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As a 23 year old, sitting on a Melbourne beach, halfway through a round-the-world trip, I had very very little to be worried about. Having swam in alligator infested waters, jumped out of 2 aeroplanes, taken to the road in some very questionable vehicles, and numerous other little adventures I figured worth the risk, I felt quite invincible as I applied sunscreen to my hopelessly shiny Irish body.

Everything was fairly perfect.....except for that niggling little pain in my lower abdomen. Barely noticable, but fairly constant, I overlooked it for a few days before figuring it was probably worth investigating a bit more. I do regularly check myself, but hadnt done so in two months, maybe a little more, so I thought it worth a look. I didnt find a lump, but did notice there was some hardness on my right testicle, a shell (if you will). I took a trip to the local doctor, figuring it simply not worth waiting on. He, in turn, referred me for an ultrasound, which showed a tumor on my right testicle, which would need to be dealt with immediately. I sorted everything out for a quick return home and boarded my flight.

A week later, I had an Orchiectomy. I was very much aware of the stigma of having a testicle removed; but didn't let it concern me. The medical team were hugely helpful and always explained everything brilliantly and answered any questions I might have had. Surrounding yourself with accurate information is simply the only way to deal with these situations, in my opinion. The first set of tumor markers showed that I wouldnt need chemotherapy, but there may be a chance in the future for these to change.

6 Months into my surveillance I was told I would need 3 cycles of BEP chemotherapy. Again, I asked every question I felt I needed to, which in turn helped me explain the process to my friends and family. Talking about it in this way removed the fear alot. Its simple- it would most likely cure me, but might make for a difficult period of time. Ill take the cure.

During treatment I found it hugely important to accept any side-effect that came, but not only around waiting for them- I would eat as well as I could, take the correct medications, listen to my doctors/ nurses and keep my head up. Taking to something with a fearful attitude would only make it harder. It's the cure, let it do its thing. No one really ever likes the taste of cough medicine, but we drink that!

All blood work has gone as hoped- and thanks to the excellent medical team and their brilliant approach (and perhaps a bit of luck that I wasnt in the middle of a jungle when I got the pain) I'm back to full health. Being within the system was always more comforting than being unsure and 'alone' when originally concerned by a symptom, the information and realities of the statistics helped keep things positive throughout.

As clichéd as it may sound, getting yourself checked out and discussing these issues in the open is of huge importance, and something my own friends and family have taken on board since my diagnosis. It's a simple change, that can literally save your life.

KF