Thought it's time to share as a PSA to all the guys on the forum...
From date of me originally feeling discomfort, to the surgery table took a very quick 5-6 weeks and I couldn't be happier with the treatment that I've received at PMH. My doctor sent me to the ultrasound clinic, and called me on a Sunday night that she booked me an emergency meeting with an oncologist...The doctors, nurses, oncologists, employer and everyone throughout the entire process has been nothing short of spectacular and I thank my lucky stars to be able to live in this country with a great health care system that we all love to ***** and complain about.
It's been 2.5 years since I had my diagnosis of a lump on one of my nuts...and originally everyone thought it was nothing more than a tumour....no big deal. No one thought anything of it, and I couldn't believe that I had to go under the knife...didn't feel real, and didn't really sink in until the moment the lights came on above me in the OR...then I passed out and woke up with a pain like I've never had before....it was cancer. Some weird and rare type that the oncologist 'could never have seen before' as it was a 1 in 300,000 chance or something like that. They wouldn't let me keep the removed nut, or even see it for that matter, but hey it's all good.
The surgery, recovery and everything else was painful at first, but overall it was a good (as good as can be) experience, which has helped me grow as an individual, and actually gave me a kick in the *** to start working out again, and appreciate the little things a bit more.
Our biggest worry was whether we'd be able to have a baby...and everyone assured us that it'd be fine, and not to worry about anything. And they were right. We have a beautiful baby boy, and are extremely happy with him and count him as a blessing.
The doctor asked that I bring him in to the hospital next visit to show people that it's not the end of the world. As he sees many guys my age, younger, and older who come in devastated, depressed, and hopeless that they're life is over...it's not. Life moves on...nothing's changed...I can corner to the right a bit better because I'm slightly heavier on that side, but outside of that it's been a challenging experience. I still don't feel different, or don't even feel I need to use (or want to) the term 'cancer survivor'.
I urge you to keep an eye out on your health, young, old, middle aged doesn't matter. If something doesn't feel right, don't just discount it as I did...felt off...didn't think anything of it. Pain would come and go, and my wife is the one that made me go to the doctor as she was more concerned. It wouldn't have made a difference in early/late detection, as it would've had to come out regardless.
So the PSA is simple...check your nuts, keep an eye on your health, and make sure that if you feel off...don't put it off. Go check it out, as it could be something more serious that we'd like to admit, know, or acknowledge.
Sorry for the long, disjointed post, but wanted to share and hopefully if someone else is going through this, feel free to PM me, as I've been there, and so far it's been 2 years of good results with a chance of recurrence going from 20% to less than 2% at this stage.
From date of me originally feeling discomfort, to the surgery table took a very quick 5-6 weeks and I couldn't be happier with the treatment that I've received at PMH. My doctor sent me to the ultrasound clinic, and called me on a Sunday night that she booked me an emergency meeting with an oncologist...The doctors, nurses, oncologists, employer and everyone throughout the entire process has been nothing short of spectacular and I thank my lucky stars to be able to live in this country with a great health care system that we all love to ***** and complain about.
It's been 2.5 years since I had my diagnosis of a lump on one of my nuts...and originally everyone thought it was nothing more than a tumour....no big deal. No one thought anything of it, and I couldn't believe that I had to go under the knife...didn't feel real, and didn't really sink in until the moment the lights came on above me in the OR...then I passed out and woke up with a pain like I've never had before....it was cancer. Some weird and rare type that the oncologist 'could never have seen before' as it was a 1 in 300,000 chance or something like that. They wouldn't let me keep the removed nut, or even see it for that matter, but hey it's all good.
The surgery, recovery and everything else was painful at first, but overall it was a good (as good as can be) experience, which has helped me grow as an individual, and actually gave me a kick in the *** to start working out again, and appreciate the little things a bit more.
Our biggest worry was whether we'd be able to have a baby...and everyone assured us that it'd be fine, and not to worry about anything. And they were right. We have a beautiful baby boy, and are extremely happy with him and count him as a blessing.
The doctor asked that I bring him in to the hospital next visit to show people that it's not the end of the world. As he sees many guys my age, younger, and older who come in devastated, depressed, and hopeless that they're life is over...it's not. Life moves on...nothing's changed...I can corner to the right a bit better because I'm slightly heavier on that side, but outside of that it's been a challenging experience. I still don't feel different, or don't even feel I need to use (or want to) the term 'cancer survivor'.
I urge you to keep an eye out on your health, young, old, middle aged doesn't matter. If something doesn't feel right, don't just discount it as I did...felt off...didn't think anything of it. Pain would come and go, and my wife is the one that made me go to the doctor as she was more concerned. It wouldn't have made a difference in early/late detection, as it would've had to come out regardless.
So the PSA is simple...check your nuts, keep an eye on your health, and make sure that if you feel off...don't put it off. Go check it out, as it could be something more serious that we'd like to admit, know, or acknowledge.
Sorry for the long, disjointed post, but wanted to share and hopefully if someone else is going through this, feel free to PM me, as I've been there, and so far it's been 2 years of good results with a chance of recurrence going from 20% to less than 2% at this stage.
