Yolk Sac Tumor Post-Op Day 358: Our Son’s Milestone

Today marks testicular yolk sac tumor post-op day 358 for my son, Tubao. In just 7 days, it will be one full year since his tumor removal surgery. Holding his latest follow-up report, tears of relief rolled down my face—not from sorrow, but from overwhelming gratitude. This is our victory, our light at the end of the tunnel, and I want to share this joy, hope, and experience with every family fighting the same battle.

Yolk Sac Tumor Follow-Up Results: All Clear & Stable

First, the good news: all follow-up results are normal! On April 16 (post-op day 358), his alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 2.15 ng/ml. The previous check-up was on March 3 (post-op day 309), with an AFP of 2.17 ng/ml. Both numbers are steady, well within the normal range, with no fluctuations at all.

We delayed the March follow-up by a few days. Tuber had a fever in mid-February and took medication—I didn’t want the drugs to skew his AFP results. For the April check-up, I scheduled it for mid-month to avoid pricking him twice (once early in the month, and again at the 1-year mark at the end of April). Every needle pricked my heart; I wanted to spare him as much pain as possible.

Key Tests: Ultrasound & Lung CT Update

Every follow-up, two tests make me hold my breath: abdominal/groin ultrasound and lung CT. Yolk sac tumor is known for its potential to spread, so these tests are non-negotiable.

The full abdominal and genital ultrasound came back perfect—no abnormalities, no signs of recurrence. The lung CT was identical to the one from six months ago. The doctor pointed to the scan and asked if Tuber had ever had left-sided pneumonia. I remembered a past pneumonia, but couldn’t recall the side; the scan confirmed it was the left. Comparing the two scans, he assured us it was just a small residual change, nothing to worry about.

Yolk Sac Tumor Follow-Up Schedule: What We Learned

The doctor gave us great news about adjusting the follow-up frequency—proof that Tubao is healing well. Here’s the new plan:

• AFP blood tests: Every 2–3 months (no longer than 3 months max)
• Abdominal ultrasound + lung CT: Every 6 months

He emphasized that the yolk sac tumor most commonly spreads to the lungs. Skipping lung CTs is not an option—consistency is key to catching any issues early.

One Year of Struggle: Our Son’s Courage Shone Through

Looking back, this year felt like a never-ending fight. The day Tuber was diagnosed with a testicular yolk sac tumor, my world crashed. Sleepless nights, silent tears, overwhelming helplessness—I felt like I was drowning, but I had to stay strong for him.

I researched nonstop, asked every doctor I could, and tracked every check-up date, result, and instruction in a notebook. I couldn’t afford to make a single mistake.

But the bravest warrior was Tuber himself. Every time we went for blood draws, he’d cheer himself on in the car: “Brave Tuber gets the needle, only cry once.” He kept his promise—even when it hurt, he cried softly, then smiled and said “goodbye” to the nurse after the needle was pulled out. At such a young age, he’s fought through surgery, endless tests, and needles—stronger than many adults.

Yolk Sac Tumor Recurrence Rate: A Ray of Hope

The doctor shared a statistic that gave us peace: the recurrence rate for yolk sac tumor is less than 2% after one year post-surgery. That sentence felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. We’ve crossed the biggest hurdle—the one-year mark. The road ahead is long, and we’ll keep up with follow-ups, but we can finally breathe a little easier.

To Fellow Families: You Are Not Alone

If you’re a parent fighting testicular yolk sac tumor with your child, I want you to know: you’re not alone. This journey is hard—full of tears, fear, and exhaustion—but don’t give up. Kids are stronger than we think. With consistent follow-ups, careful care, and unwavering hope, you will see the light.

Every normal check-up is a win. Every smile from your child is fuel to keep going. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.

Our Wish for the Future

Post-op day 358 is a milestone—not the end, but a new beginning. I don’t ask for Tuber to be perfect. I only ask for him to grow up healthy, safe, and happy—free from pain, free from fear.

To every child fighting a yolk sac tumor: keep fighting. You are brave, you are loved, and you will beat this. The world is waiting to see you thrive.

Here’s to more healthy days, more smiles, and a future filled with hope. We did it, Tuber—and we’ll keep doing it, together.