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Partner about to start BEP Chemo - I'm scared :-(

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Hi all,


My boyfriend had to endure an orchidectomy four weeks ago for suspected testicular cancer.  The CT scan he had two weeks ago has sadly resulted in the diagnosis we were dreading.  It has indeed been testicular cancer (a vigorous form but the exact name of it currently unknown - everything has flown by so quickly).  All we know is that the CT has shown enlarged lymph nodes (the ones it usually spreads to first - by the kidneys at the back) but also there are two small blips shown on his lungs too.  So he is in for 3 x cycles of BEP chemo starting in a few days time.

I've never known anyone personally go through chemotherapy and I'm scared.  I've done a lot of reading on this website (and others) - wasn't sure if googling it was a good idea or not!  But I'm pleased I have.  The consultant has said they are looking to cure him and the prognosis of full recovery is excellent.  But I can't help but worry that testicular cancer is indeed highly curable but is the prognosis as good given its spread to the lymph nodes and seemingly the lungs too? 

He's having to have 3 cycles of BEP with 3 night stays in hospital each 21 days and also back on days 8 and 15 between each cycle too to have the B drug.  My concern about this is that, from what I have read, being on a 21 day cycle at least gives your body/white blood cells/etc time to recover (a little) between cycles but how is it on a day 8 and 15 regime too?  Has anyone direct experience of this?

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    Hi, my mum is having chemo treatment for a rare form of Tcell lymphoma  and I have spent hours googling to find out as much info as possible about the cancer itself and its treatment. As scary as it has been finding out, it has been worth it too as I have then known exactly what goes on with the treatment and prognosis. Some people are different and don't want to know, but I find it easier to cope if I have as much info as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the hospital - there is no such thing as a daft question. I'm afraid I don't have any experience of the chemo your partner is having, my mum is having CHOP chemo, but the hospital said she may have side effects, she may not. My advice would be to prepare yourselves for them (we didn't), as  as the more you can prepare for the better. Keeping away from germs etc is key for us and her. For her next round we are getting face masks, gloves and aprons for the house to try and keep her as safe and germ free as possible when she comes home. Oh and lots of anti bacterial gel! As I mentioned, we are going through different chemo to your partner, but feel free to  send a message if you want to get stuff off your chest . It's hard to do it on your own without speaking to people and I've found talking to strangers is sometimes easier. Hope all goes well for you and your other half. 

     

     

     

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    i found out i have rectal cacer  and i got to have radioand cemo

  • Offline in reply to blueface

    I have had chemo  radiotherapy  and bracheatherapy  (internal  radiotherapy ) for 2 forms of cancer, l can't  remember  much  of 2012 BUT l am  ok. All l can say is be positive,  listen to all the advice given and act on it and go with the flow, if your body says sleep then sleep, sit and do nothing, then do it. I found that l had chemotherapy  on thursday,  was ok til Saturday   and then didn't  want  to  know anybody  or anything. Then Tuesday  afternoon  around 1pm it was as though  someone  had  turned  on a light and things improved from there. By 2nd week things were nearly normal 3rd week was when l did things like shopping,  then back for more chemo. Take all the help offered even meals prepared  and frozen  by friends,  the first week l needed them. Remember  STAY POSITIVE  AND  GOOD  LUCK 

  • Offline in reply to nyliram

    Thanks everyone for your replies and apologies I haven't logged on since my first post.

    Since my initial post, my partner has had his first three night cycle of the BEP chemo.  I think naively we had all presumed this first cycle wouldn't be "too bad" because he was going in fit.... we were wrong, he's taken it hard and still isn't right.  He's due back in tomorrow for a day visit of just Bleomycin so we're all really hoping that the Bleomycin by itself doesn't knock him back even further.  We're all worried that if he's this rough with the chemo already then what on earth will he be like by June when (hopefully) his treatment will be complete.  It doesn't bare thinking about.  All we can do is keep hopeful that he makes a marked improvement between now and his next three night cycle in another two weeks time  :-\

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    I did CBOP BEP 20 ago, for liver. lung and lympth cancer which may of been a secondary of testicular cancer 10 years before, It was hard work but saved my life, Please make him ask for support after when he gets out of this.

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