shared stories

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

I was diagnosed with testiclar cancer in Dec 2007. My cancer had spread by that time to my Lungs, Brain. I had my testicle removed in Dec 07, and begun a VIP course of chemotherapy, to Feb 08. My tumour markers continued to decrease and returned to normal in May of 2008. This was short lived however.

In June on 2008 I was sent to St Lukes for 15 sessions of radiotherapy on my brain, this proved a success, and eliminated the need for surgery. Shortly afterwards my tumour markers went back up and I was recalled for more chemotherapy, Taxol based I believe coupled with the harvesting of my white blood cells, this was to allow "high dose" chemotherapy. This took place in Aug/Sept/Oct of 2008.

Since then I have been well, with all markers remaining normal, I still have a few tumours in my lungs which are thankfully asleep, and may remain that way. A decision will be made soon. I'll finish on another submission.

I suppose by sharing my story I am hoping that I will influence men of all ages to go to the doctor regularily. Had I not ignored my symptoms, my treatment may not have been so difficult, not just on me but on my wife and children, extended family and friends. Having said all that, I cannot speak highly enough of the professionals who treat cancer in this country, my experience whilst difficult was positive, but I do wish I had avoided it, and the only way others can do this is by going to the doctor regularily.

It should be borne in mind that more people survive cancer than die of it each year, but as we all know early detection is paramount. Its not easy being told what to do, but my advice to all men is to go to your doctor.

On Jan 20th 2010 I found that my right tactical (testicle) has swollen what seemed over night. I went to my GP on Monday the 25th and he sent me for an ultrasound on the 26th and met the urologist on the 27th. He gave me the bad news that it was a tumour and that the likely hood was that it would be cancer. He booked me in for an op to remove the tactical (testicle)  on Monday the 1st of Feb.

I had to wait until Feb the 17th to get the results of the CT scan, bloods and tests on the tactical (testicle). The news wasn't what I wanted to hear. It was cancer and it had spread to my lymph system. On the 24th of Feb I meet the oncologist and he set up an appointment with the HARI unit to bank semen and a PET scan. I had the PET today (March 3rd) and hope to start my chemo on Monday the 8th next.

My oncologist did tell me the reason I got cancer was a direct result of an undecided tactical (un-descended testicle)  and an op I had at the age of 6 or 7 to correct this. He told me that the likely hood of getting a tumour after this op would increase.