Cancer sucks

Yes, typically frequent surveillance is recommended for stage 1 findings. The retroperitoneal lymph nodes are the most common metastatic site, but if it develops, dissection and treatment is very effective. There is low risk to waiting in that case, which varies by tumor makeup. If stage 2, that can change some things but would indicate the cancer has already spread.

 It’s helpful that my best friend is a urologist, albeit across the country. I’m confident I can get both the “friend answer” and the urologist answer to any questions, and my medical background is useful, too. 

Just found out surgery will be Wednesday. 

posted by GOONx19

Yes, typically frequent surveillance is recommended for stage 1 findings. The retroperitoneal lymph nodes are the most common metastatic site, but if it develops, dissection and treatment is very effective. There is low risk to waiting in that case, which varies by tumor makeup. If stage 2, that can change some things but would indicate the cancer has already spread.

 It’s helpful that my best friend is a urologist, albeit across the country. I’m confident I can get both the “friend answer” and the urologist answer to any questions, and my medical background is useful, too. 

Just found out surgery will be Wednesday. 

Goon X- I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1987. I was 26 at the time. Left Testicle was removed and I had 17 Cobalt(Radiation) treatments. I discovered the lump around the end of July and had surgery the day after Labor Day. The time frame of your situation sounds similar to mine and it sounds like you caught it early and here's hoping and praying that you have a positive outcome like I did.

Best of luck and thoughts with you, Goon. You’re one of the good ones. 

posted by GOONx19

Yes, typically frequent surveillance is recommended for stage 1 findings. The retroperitoneal lymph nodes are the most common metastatic site, but if it develops, dissection and treatment is very effective. There is low risk to waiting in that case, which varies by tumor makeup. If stage 2, that can change some things but would indicate the cancer has already spread.

 It’s helpful that my best friend is a urologist, albeit across the country. I’m confident I can get both the “friend answer” and the urologist answer to any questions, and my medical background is useful, too. 

Just found out surgery will be Wednesday. 

Good luck tomorrow!

Surgery went well. In the best news of 2020, my initial CTs show no evidence of metastasis in the chest, abdomen or pelvis! That means it’s extremely unlikely I’ll need radiation or chemo in the immediate future. Now really just waiting on the pathology of the tumor in order to guide surveillance, as well as reduction in some elevated blood levels that should occur in the next 4-6 weeks now that the mass is out. 

Go beat this.

posted by GOONx19

Surgery went well. In the best news of 2020, my initial CTs show no evidence of metastasis in the chest, abdomen or pelvis! That means it’s extremely unlikely I’ll need radiation or chemo in the immediate future. Now really just waiting on the pathology of the tumor in order to guide surveillance, as well as reduction in some elevated blood levels that should occur in the next 4-6 weeks now that the mass is out. 

Glad it is going as well as it can so far  

Glad to hear the good news, GOON.

Great Goon. I wish you luck. Shitty it happened now but glad you caught it.

Glad things are going well. Sounds like a solid game plan!!

As an update, pathology confirmed the tumor was a pure seminoma, which is the best draw possible. They have the most predictable patterns of spread and growth. Staging is 1A; I’ll do quarterly scans for the first two years, with no need for additional intervention unless spread is found (about 20% chance in stage 1 seminoma). 

Now the bummer is simply sitting out of skiing and lifting for the next 4 weeks. I’m ready to get back out there, and not a fan of limiting my beer intake to avoid the gut during my time off. 

Glad you are dodging bullets ........take care.