Metastatic Seminoma

Cancer...never thought I was immune, but thought I wouldn't ever have to personally deal with it. It's fine with me at this point. It's not crippling by any means, and I imagine a large part of that is due to the type of cancer, it's non-aggressive nature, and the great prognosis.


Metastatic Seminoma is the type of cancer with which I have been diagnosed; it's a type of testicular cancer. At this point my oncologist is reviewing my blood work (or waiting to find time to tell me the results) to establish the stage of the cancer based on my tumor markers (levels of AFP, HCG, and LDH). I got a call today and I start chemotherapy on Monday, May 4th. The regimen calls for five consecutive days of treatment and two weeks after the treatment for my body to recover (one cycle). This will continue for four cycles (at least that's the latest information I'm aware of).

As far as I know, at this point, I will be given two drugs in my chemotherapy...Cisplatin and Etoposide. There is the potential that another drug will be used, but I don't know yet, and I want to avoid that if at all possible...this drug is called Bleomycin.

Backing up a little, I went to the doctor in November after having significantly swollen lymph nodes for over a month. Eventually, I got referred to have an ultrasound on these nodes, and was subsequently referred to an oncologist. A CT or CAT scan later showed additional, affected lymph nodes behind my sternum, near my upper (thoracic) spine, near my lower (lumbar) spine, and in my pelvic area. Interestingly enough, there appears to be no cancer in the testicles (this will be confirmed with the results of a recent testicular ultrasound).

Wrap up:
Bottom line, "it is what it is." I can't control what it is at this point, but I can control my attitude toward this disease and how it impacts me. I'll talk later about how I have been processing this journey.

Initial Post

Long overdue, I am writing...attempting to use the seldom used creative side of my brain while honestly conveying my life and experiences. With no tangible expectations to convey, this medium could provide a cathartic effect, stimulating more insight and healthy reflection. Patience is requested as I learn to operate in this new blogging environment and as I find a rhythm for posting.