III. Options
Dear All
I hope this update finds you all well.
When I last wrote, around two weeks ago I had just had the Orchidectomy (removal of my left testicle) following the diagnosis of testicular cancer. It has been an interesting two weeks, initially overcoming the walk of a cowboy and secondly waiting with apprehension for the meeting with the Oncologist. I just wanted to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and kind notes during this time - it has been very supportive indeed and I feel my family and I are very fortunate to have such amazing friends and colleagues.
I talked in previous updates of how humbling an experience this has been and none more so than visiting the St Lukes Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital this morning.
St Lukes Cancer Centre is affiliated to the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital and therefore the treatment protocols, training and communication follows that of the Marsden.
I met with the Registrar, a sharply intelligent and witty man who talked me through my diagnosis (stage 2a Seminoma testicular cancer) the options for treatment and possible side effects. He also reviewed the impact of my hereditary spherocytosis, possible infections and long term outcome. The Registrar was very positive that they intended to cure me (97% cure rate for this diagnosis, to my great relief) but the question was how, and ensuring the least side effects.
The options:
- 1 cycle Carboplatin + 20Gy radiotherapy in 10 fractions
- 4 cycles EP (Etopside, Cisplatin)
- 3 cycles of BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin)
Discussions suggested that the first option of Carboplatin and Radiotherapy was the treatment of choice from the Marsden and offered fewer side effects.
We were then joined by the Consultant, apparently the big boss in terms of testicular cancer at St Luke's; his manner was slower in pace and he reiterated the same points from as the Registar, with the addition that he would like to review my case at the joint meeting with the Marsden in 2 weeks. However, I should have all the preliminary prep, including banking of things that need to be banked, kidney tests and further bloods. Both Dr The Registrar and Consultant were superb, answering all the intelligent questions my wife had and reassuring me in simple words that everything will be fine.
For those that are wondering, this isn't the treatment course followed by the highly successful cyclist Lance Armstrong, nonetheless I do not think this will alter my chances of winning the Tour de France....
With treatment starting in 2 weeks or so, I look forward to being back in the office tomorrow, at the PCMG next week and speaking with you all soon. I am still rather keen to raise awareness of testicular cancer so please feel free to forward this update.
Best wishes
Stuart McGuire
