Seminoma

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My partner had testicular cancer at the start of 2024 and had said testicle removed. We thought that was the end of it and he was going to be ok. Fast forward a bit, he was rushed into hospital start of December struggling to breathe and a sky high heart rate. After scans and tests in a&e and being on critical care, we found out he had blood clots in his lungs which were being caused by a mass by his kidney. He was given blood thinners and eventually allowed home.

We attended an appointment at Weston Park hospital last month, and met his consultant, who was very understanding and patient. It turns out the seminoma has spread and there’s a 8cm mass pressing against his kidney. Thankfully it doesn’t appear to have spread anywhere else. He’s going to be having 3 rounds of chemo, with the first round starting this week. Consultant is very confident he will beat it, but he’s in a lot of pain, and is now on codeine which is just zapping him of energy and i’m so scared for him. Neither of us know really what to expect. I’m trying my hardest to support him, but I don’t know how to do that best. He’s only in his early 30’s too. 

What should he be prepared for with the chemo? During and after? He’ll be on a ward for 5 days a time. 

Thank you for reading 

  • Hi Pixie

    Welcome to the online community. My name is Lindsey. I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on our Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear that your partner developed blood clots and that a new mass was found. This must have been a difficult and scary time for you both.

    Starting chemotherapy can be daunting. Our information explains about having chemotherapy and some of the common side effects. There are specific chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat testicular cancer. He will be told which drugs he is having before he starts his treatment.

    I appreciate he is starting his treatment this week but here are some things he can do to prepare. Cancer Research UK explains about prehabilitation, lifestyle changes that can help to cope better with treatment.

    If the pain is caused by the pressure of the mass, then chemotherapy shrinking the mass might help to make him feel more comfortable. In the meantime, make sure his doctors are aware if the painkillers aren’t working so they can be adjusted to help more.

    There are many reasons why cancer, cancer treatments and other medicines, like pain killers, can zap energy levels. Cancer related fatigue is very common. Our booklet explains about this and some of the things that can help.

    Hopefully you will already have met his specialist nurse at Western Park. They are there for both of you, to help you to understand about the cancer and give support through treatment.

    Many people ask about how they can best support someone close who has cancer. It may be helpful to ask what support your partner would like and what he would find helpful. It’s important that you look after yourself too.

    If have any other questions, please feel free to recontact us. Or if you think it may help to discuss things with someone, please feel free to give us a call or contact us via our web chat platform.

    Kind Regards,

    Lindsey

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

    Ref Lrob/MD