Today I went to my appointment with Dr. Rich. My dad came with me this time bacause Jacqui needed to go to the dentist at the same time. There was alot of information that we discussed, and my dad was kinda confused. :) I was at first too.
Dr. Rich was optimistic about the Tumor Markers. They are back in the normal range... for now. He said that there are still 3 options available for me. I can get one course of chemotherapy, RPLND, or surveillance. Because the cancer that I have is a non-seminoma, Dr. Rich was leaning towards the first two before I start surveillance. Non-seminoma is a fast-spreading cancer, rather than a seminoma cancer that isnt as fast-moving. I have been having problems with fatigue, headaches, and not being able to sleep. I lay in bed for 12 hours, but get only 6-7 hours of sleep. I am starting to sleep like my pregnant wife. Because of the headaches, Dr. Rich ordered a few tests. He tested my blood to see where my testosterone level is at. He also ordered a MRI of my head to see if there possibly is any cancer located there. I sure hope not. We also discussed what option I have as far as a RPLND (Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection). He said that this may be my best option to start with of the three. He is going to speak with Dr. Landau, the urologist who perform my orcheitomy, to discuss a good surgeon to go to for the RPLND. I will have a consultation with that surgeon sometime this month to discuss the surgery and the benefits for my particular case. I am in a bind right now. I have a lease with my apartment that goes through the end of March. I dont want to wait until after then to do my surgery. I want to take proactive steps to make sure that I am doing everything to cure my cancer. I am going tomorrow to talk to the manager to see if we can get out of our lease early. Jacqui is doing everything that she can to help. She has an interview tomorrow to get a part-time job at Target. I dont want her to work, but sometimes you have to accept help whether you want to or not. Money is definitely going to be a problem if I am not working. I am very lucky that I have family and friends that have offered to help with all the challenges that I will face in the next couple of months.
Everyday I pray that I will be able to be healthy when my baby comes into this world. She deserves to have both parents, a mother and a father, to take care of her. I dont want to burden Jacqui with the task of trying to take care of two people. I love her forever, but she needs to be pampered too. She did alot for me during my orcheitomy, and I dont imagine her doing any less if I have an RPLND.
I truly have caring people around me, even at work. Every week I have a handful of people asking me how my blood work, tests, or doctor vists went that week. Michelle even cried today at work when I told her I am planning on getting the RPLND surgery. Sometimes the best thing to do when someone is crying is to give them a big hug. Thats kinda hard when you are at work. Thanks for everything that you did for me Michelle! :)
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