Hi guys,
Recently diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, I've had an op to remove the cancer and everything has gone reasonably well. I had a few thoughts during the process, well a lot of thoughts, and I'm going to put some down.
Don't panic. You most likely aren't going anywhere. 95% CURE, not TREAT, rate for Testicular Cancer.
Beware 'The Drops'. You'll have times of high interest in you. Scans, bloods, meetings, appointments, surgeries etc. Really intensive times...In between these times you will hear nothing. You will see nothing. Nothing will happen. You'll be waiting. Find some distraction. Go swimming, its fantastic. The worst 'drop' is after the operation, use this time to go for very gentle walks up and down the hallway/driveway to keep moving and catch up on box sets. Eat well.
Listen to what the Oncologist is saying. It's their job to know how to treat cancers, and they see a lot of people in a lot of different stages. If they are being fine and routine about it, you'll be fine as you will be a boring, normal, treatable patient. You want boring.
Talk about it. It's only a testicle. Most of us have got at least one if you're a bloke. It's one of the easiest to treat cancers out there. If you can't talk about that, what can you talk about? I've talked a lot, but I haven't talked enough I don't think. It's been 3 months since my op and I've just hit the point where my emotions have caught up with me and are cashing cheques.
Keep an eye on your loved ones. They are watching you go through this and getting worried. What does it mean? What if it all goes wrong? I can see he's suffering/tired/sad that makes me sad. Why does he keep passing back out after his operation? He's in pain but he's trying to walk about, I hope he doesn't hurt himself! All this and a lot more.
Sleeping will be a complete pain in the...pain. Sleep on your back. Time your painkillers. re-arrange your pillows if you need to stop you rolling over. It's better to nap repeatedly over 12 hours than fail to sleep for 8.
There are so many jokes, puns and funny moments that will happen. Look out for them. Remember them. It'll get you through.
Get used to getting your privates out. Everyone you meet will want a look/squeeze. Obviously in a hospital/medical setting on request. Not at the pub.
I hope this helps some of you.
Trev
