He first felt something was wrong when he noticed a small lump on his testicle in the shower. Although he knew it was something that shouldn’t have been there, he was going through a lot at the time workwise and pushed it to the back of his mind. After waiting nearly 3 months, he decided he ought to do something as it hadn’t gone away, and made an appointment with his GP. He felt that his GP was dismissive of his problem and reassured him that it is likely to be a cyst. He explained that he felt he couldn’t question his GP’s opinion but sought a second opinion from a special clinic, where they provided him with the same diagnosis. He still felt anxious and went back to his GP, where he requested that he be sent for further tests. He explained to his GP that he felt anxious that it could be testicular cancer and wanted to put his mind at ease. His GP referred him for a series of blood tests and an ultrasound scan. Two days later he went to discuss his results with his urologist, who explained that he wasn’t happy with the results and asked him to return the next day. His urologist suggested that it was likely to be testicular cancer, and recommended him for a biopsy. At this point he described that the situation had finally sunk in and was worried that his worst case scenario might be confirmed.

A week later he underwent the biopsy. He was informed that the biopsy would be a straightforward procedure. He said that he was shocked to learn that they would remove a testicle during the operation for biopsy, as conducting the biopsy without removal may release cancerous cells into the bloodstream. He decided that he had to be rational and trust his doctors as he didn’t have a lot of support at this stage, as his family did not live nearby and he had not been able to speak with close friends. He felt that he could have been provided with more information but managed to internalise his worries and come to terms with the procedure. He received the results 4 weeks later which confirmed he had testicular cancer. He had found the wait agonising but took a friend with him for the results, which he found a great comfort. His consultant felt confident that the cancer had gone, as they had caught it early, but wanted to refer him for a CT scan to make sure. He received his results 2 weeks later, which confirmed that the cancer had not spread. He felt relieved. His consultant recommended radiotherapy to be 100% sure. He underwent treatment 5 days a week for a month. Unfortunately, radiotherapy left him feeling lethargic and the worst he’s ever felt. He experienced sickness, which he was given suppositories to control. He found the suppositories successful up to a point but he still experienced nausea for 5 weeks. He felt that it disrupted his life as he didn’t feel like himself. However, he was still able to work. He was eventually referred to the oncology department who managed his follow-up appointments. He found invaluable support from a nurse within the department. He explained that she provided a personable service often lacking within the healthcare system. He elaborated by saying that it was difficult seeing a new consultant at each follow-up appointment and that it usually created an atmosphere that didn’t invite comments. He found that the operation did not affect his masculinity but later decided that he wanted to have a replacement testicle. He found the operation straightforward and hugely gratifying, and was walking around the same day.

He explained that having a good sense of humour and using laughter helped him through a difficult situation, and was a good icebreaker with work colleagues and friends. He also found that his friends; playful banter about his condition jollied him along. He explained that having an open and honest attitude with everyone about his condition made it easier. He has anxieties from time to time but generally is happy with his life. He later suffered from a cancer scare but was relieved when it turned out to be nothing. He felt that he was taken seriously because of his medical history. He believes it is important to be firm with your GP. He explained that his friend went through a similar experience to him and he felt happy that he was able to advise his friend based on his own experiences and get him to push for the right medical tests. He also feels it’s important to speak to people who have been through similar experiences because it doesn’t just help you, it also helps them. He felt lucky that he didn’t have any emotional scars to deal with and that he was able to move on with his life and get back to normal. He believes that you shouldn’t let cancer affect the way you live. He has used his experience as a learning tool and hopes that the more he talks about his experience, the more he;ll be able to spread the word about what you should look out for and what steps you should take.