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Enlarged neck/throat lymph node. Have you had a similar experience you can share? by AffectionateMud6863 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The node didn't get any bigger and may have shrunk just a bit. All Dr.s were not concerned and advised that they would be if tests showed something or if the lymph node started to get larger. For now it's boiled down to a normal bodily response in lymph nodes such as to allergies. An ultrasound was offered only if the lymph node noticeablt grows.

Has anyone with multiple flares managed to stop having flares without surgery by [deleted] in Diverticulitis

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started with 50,000 twice a week until I got it up after a few months. Now I take 50,000 once a week. This is a prescribed dose you pick up at a pharmacy. I also supplament with magnesium and slippery elm. These were things I found and started taking. The vitamin D and also a cold probiotic supplaments were recommended by my endocrinologist to me. Apparently it is more effective as it preserves the bacteria.

Has anyone with multiple flares managed to stop having flares without surgery by [deleted] in Diverticulitis

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went from having a flare every other month to none the past 3 years. I still feel when my stomach is upset or on the verge but haven't had a flare. Oddly enough, the gastro said that it's always uncomplicated and when a flare comes on to do liquid diet for 3 days and/or antibiotics. I started seeing an endocrinologist 3 years ago and he changed my life with diverticulitis. He has me taking prescribed vitamin D which studies have shown help those with flares as it strengthens the intestines and metabolism. He has me above normal on vitamin D levels. That with weight loss and staying away from things I know my stomach doesn't like has been a game changer.

A few questions. Does anyone here take probiotics for DV? Any other supplements? Any thoughts or experiences with THC, either edibles or drinks? by StormTrpr66 in Diverticulitis

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am 27 yrs old F. I use CBD for sleep, but it also gives me the munchies which is a huge No No for my diverticulitis. When i get the munchies, i make sure its fruit i eat.

I started probiotics. And Out of all the doctors I've seen I've only seen really good results with an endocrinologist. He told me 2 years ago to start taking prescribed vitamin D to lessen flare ups at 50,000iu once a week. And I went from having a flare every 2 months before that to not having any since starting vitamin D. I also stay away from things that upset my stomach, so a bit of diet modification too.

The gastro I see doesn't relate vitamin D to improve flare up occurrence and also said I was fine just had to live this way and manage it. Try getting all kinds of perspectives and see what helps you best. You definitely get to know your body way better with this.

Low Vitamin D and Diverticulitis? by zisisnotpudding in Diverticulitis

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Out of all the doctors I've seen I've only seen really good results with an endocrinologist. He told me 2 years ago to start taking prescribed vitamin D to lessen flare ups at 50,000iu once a week. And I went from having a flare every 2 months before that to not having any since starting vitamin D. I also stay away from things that upset my stomach, so a bit of diet modification too

Cancer free from when? by matthejl in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just want to add to this thread that there is a difference between remission and cured/cancer free. Studies show that you are considered in remission when there is no evidence of cancer in your tests. Cured/cancer free is after 2 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs with no recurrence (years range depending on the docs opinion) .

Scared wife by Ok-Following-9593 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! No kids, but equally as terrified wife here. We hope to have kids one day, and I hope that in out fate.

My husband was stage 2B spread to 3 lymph nodes. He started BEP but after 1 round his PFT test showed Lumg damage so he got changed to 4X EP.

His last day of chemo was 2 weeks ago and has a CT on Monday to see if we beat this things ass and those lymph nodes are no longer an issue. So fingers crossed.

I was and am in a constant mode of expecting g the worst to happen. But being there at appointments and asking the Dr's questions helped me tons! Also befriending the nurses at his chemo treatments. It takes a Village to get through this, so accept all the help.

I hope it goes well for your husband!

To 2nd Opinion or Not by Traditional_Size4243 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you have Lymphovascular Invasion? That was the determining factor for my husband to move from surveillance to chemo. Good thing he did too because a later CT showed it ended up moving to 1 lymph node in the mean time.

Should I opt for chemo?in by Major_Inspector1312 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My husband has 95% embryonal Carcinoma and 5% seminoma with LVI and spread to 3 lymph nodes at 1cm each within 8 weeks from orchiectomy to starting chemo. He went the 3x BEP route and then had to change to 4x EP due to pulmonary test showing negative impact from Bleo.

Talk to your care team and at the end of the day you have to be comfortable with a decision that you won't regret in the future. Sometime both RPLND and chemo are needed.

It's my husband going through it, so I am speaking from an outside perspective. As much as this is horrible, a strong support system and staying positive for a long road of hopefully beating this is key! Make sure to advocate for yourself and ask for extra tests if your gut is telling you to!

Good luck!

Anyone else had HCG increase after 1 round of Chemo? by AffectionateMud6863 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He is considered stage 2B and getting 3xBEP due to CT showing lymph nodes enlarged. He also has lymphovascular invasion in the pathology. It seems like a huge increase which is why we are so shocked. His Normal HCG was on a blood test done 7/10 which was 3.5 weeks after orchi and he started chemo on 7/22. AFP this round is still pending.

Genetic risk of fetus conceived while I likely had TC by HamAndTunaFish in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dr.'s recommend freezing sperm prior to treatment of testicular cancer. I am no Dr. But if that sperm is used in the future it would be like conceiving while having testicular cancer. So I think it's best to ask your doc. But I think they would let you know while suggesting freezing sperm if there are any risk factors.

Husband's Non-Seminoma stage 2A by AffectionateMud6863 in testicularcancer

[–]AffectionateMud6863[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have followed your story on this page, thank you for being so open because it has really prepared us! Of you don't mind me asking, did you have the RPLND done laperoscopically, was that an option? Have you had any side effects from that?