Diagnosed

I have been recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. The was no lump and no pain, just a general change in shape over a many years. Started to feel a groin ache about six weeks ago so called to my doctor, now here I am. 

I feel frightened and confused, I've always checked for lumps but never told about other symptoms to look for. 

I have a two year old boy and my wife is heavily pregnant. So I'm panicking at this stage. I know there's many people that cancer touches but you never think it will be you. 

  • Sorry it happened to you.

    You're so right until it touches you or someone close you think it's the stuff you read on the news me and my family felt the same 'til it hit my sister. 

    We're trying to take one day at a time.

  • Hi Stu,

     

    I feel for you, and empathise, that news hits like walking into a plate glass door, we don't see it coming, hit it head on, then often end up on the floor.

    It does get better, though it can be a rough road, which largely depends on treatment, prognosis, etc.

    Trust in your Multi Disciplinary Team and if you can take someone with you to every consultation, etc, first and second treatments etc.

    I was diagnosed with Lymphoma 7 months ago and have just had my final combination therapy, my team have been amazing and done the very best they can for me.

    Macmillan and other support groups do incredible jobs despite their limited resources and the increasing demands upn them.

    It sounds as though you have home support, which will make such a difference.

    I would suggest looking up local cancer support groups and get in touch with them as soon as you can, please don't put it off, the sooner you engage with them the better, it really can make such a difference.

    I'll be honest, I DIDN'T and have suffered as a result.

    I am now engaged with them and WILL move forward taking the opportunity of many of the support, alternative therapies, social activities etc that they offer, for what is a relatively small contribution for what they provide. They help support families, partners, etc as well as those with the disease, it really is well worth going for their help.

    Life becomes very much each day at a time, trying not to do to much either physically or mentally, small and achieveable things, resting when you feel the need.

    Each person reacts differently to the disease and the treatments, though some share common experiences, it's very difficult to ascertain how we will be at any one time.

    Here's wishing you successful treatment and prompt recovery.

    Tilly 

  • Hey, 

    Hope that this message finds you well. I was diagnosed with TC last week myself. The whole process has been rushed through and it's difficult to even have a moment to grasp it all. 

    Have you begun the process of having it staged yet? I'm having weekly bloods at the moment. Had a CT scan last week and I'm attending an appointment tomorrow for staging and blood results. 

    Although TC has a fantastic prognosis it doesn't stop the worrying does it!? I'm guessing that this is the best place to share your experience because you're not alone :)