumor is about average in size. I think you have a good chance of avoiding chemo all together. The pro to going adjuvent would be that you save one course of BEP if you were to relapse. But you could save yourself 2xBEP if you choose surveillance. It's a tough call but either way...

Quote: Originally Posted by scruffy I'll continue weighing my decision and let you know. We're with you, whichever path you take.

Thanks for all the advise that definitely helps. I forgot to mention that I had vascular invasion in my path report earlier. I will request that both my urologist and oncologist look into the adjuvent chemo 1xBEp or 2xBep in case my tumor markers are normal vs RPLND. Survelliance is not for met although I appreciate the input. Unfortunately all the men on my side have passed from cancer, so waiting and worrying is not for me. Right now I have...

George: With no evidence of spread and your markers are normal surveillance should be an option. With such a large component of EC an RPLND might be done as a staging tool but it might not be curative because EC can bypass the lymph nodes and spread via the bloodstream. If you can stick to a strict follow-up schedule surveillance seems like a good option.

So it looks like BEP, that's awesome you've made your decision. I have one word for you - WATER. Staying hydrated is crucial and you'll hear this many many times. Also, many wonder if they will be able to work on BEP chemo. For me working was not a problem on weeks two and three of each cycle (Bleomycin weeks). If you can get out of it, I would, it's pretty exhausting. Good luck with your treatment and Merry Christmas!

I know what you mean about the contrast with the ct scans. I'm on surveillance and have a ct every 3 months and I have to take steroids and allergy medicine prior to each scan. I break out in hives every time. Not a bad reaction but enough to be annoying. Surveillance is not for everyone and can be inconvenient but isn't bad. I didn't have a choice of having chemo so I either had surveillance or an RPLND and I couldn't...

To keep everyone posted: I finished my third day of BEP and the "yucky" feeling is definitely here - The nausea is slightly there but nothing too much yet. I am counting the 2 days left in this cycle. I really don't know what to expect but will be doing some research tonight. Frank

It sounds like you're asking yourself the right questions; have you asked your oncologist what he would do it it were him? I know doctors don't often like to give percentages, but this is a case where they may give you some good numbers to mull over: Recurrence rates for your tumor and stage, recurrence with BEP, how reliable are the blood markers for your case, how reliable the CT scans might be, all questions to ask. I like your...