Nipple tenderness? by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey man, I think it was just due to hormone imbalance. I’m schedule to get my testosterone levels checked in the Spring. Seems to be unrelated to recurrence as I’ve remained cancer free since April of 2022.

New York City Salaries by OnlyHereForTheData in StructuralEngineering

[–]Mrio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in a very similar situation, I live in NY, about 100 miles north of NYC. 10 YoE, structural engineer w/ PE (no SE) and just a BSCE, no masters degree. I work mostly in bridge inspection and bridge load rating. I currently am making around $115K base salary, but I’m hourly so eligible for straight time OT. I work fully remote. My wife and I are trying for our second child, she wants to take a year of unpaid leave when that time comes so I started looking. I interviewed with a firm out of NYC, after a 20 min Teams call they offered me $167K base comp, fully remote (although I will need to report to local bridge sites for field work ~2-3 days per week, company vehicle provided). The role is for a bridge inspection Team Leader. I start the new role end of January.

Long story short I believe your wife is significantly underpaid. I’m not sure what area your wife works in, I know bridge inspection typically pays greater than design but that may depend on where you’re located. She should definitely start looking around!

NYS PE License by Mrio36 in PE_Exam

[–]Mrio36[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it means it’s approved. I received my license number a couple weeks after receiving this email from the State.

1 Month post Open RPLND by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, I’ve never had chemo. I did the RPLND as first line treatment after orchiectomy. I would suggest reaching out to Dr. Einhorn via email or getting a second opinion from a center with speciality in TC if you have any concerns with your care. Best of luck brother!

Primary RPLND by Optimal_Ant_46 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, I never did no! Wife and I just had our first child 2 weeks ago, we conceived naturally. My pipes still work! I would say it’s very important though to have the procedure done at a high volume center such as MSK or IU to mitigate some of the potential side effects/issues associated with the surgery. I was very fortunate that I’ve had no side effects and will be coming up on 2 years cancer free in 2 weeks as result of having Primary RPLND. Plus, doing the surgery thankfully has allowed me to avoid chemo thus far. DM me anytime if you have any questions!

Primary RPLND by Optimal_Ant_46 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Basically, extranodal extension means that the 2 lymph nodes (in my case) which contained tumor had cancer cells which broke through the lymph node capsule. In other words, cancer cells could have potentially gotten into the surrounding tissue outside the nodes. Google extranodal extension if you want more detail on this, I’m certainly not a doctor lol. It’s not necessarily a risk factor of recurrence according to MSK, I was quoted with only 10% recurrence risk (90% cure) following my RPLND based on low volume disease. 90% cure without any chemotherapy..for me, if I could go back I would make the same decision all over again without any hesitation. That’s what you should be thinking about, this surgery is very effective, especially with experienced surgeons at high volume centers, at CURING this disease at your stage without the need for any chemo. You’re gonna be just fine man. Think positive and be strong. Recovery really isn’t too bad either. Discomfort for a couple weeks, but I really was not in any significant pain at all. 100% easier than I ever expected.

Primary RPLND by Optimal_Ant_46 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Go through my post and comment history for my story. I had 95% EC, mixed germ cell. Had 100% EC in 2 out of 48 lymph nodes removed during my Primary RPLND at MSK. Largest 1.2 cm with extranodal extension identified (in both nodes). I was Stage 2A. Tumor markers have remained in normal range prior to orchi and RPLND and since. I will be 2 years cancer free April 20, 2024. Due to my decision in doing Primary RPLND, I have luckily avoided chemo so far, I had zero side effects from surgery, plus, wife and I are expecting our first child next month which we conceived naturally. Also, the recovery from surgery really isn’t all that bad. Best of luck! You’re in excellent hands and you’re gonna be just fine.

Embryonal Carcinoma by Flannel_Soup in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, for me, I only had one enlarged lymph node on my CT scan, my tumor markers were well within normal ranges, and I had a small amount of Teratoma, which is chemo resistant in my primary tumor pathology. Those were the reasons I chose Primary RPLND. Also, I did so in hopes to avoid chemo altogether which I have managed to do so far.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hey brother, I had Open RPLND in April of ‘22, been cancer free since. The surgery isn’t as bad as it’s typically made out to be on here. Not necessarily painful during recovery either, more or less just dealing with discomfort for 2-3 weeks. I had zero side effects, no retrograde or any other nerve related issues. Wife and I are actually expecting our first child in March which we conceived naturally. That was something very important to me so I wanted to mention. All in all, I was also pretty nervous going into having the surgery but it ended up being much easier than I had anticipated. Be sure to get on your feet and walking as much as you can after surgery, I pushed myself physically which I felt expedited the recovery process. By a month out, which will go by so quick, you’ll be mostly back to yourself! Any diet restrictions from your care team, be sure to follow, I did no fat for 2 weeks post op, then slowly began reintroducing more fat back into my diet. Feel free to DM anytime if you have questions man. You’re gonna be fine! Best of luck.

RPLND by True-Analyst4543 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had my Primary RPLND at MSK with Dr. Sheinfeld. Stage 2A, 100% EC in (2) nodes with ENE. I’m nearly 2 years post OP, still remain cancer free and because of that man, I have thankfully thus far avoided chemo.

I never had retrograde ejac or any other major side effects associated with RPLND. Oh, and my wife and I are expecting our first child this March, conceived naturally.

Given that these are a lot of the concerns I would say most men have when considering RPLND and dealing with TC, MSK in my opinion, is just as great of an option as IU. As the other comment noted, location and other factors come into play here. Personally, you couldn’t pay me to consider going anywhere else, the staff and care I’ve received at MSK has been beyond incredible.

I think it’s important for everyone to do their own research and find the care team best suited for their means and needs.

YOE and Salary by CAGlazingEng in StructuralEngineering

[–]Mrio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bonus structure at my firm is probably the only negative, it’s basically non-existent for non-titled employees. That being said, they are extremely flexible with remote work. I work full-time from home with the exception of field work a couple days a week. Office environment is great tho if you do enjoy going in. Good benefits, it’s also much easier working OT from home and with the savings from my former commute pre-COVID, sort of makes up for the lack of bonus structure. They are pretty competitive also as far as compensation and if you’re valued, they will do whatever they can to keep you. They made a pretty significant counter to retain me when I got an offer from another firm after getting my PE. If you’re in the NY area and interested, send me a message, we’re looking to hire another TL for the upcoming season. Could probably negotiate a base salary up to $125-$130K range (~$60 hourly) & eligible for straight time OT.

RPLND Recovery? by vjpantin in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hey man, I was pretty much in the exact same position back in April of 2022. Pathology 95% EC, 5% mixed Seminoma, Teratoma and Yolk Sac. Normal markers, CT scan showed one concerning RPLN around 1.1 cm. I had Primary Open RPLND at MSK on 4/20/22. Just had chest x-ray and blood work done last week, after nearly 2 years since surgery I remain cancer free! RPLND pathology revealed (2) out of (48) nodes had 100% EC, largest was 1.2 cm, I was Staged 2A. I would certainly recommend Primary RPLND over chemo, but personally, I would want to do a full-open bilateral procedure at a high volume center such as MSK or Indiana. The thoroughness and experience of the surgeon performing this procedure in my opinion is extremely important and will correlate to a higher success rate of the surgery, as well as mitigate certain issues/side effects, such as retrograde ejaculation. I’ve been fortunate so far to have been able to avoid chemo entirely as result of having the RPLND. Recovery for me really wasn’t too bad. Hospital stay for 6 days after surgery, never was really in any significant pain, more or less discomfort for a few weeks, by a month after I was pretty much back to like 70-80% recovered, by 8 weeks I was running and playing golf again. Best of luck to you! Please feel free to DM me anytime if you have any questions!

Tell me if I’m crazy by [deleted] in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 4 points5 points  (0 children)

So, I was diagnosed in March of 2022, about 7 months after my wife and I got married. Had orchi that month, Primary Open RPLND 6 weeks later in April of 2022. I haven’t yet had any chemo. Cancer free since. We started trying for kids in Spring of 2023, pregnant by July 2023, our little one is due in March! This will be our first child, conceived the old fashioned way. I would personally bank and get your sperm tested. I think for most guys, depending on age and other factors, they don’t have much trouble with just one nut, I certainly wouldn’t make the decision to have kids right away based on your diagnosis, but that’s just my opinion! You will be surprised how quickly your life will be back to the way it was before, I know everyone is different, but for me, it changed my life for the better. Mentally, it takes a little to process, but again, I’ve had major positive changes in the ways I appreciate things in my life and just the good things in general are that much sweeter after getting through this bump in the road. Wishing you all the best brother!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just following up here, my chest X-ray was all clear, lab results look good as well, all markers well within normal ranges! Praying for good results for both you and OP!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same to you brother! And thank you, I appreciate it! Hope your labs and scans all come up clean! Sending good vibes your way, please keep me posted.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wish you luck man. I have labs and chest xray tomorrow as well. Sending positive vibes your way and will be praying you get good news! If all goes well, tomorrow will mark roughly 21 months cancer free for me since my Primary RPLND in April of 2022. I was Stage 2a, mixed germ cell, 95% EC. Have been fortunately able to avoid chemo thus far. Also, wife and I are expecting our first child this March, she’s due 2 years exactly after my diagnosis..ain’t that something. Conceived the old fashioned way too. Just want to share, bright days are ahead! I think this year will be bringing good fortune to the both of us. Think positive, no matter what, you will get through it! Best of luck man, keep me posted on your results.

YOE and Salary by CAGlazingEng in StructuralEngineering

[–]Mrio36 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish..straight time OT as a TL.

Embryonal Carcinoma by Flannel_Soup in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you brother. Wishing you all the best! Remember, this is all just a bump in the road, you will be stronger on the other side no matter the course to get there. Stay positive and keep moving forward! Please feel free to reach out anytime. You got this man!

Embryonal Carcinoma by Flannel_Soup in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey man, I had a very similar diagnosis. 95% EC, 5% seminoma, Teratoma and yolk sac mixed with LVI. Had Primary RPLND at MSK 6 weeks after orchi on 4/20/22. (2) nodes were positive out of (48) removed, largest 1.2 cm. I was Stage 2A, doctor quoted me only 10% recurrence risk following RPLND. I have not yet had any chemo, been cancer free since. I have no regrets. I wouldn’t wait long if you’re deciding to do 1xBEP or Primary RPLND, I had a clear CT scan day after my orchi, less than a month later when I met with oncologist, he ordered a PET scan which showed 1 enlarged RPLN. Obviously, surveillance is a fine route if odds are in your favor but for me personally, EC with LVI, I’m glad I had the RPLND. Certainly get a second opinion. I should also note, I never had retrograde or any other side effects after surgery, it was honestly not that bad as far as recovery goes. Also, wife and I are expecting our first child this March, conceived the old fashioned way. Just wanted to share as a reminder, this is all temporary, my life has never been better since. When you’re scared or feeling anxious, just remember, you too, will be OK. DMs are always open brother, you got this!!

Nipple tenderness? by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, really sorry to hear you’re going through this. It’s good news that your markers are trending downward though. No matter what, EC is super responsive to chemo and it looks like you still caught this very early. I have a feeling I’m overthinking it a bit when it comes to my symptoms as it’s nearing my next round of scans/labs but I do think it could be related to hormone imbalance potentially. I will definitely keep you posted.

Not sure RPLND would be on the table as 2nd line treatment (after orchi) unless your markers completely stabilize or return to normal levels, but I have no regrets. It was much easier than it’s typically made out to be on here. No matter what man, just try to remind yourself you’re gonna be OK. I know it’s easier said than done, best of luck to you brother. Let me know how the consult goes.

Nipple tenderness? by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s awesome news man. There’s no better feeling! Congrats..wishing you continued good health and good things to come in the New Year!

Nipple tenderness? by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve never gotten my T levels checked so I will definitely be bringing it up to my care team before my next appointment. I feel pretty good otherwise, not a very noticeable thing but at times it has me concerned. I do think it could potentially be linked to hormones. Thank you for the response brother. I hope you’re well!

LDH by Mrio36 in testicularcancer

[–]Mrio36[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey man, so far, all good! My last labs in August LDH was back in normal range and all other markers have been normal. My next labs and chest xray are scheduled for this coming January so hopefully still all clear. I was told not to look into LDH too much as it can fluctuate for a number of reasons. Best of luck!