Secondary Cancer

iain · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Surrey, UK

I didn't know what to put for a subject for this message although the word 'help!' definatly sprang to mind.
I'm 36 and was diagnosed with Testicular cancer in August last year (Stage 1 VASC+). I had an orchidectomy followed by 2 cycles of BEP chemotherapy and at my first checkup following all this, I was told that they had got it.
Two months on I am experiencing a few problems, mainly due to itching! just after the first checkup I started to itch quite badly in my groin area, back of my knees and round the sides, and back and partly onto my shoulders. Strange spots, some white and some red appeared, but they died down just leaving me with the itching. I contacted my oncologist and was told to see a doctor. After seeing the doctors on three occasions with no luck as to what it could be. I gave up in the hope it would just dissapear. That was two months ago.
After scanning the net (scary as always!) The closest match I have got on my symptoms is T-cell Lymphoma (groin and neck lymphnodes are slightly swollen, and I have masses of dry skin where I am scratching).
I'm probably being paranoid, and I really don't know why I'm typing this at 03:30 in the morning. I don't even know what advise I'm asking for. But I do know it scares me stupid to think that I'll have to go through high-dose chemotheropy, and I'll probably lose my job this time.

Iain

rlee · Site Admin Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 245

You need further evaluation. If you have swollen glands you may need to have a biopsy done or even the skin. First get a diagnosis and then worry about the treatment. Talk with your medical team about the options.

RLee, MD
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RLee, MD

Any information provided is NOT intended to provide specific medical advice to users but rather to provide users with information to help them better understand their health condition and related care. All readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified physician for answers to their personal medical questions.

brainman · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:37 am Post subject: Re: Secondary Cancer

I rarely say this to anyone… but you have reason to be paranoid! You have had Testicular cancer! And now you are having this unusual mix for symptoms.

Now, there are a couple of things you can do with that “paranoia.”

Option 1: You can live with it and take the risk of this really being a problem.
Option 2: You can let it motivate you to get to a doctor who can tell you the truth… and the truth could be nothing more than an infection.

So, let your “paranoia” motivate you to consult with your own doctor. If you are not satisfied with the answers you are getting, you can always get a second opinion.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

iain · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Surrey, UK

Thanks for the replies. I have brought my checkup appointment forward and will see the oncologist on Tuesday. Common sense really. I will let you know what happens. If it is more than an infection then I will probably have loads of questions. The NHS in the UK isn't great for answering questions!

I'll still worry until tuesday (not excessivly), and I have work to keep me occupied on monday. My previous email regarding work was a bit silly really as that should be the last thing on my mind, but your brain goes a bit loopy at night.

Look forward to telling you I was being paraniod, and thanks again.

brainman · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: Secondary Cancer

Great to hear that you were able to bring forward you appointment with your oncologist!! Your previous message about work did not sound silly at all. Work is an important thing in our lives and cancer can disrupt it. I have been on medical leave since July of 2005… I know what it is like!

May I suggest a couple of things?

1. Write down every question you want to ask the doctor, every symptom you what him to know about, every medication you are on, every medication you are allergic to, and any, who do I say it, unusual food items that you might have had. For example, if you just started eating Tai foods, list that.

2. Take a notebook or a recorder with you to the oncologist. I know that I have been told so many things by my doctors and forgotten them before I got to the car. I remember one time even having to stop at the nurse’s desk on the way out to ask: “Now, what foods did he tell me not to eat with this chemo?” Of course, I have brain cancer and that explains some of it. But information overload explains a lot of the rest. If you do not understand something that the doctor tells you, ask him to repeat it “in layman’s terms.”

We are here for you to help you if you need us.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

ag2006 · New User Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

You're not alone and you are not paranoid. Early this month (April), all my symptoms came back and my neck started bothering me. I knew it felt familiar so I told my doctor immediately. Initially, I felt like you a bit paranoid about my symptoms, but I have every right to be as I know my body and it's not paranoia, it is taking action when you know something is not right. My doctor thought it was probably an infection, but I insisted immediately on a ct/pet scan to find out what it is and yes, the cancer is back and a bone marrow transplant/stem procedure has been recommended, but I am weighting my options.

After having cancer the first time around, you know your body and you know when you are not feeling right. Don't feel paranoid about this. To me, it's taking action for yourself to keep yourself healthy. I know it's scary but as hard as it is, please find that inner strength that will keep you going. Best of luck to you.

Please keep the faith.

Anne

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