Malignant Testicular Yolk Sac Tumor: 13 Days Post-Op
Today marks the 13th day since my precious baby Tubao underwent surgery for a malignant testicular yolk sac tumor. Bright and early in the morning, I tucked a heart filled with both anxiety and hopeful anticipation into my chest and took him back to the hospital for his second alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) recheck.
Memories of Post-Operative Rechecks for Yolk Sac Tumor
I still vividly remember his first post-operative AFP test, which took place during our hospital stay, right in the middle of the May Day holiday. Outside the hospital ward, the air was thick with the lively buzz of festival celebrations—families laughing, kids chasing each other, and the joyful hum of people enjoying their much-anticipated vacation. But inside our small, quiet ward, it was just Tubao and me, clinging to each other in the stillness. Back then, I couldn’t help but fix my eyes on the numbers flashing on the monitor now and then, silently praying with every fiber of my being that each indicator would trend in a favorable direction.
Encouraging AFP Level Trends Over Time
Clutched tightly in my hand are the medical reports from these rechecks, and the numbers on them are like hard-earned medals that bear witness to my baby’s courageous fight against the illness. Let me share them with you:
On April 24, 2024, the day before the yolk sac tumor surgery, Tubao’s AFP level stood at 487.3. The moment I laid eyes on that number, my heart felt as if it was being squeezed tightly in a vice, a wave of dread washing over me.
Then came May 1, 2024, the sixth day after the yolk sac tumor surgery, and the AFP level dropped to 166.6. At that instant, the enormous boulder that had been weighing heavily on my chest seemed to lift a little, and a faint glimmer of hope flickered to life in my heart.
Today, May 8, 2024, the 13th day after the yolk sac tumor surgery, the latest number on the report reads 62.07.
Tips for Fellow Yolk Sac Tumor Patients
Here, I would also like to share a crucial piece of information with all the parents who are going through a similar ordeal: the half-life of AFP in yolk sac tumor is approximately 4 to 5 days. That is why, until Tubao’s AFP level returns to the normal range, I am determined to bring him back to the hospital for a recheck every single week. It may be a tiring routine, but every test is a step closer to ensuring his well-being, and that makes every bit of the effort worthwhile.
Admittedly, Tubao’s AFP level is still above the normal threshold for now. Yet, when I look at the trend of these numbers plummeting exponentially with each passing test, I can clearly sense that his little body is working tirelessly to heal and recover. This is undoubtedly wonderful news—news that warms my heart and fills me with renewed strength.
My dearest little one, who would have thought that such immense courage and resilience could be hidden in your tiny frame? This battle against the cruel illness has been an arduous and exhausting journey for both of us, fraught with countless sleepless nights and anxious moments. But please know this, my sweet Tubao: no matter what challenges lie ahead, Mom will always be right by your side, holding your hand every step of the way. We will walk slowly, steadily, and keep moving forward together.
Keep up the great fight, my brave Tubao! Mom is right here with you, waiting patiently for the day when you are fully recovered, when we can finally leave all the pain and worry behind and embrace a future filled with health, laughter, and endless joy.
Curious about Tubao’s yolk sac tumor diagnosis journey? Just click here: introduce yolk sac tumor with me from 2024.
