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.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
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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