Hello Gents - Post Orchiectomy - Awaiting Carboplatin (3x)

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Hi Gents,

Posting here as it might help someone - or help me.

Simple Timeline

August/ September - Right testical swelled up like a tennis ball. GP referred me to a consultant. Had the Ultrasound in which my consultant discovered a tumor and deemed an orchiectomy would be required. The additionally set me up with a CT & PET scan in quick succession which I had within one week. During this period I got my belt & braces fertility sorted (two lots put on ice).

October 7th - (Monday) I had the Orchiectomy - pretty rubbish day - fake smiles all round as sincerely felt like I'd been robbed. Apart from the initial diagnosis this was the worst day. Spent the next day off work but was WFH the rest of the week. Prefer to be distracted by work. Anyone who is going to have this I recommend buying some Laxatives' as you get pretty bunged up - I was prescribed with Codeine which I don't enjoy - found myself just taking ibruprufin and the Lax.

30th October - Met the Oncologist who officially diagnosed me with Stage 2A Testicular cancer - seminoma. It had spread to my lymph nodes in my abdomen (of which the surgeon had mentioned so wasn't surprised). Currently awaiting to start 3x Carboplatin Chemo in two weeks, funny how the little things can annoy you but I cancel my big holidays booked (had saved them up to have them at the backend of the year) so I can stick to the treatment plan and isolate as Chemo sounds rough enough without catching something.

I hope everyone here is doing okay and cracking on - I found telling my mates has really helped here - lucky to have them, they've been brilliant.

Pain since surgery has bothered me - been about three weeks but the wound is still very sore and I have a dull ache where the right testical used to be. Not looking forward to chemo but also keen to crack on just so I can hopefully start the next year cancer free - I imagine all of you, like me, fantasies about that day, the thought of surprising my partner and my family with that news...

Couple of questions gents -

Pain since surgery - how was your recovery? I'm three weeks out but the scar feels very sore still - thought I might've recovered quicker based on google (not the best source I know). The dull ache where the testical used to be too.

Work/Exercise/Chemo - I'm having three round of Carboplatin over 3 months and am struggling to manage my expectations with work and exercise. Did any of you exercise and/or work during chemo? Were there any complications? Any advice?

Latinio 9 months ago

Also - any additionally drugs I should stock up on? Acid reflux? Headaches? Water? Nausea?

FaceOfBoe 9 months ago

Post orchidectomy pain was there for several weeks but it did gradually disappear for me. There was a lot happening at the same time for it to be particularly memorable. If you find any discomfort when lying down on your side try a pillow between the legs for support - worked well for me.

With work and exercise it is subjective. After my first cycle I thought it was going to be a breeze. But as the cycles continued and the chemo and its effect accumulated it was more a struggle. Depending on how frequent your cycle is you may have time for some recovery.

For exercise, you're generally asked to take it easier. Depending on the chemo given you find your self breathless. Remember the chemo is systemic; affecting all cells indiscriminately. You'll feel weaker.

Under the NHS, you may end up getting medication to take home for nausea. You should consider investing in a bucket to take with you. Very handy for projecting your stomach into.

Hope you get through it

Latinio 9 months ago in reply to FaceOfBoe

Thanks pal appreciate it, I guess ultimately trying to manage my works expectations, and my own of course. The oncologist mentioned trying to keep active - been trying to understand what that actually looks like.

Latinio 7 months ago

Hi Team,

Thought I'd check in, just finished my (hopefully) final dose of Carbo. 12 days clear, nausea and fatigue is subsiding nicely and went on the bike for the first time yesterday since I started Chemo last year. Only over side effect that's annoying is my vein from the second dose reacted, hardened and swelled, so the team are keeping an eye on it.

Waiting for my PET scan next Monday to see if the Chemo did the trick but fingers crossed.

I hope you're all doing well and everything is going okay.

George

Hairbrush 4 months ago

My surgery was three weeks ago. I was sore for the first two weeks but it got better every day, until one night it was particularly sore and red and I felt a bit unwell so I went to my GP the following day. He examined me, wasn't too concerned but prescribed some antibiotics. A couple of days on those and the wound was doing better.

GP said the firmness I could feel beneath the stitches was scar tissue forming.

Maybe have someone take a look and check it looks normal?

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