Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.
Note: We are not adding all of the specific testing procedures completed or pathology/biopsy results in the story however if you or someone you are caring for are going through Testicular Cancer we encourage you to reach out to us with any extra questions that you may have.
Cancer Round 1: In 2007 Ryan was diagnosed with Stage III Testicular Cancer. He underwent an immediate Orchiectomy @ St.Cloud. Hospital. Following surgery he did undergo BEP chemotherapy @ the Coborn Cancer Center. Following chemotherapy Ryan then had an RPLND @ Mayo & was found to have mature metastatic teratoma in both the pelvic & mediastinum area. Lymph nodes were removed from the pelvic area which unfortunately resulted in retrograde ejaculation as the nerve had to be severed which means Ryan cannot have children naturally. Following the RPLND Ryan underwent a Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy. These lymph nodes are located behind the sternum so the surgeon did have to open the sternum where Ryan does now have staples in place. Following this procedure there were multiple ER & Urgent care trips due to Costochondritis which is an inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs attach to the sternum. This was at times brought on from heavy lifting or at times just random. A Prednisone pack always took care of it. This went on for several years but has now finally stopped occurring altogether. With a lot of follow ups, blood work & scans the Cancer was beat!
Ryan did have multiple lumps that showed up in the chest & neck area in the years following but after removal the pathology was consistently clear of cancer.
Cancer Round 2: At the end of 2019 a much larger lump showed up on the side of Ryan’s neck. He followed up with his Primary MD & proceeded with having imaging & general surgery consults. By the time it was decided that the best solution would be to do a needle biopsy Covid had started. Appts were on hold & no surgeries we’re being completed unless urgently needed. In June the needle biopsy was finally completed & pathology was sent to Mayo for comparison of past biopsies. The pathology results returned & it was determined it was in fact Testicular Cancer that has recurred. Ryan scheduled an appt with an Oncologist at the Fraueshuh Cancer Center in St.Louis Park. The Oncologist determined Ryan should have a consult with both an ENT Surgeon as well as a Thoracic Surgeon to determine which would be best to remove the lump. The ENT Surgeon & a partner of his agreed to complete the neck dissection together. Ryan had his FIRST neck dissection in July at Methodist Hospital. There were 2 cancerous tumors removed at that time. The pathology results showed that these were non seminoma germ cell tumors that are predominately yolk sac tumors. Following the surgery recovery in October Ryan had observed a few lumps that he could feel in the same general area of where he had his dissection. He was scheduled for a PET scan & unfortunately it was found that there were a string of pearls as they called them that were showing up as Cancer. The Oncologists recommendation was again to have these surgically removed. At this point we decided that going for a 2nd opinion at Mayo would be best. We met with the Oncologist at Mayo who also made the recommendation that having an ENT Surgeon at Mayo take a look would be best. The ENT Surgeon recommended undergoing a SECOND neck dissection. Ryan had the surgery completed at Mayo Hospital in November. Pathology came back that there were 14 tumors that were removed & all were cancerous. Three weeks later when an Ultrasound was completed among many other tests they showed another nodule in the mediastinal area. They completed a biopsy & pathology was returned that it was indeed the same Cancer. The ENT surgeon stated he could surgically remove the nodule & the Oncologist agreed with the plan of a THIRD neck dissection being completed. Surgery was completed December 21st & the surgeon stated unlike the others that were attached to lymph nodes this 1 was embedded into a muscle. The muscle wasn’t a needed muscle so the entire tumor along with the muscle was removed. Again pathology returned that it was indeed the same Cancer. We followed up with the Oncologist at Mayo & after numerous discussions with colleagues & previous surgeons from the 2007 surgeries it was determined that having Ryan undergo another round of chemotherapy would be the best solution at this time. The Mayo Oncologist did give the Oncologist in St.Louis Park a rundown of everything & his recommendations so that Ryan can undergo chemotherapy closer to home. Ryan is scheduled to begin chemotherapy on 1/18/21. The chemotherapy will be a bit different this time it is called VIP chemotherapy. With the higher risk side effects this will unfortunately have to be given inpatient. Ryan will be hospitalized Monday through Friday to be hooked up to receive chemotherapy for a duration of 8-9 hours a day. He will then get to discharge that following Saturday in which he will need to receive a Neulasta injection prior to going home. This is to increase the production of white blood cells. He will then recover for 2 weeks then return on Monday Feb 8th for round 2 of chemo. His 3rd & last round of chemotherapy will be the week of Monday, March 1st.
Ryan finished VIP chemotherapy however a tumor does remain. AFP tumor levels are still slightly elevated as well.
4/22/21: Ryan had a 4th neck dissection to remove tumor. They will send off for pathology. CT scans & lab work to be done at the end of June to follow up.
6/3/21: There currently are 2 nodules/lumps in the same area. The newer 1 is a larger size & more deep into the muscle fibers. The Oncologist has ordered a CT scan to be done today @ 4pm versus waiting until end of June. CT scans apparently show scar tissue.
6/24/21; Oncologist & ENT have completed in person exams & don’t feel that the nodules/lumps are scar tissue. Needle biopsy being performed same day.
6/28/21: Biopsy has showed that this is the same germ cell Cancer. While there are currently no other cures there are possibly supportive treatments.
7/13/21: Phone consult with Dr.Einhorn. Cancer is deemed incurable.
Ryan’s been doing pretty well up until about a week ago in which he is now utilizing oxygen, nebulizer treatments & hospice comfort medications daily. He’s still able to drive, walk around & be lightly active but gets winded & exhausted easily. A lot more coughing, coughing up phlegm & traces of blood, wheezing & chest pain periodically. He’s lost about 45 pounds but he’s still hanging tough!
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