Stages and What to do?
Well, I have decision to make about my treatment. The two that are before me are radiation therapy and surveillance. I have had many sleepless nights because of the thought of radiation therapy doesn’t appeal to me in a BIG WAY! But the alternative seems steeped in heavy scheduling and higher possibility of relapse. I would appreciate feedback and/or input about the subject. Options listed below.
Option A: Standard treatment for stage I has been orchiectomy followed by radiation therapy (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks ) to the paraaortic (group of lymph nodes that lie in front of the lumbar vertebral bodies near the aorta) and ipsilateral (being on or affecting the same side of the body) lymph nodes. Success of this treatment is reflected by the fact that fewer than 5% of patients relapse. The cure rate is over 95%.
Option B: Surveillance for stage I seminoma has been orchiectomy followed by blood work at 6 week intervals and CT scans at 3 month intervals for 2 years. 20% of patients who undergo surveillance rather than radiation therapy develop Stage II or Stage III disease. Treatment in this case for stage II or stage III would include surgery and chemotherapy. Then the cure rate is between 85-95%.
Option A: Standard treatment for stage I has been orchiectomy followed by radiation therapy (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks ) to the paraaortic (group of lymph nodes that lie in front of the lumbar vertebral bodies near the aorta) and ipsilateral (being on or affecting the same side of the body) lymph nodes. Success of this treatment is reflected by the fact that fewer than 5% of patients relapse. The cure rate is over 95%.
Option B: Surveillance for stage I seminoma has been orchiectomy followed by blood work at 6 week intervals and CT scans at 3 month intervals for 2 years. 20% of patients who undergo surveillance rather than radiation therapy develop Stage II or Stage III disease. Treatment in this case for stage II or stage III would include surgery and chemotherapy. Then the cure rate is between 85-95%.