William Li presents a new way to think about cancer treatment: angiogenesis, targeting the blood vessels that feed a tumor. The crucial first (and best) step: Eating cancer-fighting foods that beat cancer at its own game.
Thursday 21 October 2010
Monday 18 October 2010
And the winner is Chemo!
I decided to do the chemo. After a lot of reading, feedback from forums (tc-cancer.com) and talking it through with friends, I feel it was the right decision.
Last Wednesday I had my kidney function test. Then I had the procedure on Friday. I arrived at Charing Cross Hospital with my wonderful girlfriend. She has been the major support throughout the entire experience. Without her I would be a mess. We met with my doc briefly, then we waited about 4 hours before a nurse took us in. I sat in a chair. As soon as I saw the tray of needles and tubes I started to sweat. It's not the pain. Often I don't even feel it. It's the idea of a long thin piece of metal that stirs this phobia. I know, it's irrational. The nurse said, "Don't worry, I'll give you a the smallest needle the one we give to little girls," in a Filipino accent. She jabbed me and hooked me up to an intravenous drip. Have a look under Delivery on Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemotherapy
This is also a good source of info on chemotherapy: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you
I was given a single dose of Carboplatin. Have a look at this leaflet, a good overview on what it is and side effects: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/docmetadata.cfm?orgid=357&id=92730
It took an hour and I was allowed to go home. I felt a little strange, but I was able to eat that afternoon. The next morning I felt terrible. It was like a hangover. The idea of food made me feel ill. I had a headache. My muscles and joints ached. I spent the day in bed. Sunday wasn't much different. Monday feeling tired, but much better. I'm at work.
Last Wednesday I had my kidney function test. Then I had the procedure on Friday. I arrived at Charing Cross Hospital with my wonderful girlfriend. She has been the major support throughout the entire experience. Without her I would be a mess. We met with my doc briefly, then we waited about 4 hours before a nurse took us in. I sat in a chair. As soon as I saw the tray of needles and tubes I started to sweat. It's not the pain. Often I don't even feel it. It's the idea of a long thin piece of metal that stirs this phobia. I know, it's irrational. The nurse said, "Don't worry, I'll give you a the smallest needle the one we give to little girls," in a Filipino accent. She jabbed me and hooked me up to an intravenous drip. Have a look under Delivery on Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemotherapy
This is also a good source of info on chemotherapy: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you
I was given a single dose of Carboplatin. Have a look at this leaflet, a good overview on what it is and side effects: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/docmetadata.cfm?orgid=357&id=92730
It took an hour and I was allowed to go home. I felt a little strange, but I was able to eat that afternoon. The next morning I felt terrible. It was like a hangover. The idea of food made me feel ill. I had a headache. My muscles and joints ached. I spent the day in bed. Sunday wasn't much different. Monday feeling tired, but much better. I'm at work.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
My worst nightmare
I love food. In particular, I love meat. I enjoy Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Italian food. But I'm told I should review my eating habits. I did some reading on diet for people with cancer or going through cancer treatment. There is a lot of info out there and many different ideas. I’ve decided to pick and choose based on my lifestyle and advice from friends who have gone through a cancer experience.
Here are a couple of sites I found useful:
My diet choice
Zero meat. Why? Read this: http://www.cancertutor.com/faq/faq_meat.html
Majority raw fruit and vegetables. Here are just a few of the cancer cell killing nutrients (direct or indirect) in vegetables and fruits:
- Raw Carrots (alpha carotene, beta carotene, Vitamin E, etc.)
- Raw Broccoli (sulforaphanes/isothiocyanates)
- Raw cabbage (isothiocyanates)
- Green Asparagus (saponins)
- Beetroot/red beets (proanthocyanidins (PAC's or OPC's))
- Turmeric (a spice) (curcurmin)
- Raw pineapple (bromelain and pexoxidase)
- Whole purple grapes with seeds and skins (more than a dozen, see Grape Cure article)
- Apricot seeds (laetrile)
- Strawberries, red raspberries, black raspberries (laetrile and ellagic acid)
- Blueberries (ellagic acid, anthrocyanins, OPC)
I found this list from “Raw Food Treatment”. Sounds interesting: http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/RawFood.html
Modest amounts of milk products. I love my yoghurt.
Very small amounts of fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt.
My previous diet, which I love, is actually bad for me. It is a dramatic change, but a change I must make.
My previous diet, which I love, is actually bad for me. It is a dramatic change, but a change I must make.
Sunday 10 October 2010
The chances of relapse
I have Stage I Seminoma with two risk factors - tumor greater than 4cm (mine being 5) and invasion of the rete testis.
Rete testis is an anastomosing network of delicate tubules located in the hilum of the testicle (mediastinum testis) that carries sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the vasa efferentia. Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rete_testis
This information was kindly given to me from Fed at tc-cancer.com
The most thorough analysis of [seminoma relapse risk factors] has been carried out by Warde and coworkers [...]. Their analysis indicated that a primary tumor size greater than 4 cm, invasion of the rete testis, lymphovascular invastion and/or the presence of anaplastic (as opposed to classic) seminoma increase the likelihood of a relapse, particularly if multiple factors were present. Of these, tumor size and rete testis invasion are the most important prognostic factors that would deem a patient as "high risk" for relapse. In patients without any of these factors the relapse rate was 12% compared with 32% if two or more risk factors were present.
Source: Expert Rev. Anticancer Ther. 8(7), (2008)
My doc also gave me a paper to read. It wasn't the easiest thing to follow. It is titled Prognostic Factors for Relapse in Stage 1 Seminoma Managed by Surveillance: A Pooled Analysis. According to this report I have a 31.5% chance of relapse within the first 5 years. It is very detailed with relapse-free rate graphs based on risk factors over a 15+ year period. If anyone wants a PDF copy of this paper please email me.
Rete testis is an anastomosing network of delicate tubules located in the hilum of the testicle (mediastinum testis) that carries sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the vasa efferentia. Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rete_testis
This information was kindly given to me from Fed at tc-cancer.com
The most thorough analysis of [seminoma relapse risk factors] has been carried out by Warde and coworkers [...]. Their analysis indicated that a primary tumor size greater than 4 cm, invasion of the rete testis, lymphovascular invastion and/or the presence of anaplastic (as opposed to classic) seminoma increase the likelihood of a relapse, particularly if multiple factors were present. Of these, tumor size and rete testis invasion are the most important prognostic factors that would deem a patient as "high risk" for relapse. In patients without any of these factors the relapse rate was 12% compared with 32% if two or more risk factors were present.
Source: Expert Rev. Anticancer Ther. 8(7), (2008)
My doc also gave me a paper to read. It wasn't the easiest thing to follow. It is titled Prognostic Factors for Relapse in Stage 1 Seminoma Managed by Surveillance: A Pooled Analysis. According to this report I have a 31.5% chance of relapse within the first 5 years. It is very detailed with relapse-free rate graphs based on risk factors over a 15+ year period. If anyone wants a PDF copy of this paper please email me.
Wednesday 6 October 2010
And then the plot twist
Yesterday, my girlfriend and I met with the oncologist to give him my decision, but before I could do that he explained further about the report. The tumor removed was 5cm in diameter. Patients with a tumor greater than 4 cm were twice as likely to relapse. So, the 20% chance of relapse last week is now 40%. This is new information and 40% is a huge difference.
What to do now?! To quote a guy from a forum, "It's TC hell." This is a good forum thread of experiences regarding surveillance and chemotherapy http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11553 or the main forum on the subject http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=6
Referring back to the TCRC website, they have a good list of Surveillance Pros and Cons to help cancer patients make a decision. http://tcrc.acor.org/surveil.html
That's where I'm at. I haven't made a decision. I'm still researching and talking to people. I'll continue to post my findings here.
What to do now?! To quote a guy from a forum, "It's TC hell." This is a good forum thread of experiences regarding surveillance and chemotherapy http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11553 or the main forum on the subject http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=6
Referring back to the TCRC website, they have a good list of Surveillance Pros and Cons to help cancer patients make a decision. http://tcrc.acor.org/surveil.html
That's where I'm at. I haven't made a decision. I'm still researching and talking to people. I'll continue to post my findings here.
To chemo or not to chemo?
Recovery was about 2 weeks for me. I was up and walking almost normal after 10 days. On a cancer forum I read that some people were back at work after a week. Even having sex, but I was told I should wait 4 weeks before attempting such an activity.
The staff at Charing Cross Hospital were very good. They really looked after us during the op. I received a call on the Sunday after just to see how I was. The following day the oncologist called with the pathology report. He said it was good news and wanted to give me all the details face to face rather than over the phone, so we made an appointment the next day. I was relieved. For more information about pathology reports please read http://tcrc.acor.org/pathology_report.html or how testicular cancer is diagnosed at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Symptomsdiagnosis/Diagnosis.aspx
Back at the hospital with the oncologist he explained it was a Stage I Seminoma. Read more about Stage 1 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/testicular/Patient/page5#Section_93
Basically, the tumor appeared to be confined to the testis. The scans showed no other tumors in my body. So I'm cured? Maybe. The doc went on to explain that the scans can see pea size tumors, but anything smaller is invisible. Therefore there is a 20% chance there could be something still floating around...
He gave me two options:
1. Surveillance
2. Single dose of chemotherapy
For a quick overview on treatment for testicular cancer look at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Treatingtesticularcancer/Treatmentoverview.aspx
Surveillance
http://tcrc.acor.org/surveil.html
Chemotherapy
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Treatingtesticularcancer/Chemotherapy.aspx
I was told the chemotherapy I would receive is Carboplatin http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Carboplatin.aspx
Information regarding Carboplatin and Radiation here http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2004/testicular0604
What to do? The doc was leaning to surveillance. After some research and talking to friends I decided surveillance was the go.
The staff at Charing Cross Hospital were very good. They really looked after us during the op. I received a call on the Sunday after just to see how I was. The following day the oncologist called with the pathology report. He said it was good news and wanted to give me all the details face to face rather than over the phone, so we made an appointment the next day. I was relieved. For more information about pathology reports please read http://tcrc.acor.org/pathology_report.html or how testicular cancer is diagnosed at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Symptomsdiagnosis/Diagnosis.aspx
Back at the hospital with the oncologist he explained it was a Stage I Seminoma. Read more about Stage 1 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/testicular/Patient/page5#Section_93
Basically, the tumor appeared to be confined to the testis. The scans showed no other tumors in my body. So I'm cured? Maybe. The doc went on to explain that the scans can see pea size tumors, but anything smaller is invisible. Therefore there is a 20% chance there could be something still floating around...
He gave me two options:
1. Surveillance
2. Single dose of chemotherapy
For a quick overview on treatment for testicular cancer look at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Treatingtesticularcancer/Treatmentoverview.aspx
Surveillance
http://tcrc.acor.org/surveil.html
Chemotherapy
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Treatingtesticularcancer/Chemotherapy.aspx
I was told the chemotherapy I would receive is Carboplatin http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Carboplatin.aspx
Information regarding Carboplatin and Radiation here http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2004/testicular0604
What to do? The doc was leaning to surveillance. After some research and talking to friends I decided surveillance was the go.
Under the knife
I have to say this straight up, I'm petrified of needles. I can deal with the idea of cancer, but jab me with a long thin piece of metal and I'll faint. Thankfully I didn't this time.
Surgical removal of the testicle is called an orchidectomy or orchiectomy. For more information about the procedure have a look at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/QAs/1127.aspx
My girlfriend and I arrived at the ward at 12 noon. A nurse took my blood pressure and we went through the forms regarding the op. The anaesthetist took me into theatre at 4pm. My op took about an hour. I woke up in recovery and was given a pain killer, but it was still very uncomfortable. I was offered morphine, but this meant I would have to stay overnight in hospital. Earlier, I was told I could go home after the op, so I declined. About 30min later I was taken to the ward where my lovely girl was waiting for me.
The last time I ate was 7pm the day before. It was now 6pm. I was incredibly hungry. I was given fish n' chips and yoghurt. It was the best meal ever!
Once I passed urine I was discharged with extra dressing for my wound and a box of pain killers. I was home by 8:30pm.
Surgical removal of the testicle is called an orchidectomy or orchiectomy. For more information about the procedure have a look at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/QAs/1127.aspx
My girlfriend and I arrived at the ward at 12 noon. A nurse took my blood pressure and we went through the forms regarding the op. The anaesthetist took me into theatre at 4pm. My op took about an hour. I woke up in recovery and was given a pain killer, but it was still very uncomfortable. I was offered morphine, but this meant I would have to stay overnight in hospital. Earlier, I was told I could go home after the op, so I declined. About 30min later I was taken to the ward where my lovely girl was waiting for me.
The last time I ate was 7pm the day before. It was now 6pm. I was incredibly hungry. I was given fish n' chips and yoghurt. It was the best meal ever!
Once I passed urine I was discharged with extra dressing for my wound and a box of pain killers. I was home by 8:30pm.
That feels a bit odd...
Ok gentlemen, and ladies who are concerned about their man, I feel it's only fair I share my experience and information I have researched on this subject.
To bring you up to date; on 3rd September 2010, while showering, I notice my left testis firmer than the other. At the time I didn't think much of it. The next day, on reflection I thought I should look into it, so I Googled 'hard testis' and the results showed a number of pages on testicular cancer. I immediately re-examined the testis to find a lump on the underside. I was now officially freaked out. At the time I knew very little about this type of cancer. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with skin cancer, a malignant melanoma, which was removed from my left arm. So, with my past history I was very concerned. For information about self examination go to http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html or http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Symptomsdiagnosis/Checkum.aspx Do it monthly!
I know now about 90% of patients are cured from testicular cancer and in my case, which is a Stage I Seminoma, 99% can be cured. It is a serious condition and needs immediate attention, but don't worry yourself to death. For an overview on testicular cancer look at http://tcrc.acor.org/tcprimer.html
I saw my GP that very afternoon and she confirmed it was suspicious. She said she'd refer me to a hospital for an ultrasound scan. Anyway, 2 weeks later, Friday 17th September, after many phone calls I had an appointment at Charing Cross Hospital. I arrived at 9:15am for my ultrasound. To cut a long story short, I ended up having a CT scan, blood tests for tumor markers and a consultation also. The doctor explained to me it was a tumor and they wanted to operate asap. I was booked in for surgery on the Monday.
To bring you up to date; on 3rd September 2010, while showering, I notice my left testis firmer than the other. At the time I didn't think much of it. The next day, on reflection I thought I should look into it, so I Googled 'hard testis' and the results showed a number of pages on testicular cancer. I immediately re-examined the testis to find a lump on the underside. I was now officially freaked out. At the time I knew very little about this type of cancer. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with skin cancer, a malignant melanoma, which was removed from my left arm. So, with my past history I was very concerned. For information about self examination go to http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html or http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Testes/Symptomsdiagnosis/Checkum.aspx Do it monthly!
I know now about 90% of patients are cured from testicular cancer and in my case, which is a Stage I Seminoma, 99% can be cured. It is a serious condition and needs immediate attention, but don't worry yourself to death. For an overview on testicular cancer look at http://tcrc.acor.org/tcprimer.html
I saw my GP that very afternoon and she confirmed it was suspicious. She said she'd refer me to a hospital for an ultrasound scan. Anyway, 2 weeks later, Friday 17th September, after many phone calls I had an appointment at Charing Cross Hospital. I arrived at 9:15am for my ultrasound. To cut a long story short, I ended up having a CT scan, blood tests for tumor markers and a consultation also. The doctor explained to me it was a tumor and they wanted to operate asap. I was booked in for surgery on the Monday.
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