Sean Martella's Testicular Cancer Update Blog: Sean Update from Taffy

Monday, August 25, 2008

Sean Update from Taffy

As most of you know, Sean went in for surgery today at St. Marks to remove the tumor mass in his abdomen that had started to grow again following his chemotherapy. It took about 6 hours to complete because of the delicate nature of the surgery. The lymph node that they had to remove was attached around the aorta and vena cava, and according to his surgeon, Dr. Lane Childs, it was like it was super glued to the arteries. It was the stickiest one that he has ever removed, and made for a challenge in getting it out of there. It left a little residual film behind that couldn't be safely removed, so we're not 100% sure that he was able to get it all, but the doctor still feels like it was a success. We will have to wait a couple of days for the pathology report to come back to see if anything else will need to be done.

As far as the hospital stay goes... Sean has a tube running from his nostril down the back of his throat and into his stomach to help in relieving the stomach of any gas. He will need to keep that in until Wednesday, and will be unable to eat or drink anything until they remove that. He's on an IV to keep him hydrated and he's being cathed for the time being. He will need to stay in the hospital until his bowels are functioning properly and he's able to eat normally, which could take about a week. It all depends on how quickly the plumbing starts working again.

He was pretty out of it today which was understandable, but was aware enough to tell his sweetheart and new bride how he felt about her. When he opened his eyes for the first time after the surgery, he looked at Karen and said, "Hi sweetie...I love you"! How cute! Of course Karen's been an angel by his side, making sure that he's comfortable and taken care of.

Thanks for all of the love and concern that you all have shown for Sean and our family. We will try to keep you all posted with the latest. Love to you all...

Aunt Taffy

3 comments:

Miss Megan said...: Sean is one of the bravest people I know! Here's to a speedy recovery for Sean and Karen...*hug*; August 26, 2008 at 6:34 AM
Englishfam said...: Sean you are amazing. Here's to a speedy recovery! Love you guys!; August 26, 2008 at 7:33 AM
Ann Marie said...: Make sure and keep us updated! We will continue to keep in in our prayers! I'm glad the surgery went well!; August 26, 2008 at 8:30 AM

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The Rundown

Okay, so here is how it all started and where we are at now (short version):

Throughout 2007, I had lower back pain. The back pain got worse and worse. Finally, a doctor ordered bloodwork, which showed that I was anemic. A CT scan was ordered that showed widespread cancer that had originated in my right testicle. There were small metastases in the lungs and large tumors in the abdomen.

In January of 2008 I had a right orchiechtomy surgery done (right testicle removal). A biopsy was done that showed a nonseminoma/seminoma mixture. I was diagnosed as stage 3 high risk. I went on a BEP regimen (Bleomycin,Etoposide, and Cisplatin) of chemotherapy that lasted 12 weeks. All this was done at home in Salt Lake City under the direction of Dr. Nitin Chandramouli. After it was done, a CT scan showed that all cancer was inactive except for the largest tumor in my abdomen. Circa June '08.

In August of 2008 I underwent an RPLND (Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection) in SLC. The surgery appeared successful but a subsequent CT scan showed the cancer had spread to my liver in a couple spots. In September of '08 I was taken to Indiana where Dr. Einhorn (inventor of platinum based chemo and recognized testicular cancer specialist) practices. Under his direction, I received three weeks of salvage chemotherapy. After the salvage, I underwent two rounds of high dose chemotherapy (5x strength Carboplatin and Etoposide). Before undergoing treatment, my stem cells were harvested so that they could be given to my severely weakened body after treatment. I achieved a complete remission in December of '08

As part of maintenance, I took a VP-16 etoposide pill until April of 2009. I remained in remission until July when my blood markers began elevating again. A PET scan revealed a localized tumor in my abdominal cavity, near the vena cava. I was taken to Indiana again, where Dr. Beck performed a second RPLND. The surgery was difficult but successful. At the cost of half a kidney, a bowel obstruction, a possible blood clot, and several weeks in the hospital I was in remission again.

In October of 2009 I relapsed again. I began a regimen containing Taxol and Gemcitabine. At the time there were small metastases in my liver, lungs, and abdomen. Taxol/Gemzar failed in early 2010

In late January of 2010, after having several months of normal blood tests, the AFP marker began to rise again. Tumors in my abdomen, lungs, and liver began appearing again.

In March 2010, I went to Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Hospital in New York and began a clinical trial under the guidance of Dr. Darren Feldman. The ARQ-197 pill looked like a good side-effect free choice to try and fight the cancer.

In April 2010, the trial was determined not to be effective for me. New tumors appeared and disease progression showed no signs of slowing. A tumor on my spine threatening paralysis was of particular danger. Fearing that consequence, I underwent a short course of radiation on that tumor and another in my hip.

I have multiple lesions in my lungs, liver, and other areas that continue to grow. Currently, I am in the process of having my tumor profiled on a molecular level by TGen. TGen is a company that is based out of Arizona. They look at tumor's case by case, on a genetic level, to determine new and unused courses of treatment that will be as effective as possible for that individual.

Because that process takes a while, and the treatment itself may not be covered by insurance, I just started a regimen of Oxaliplatin as well. Oxali is effecive in 20% of people in my situation. The regimen often comes with a lot of neuropathy and cold sensitivity. I started this regimen on 5/12/10 and am still waiting to here about how it's working.

Sean Martella's Testicular Cancer Update Blog

Monday, August 25, 2008

Sean Update from Taffy

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