Toddy's Story of Testicular Cancer

So one day my scrotum felt heavy. As a young man one is very familiar with one’s testicles feeling a certain way. But that day my testicles felt differently, swollen maybe, but not something worth spending a lot of time thinking about. I was a young guy. I was healthy. I lifted weights and exercised. I ate my fruits and vegetables for God's sake! I was fine.

As I mentioned, I was young. Like most men in their late 20's or early 30's, I was still grasping tightly to my youth and felt invincible against the world around me. Bring it on! I had recently finished Graduate School, traveled all over Europe, begun a serious relationship and started a new career. As far as I knew, I was on my way.

It didn't happen like a movie script and it wasn't nearly as eloquent at Shakespeare. My balls hurt so I went to the doctor. The physician at the First Care placed my testicles in his hand and realized the obvious, they were swollen. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory and sent me on my way.

Seriously, on this day I made a decision that may have saved my life. I decided I knew more about my testicles than this doctor did. Something was wrong. I didn't know what it was and while I would normally follow the instruction of a highly educated physician, I knew in my heart this wasn't the end of my journey.

I immediately sought out a second opinion. This physician also placed my testicles in his hand, but his reaction was different. This doctor expressed a general interest and concern. While not convinced there was anything wrong with me other than an infection and general swelling, he did refer me to a radiologist, just to be sure. Turns out doctor number two was right.

As I laid there fully exposed on the examination table I realized the radiologist was flamboyantly homosexual. Not relevant to my story, but funny nonetheless given my situation. I figured he could scan my balls with a cold wand as well as anyone. He'll never know how appreciative I am for his radiological expertise. He pointed out to me on the monitor a very tiny, barely noticeable black spot. He and is technology were able to detect a 5 millimeter speck on my left testicle. “This could be something, I'm just not sure” he said and then called in a doctor to look at the spot. I was referred to a Urologist for further investigation. The Urologist would initially examine the images and perform blood work. The first physician placed my testicles in his hand and with a puzzled look on his face called for a colleague passing in the hall. The second physician to hold my testicles in his hand verbalized, “I don't know what this is”, and called for a third opinion.

If you've ever drank a mixture of Pepto Bismol and battery acid you know what Barium tastes like. An MRI was performed to take further images to see if the cancer had spread. This was a huge bullet I appeared to have dodged; a true testament to early detection.

Blood-work was sent to Indiana University, the same place as Lance Armstrong's, for diagnosis. These were the longest two weeks ever. Thoughts run through one’s mind when faced with mortality one should never face alone. Obviously, one thinks about all the wonderful choices in life he will make if he finds his way through this and the improved person he will become. Just as one contemplates life, one also contemplates death. I didn't have it in me to breach this subject with anyone so I explored the possibilities of death alone. I wanted to lean on my family for support, but they were a thousand miles away. I could lean on my friends, but guys don't talk to each other about their balls or mortality. And since I am a guy who can't tolerate those who complain, I talked about it as infrequently as possible in my relationship. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was very, very alone.

When the tests came back positive for testicular cancer things moved swiftly. Results indicated the best and it had not spread throughout my lower abdomen and beyond. Within days I was scheduled for surgery to remove my testicle. Within a week it actually happened. The doctor removed the cancer and my testicle from my body forever.

Actually, I feel fortunate. Cancer seems to attack the people who deserve it the least. Cancer has no conscience. I escaped with a painful surgery, life with one testicle and some psychological wounds which have healed well over time. Others are generally not so lucky.

Cancer, specifically testicular cancer, is mean. It attacks young men who have done nothing wrong. This disease does not choose the smoker, the heavy drinker or the overweight. One can be healthy, happy and have a stable full of friends and one day a life is changed forever. Most young men feel inherently invincible and testicular cancer is the furthest thing from their minds. LiveStrongPeoria will educate young men in Central Illinois about Testicular Cancer and ensure no one needlessly battles this disease and its lingering effects alone.

-Todd