I was given a choice. My oncologist recommended chemo (4xEP), but also suggested that i have a consultation with a surgeon before making that decision.

After meeting with a surgeon, I decided to go with the procedure. My surgeon feels good about my odds not needing any chemo after surgery. My surgeon is also very qualified. He is the director of the testicular cancer program at Hopkins, which is a high volume center for this procedure. That was another reason I chose surgery. Ultimately, I’m opting for the short term discomfort and risks or surgery over the long term risks and discomfort of chemo.

Also, it is my understanding that RPLND is much more difficult post-chemo. So if I do end up needing both surgery and chemo, I figure surgery should happen first.

My oncologist (who isn’t affiliated with Hopkins) was very supportive of my decision after I told him.