Men's Health

[Redrock12]

The tumour in my testicle has been confirmed as a seminoma, which is a type of malignant cancer. Specialists at a hospital in another city close to me will look at my case to determine whether they think I need other treatments or, in light of the negative CT scans, whether the removal of the testicle followed by regular monitoring will be enough.

IMHO, might be a good idea to get a second, or even third, opinion on whether or not to get other treatments T.C.. A year ago from last September my oncologist wanted to put me on radiation treatments in order to drop my PSA count from a consistent 1.5 to below 1. Told him I'd get back to him in a couple of weeks with my answer. Talked to a GP with a lot of years practice and a nurse with 30 years, and both told me in no uncertain terms NOT to have the treatment.
A few months later, due to my PSA increasing from a consistent 1.5 to a one-time 2.7 he wanted to put me on a chemo regimen of two fairly strong pills, one of which was prednizone, can't remember the other but it was very strong. I refused this treatment as well because I felt just fine, and the PSA dropped back to the familiar 1.5, which it's been for the past five years, since I started the Eligarde treatments, which are very benign, require only day surgery every three months. In fact, I often forget I have prostate cancer.
Well, hope this helps T,C. and all the best, whatever you decide and I'm praying for the best possible outcome.
FWIW

 

[Gaby]

According to guidelines, the overall prognosis of patients with stage I testicular seminoma is excellent following surgery. For most patients, surveillance is the only approach, given low relapse rates, excellent long-term overall survival (>95 percent), and avoidance of unnecessary chemotherapy toxicity with this approach.

For patients unwilling to do only surveillance, one or two cycles of carboplatin is usually suggested. Adjuvant radiotherapy is an alternative for those who decline adjuvant chemotherapy and surveillance alone.

Sounds like surveillance is overall the best approach.

 

[T.C.]

I'm sorry to hear that, T.C. It'll be good to know what all your options are and maybe look at the success rate, if such data exists, of each possible/recommended approach. In the meantime though, just know that you're in my thoughts and prayers and hopes that you'll find the best possible way to eradicating the cancer, and enjoying great good health going forward

Thanks, Ennio.

Of course, I had been hoping that when the results came back, it would be just a benign tumour. But having done my research, I already know ( as Gaby says) that as far as cancers go, a seminoma has very high survivability.

As Redrock says, I’m not sure I would want to straight up follow a specialist’s advice if they suggested chemo in my case. The CT scans have been analysed by specialists and they can’t see anything. Looking at the statistics, again as Gaby says, removal of the cancerous testicle seems to get the job over and done with in most cases. As was flashgordonv’s experience, I’d be happy with regular monitoring for a while, reducing over time.

 

[Chu]

As Redrock says, I’m not sure I would want to straight up follow a specialist’s advice if they suggested chemo in my case. The CT scans have been analysed by specialists and they can’t see anything. Looking at the statistics, again as Gaby says, removal of the cancerous testicle seems to get the job over and done with in most cases. As was flashgordonv’s experience, I’d be happy with regular monitoring for a while, reducing over time.

Yes. You can see what the offered options are, and then make an informed decision. But it sounds like you have done the most important already. Now being diligent about your personal Work, your nutrition, etc. AND being "religious" about the checkups sounds very promising.

 

[Learner]

I am sorry to hear that result, T.C. But gladfully, like others said, it doesn't seem aggressive like other cancerous types. And as I gathered that sometimes benign tumors, polyps and cysts can become malignant it might be the other way around as well, that with enough care-taking including mental balance, good nutrition and supervision a malignant tumor could convert into a benign form either.

Just thinking, meanwhile keeping you in my thoughts while prayers continue.

 

[Z...]

Perhaps this will put your mind at ease a bit.
At 23 my school mate was diagnosed with testicular cancer when it had already spread to his lungs. He went through the whole hog - chemo and radiation and was cured.
25 years later he seems to be in good health and all along he was boozing, smoking and not just tobacco and has no idea what healthy nutrition or lifestyle is.
Obviously he was Pfizerised several times in last years - still standing and seems to be in good health.
I’d say odds are in your favor TC

 

[Mrs. Peel]

I’d be happy with regular monitoring for a while, reducing over time.

Perhaps you may want to add a low maintenance dose of fenben also.