What's the worst part about Cancer? I think that for anyone who has cancer or has had cancer the worst part is the fear that it puts into your life. Before cancer I was afraid of very few things, mostly the things that scared me were things that you at least feel you have some control over, to help prevent accidental injuries. I didn't do anything, or live in a way that anyone would describe as risky, except for maybe my driving. I didn't take any more risk in my daily life than any average other person.
Then one day you end up sitting in some doctors office and find out that your body is attacking you from the inside out. Hearing your name and cancer with the words, "you have" in the middle is a moment I pray none of you ever have to go through. First you heart sinks, and then your throat gets a lump in it that refuses to be swallowed, followed by suddenly getting something in your eye that you can't get out and makes your eyes water profusely. I'm sure for everyone it's slightly different. However I don't care how strong you are or how tough you are it still freaks you out.
It's about a day or so after that that you start to listen to and learn about how to take care of what ever your prognosis actually is. What's great about that is many cancers are very treatable. What's bad about that is that in some cases if you've waited to long to act on your ailment, treatment may not cure the cancer. However pronlonging life, is almost always a good thing. Although, I'm sure there where times when I was on my steriods and someone tried to take away my food, that some people may not have been thinking continued treatment was ideal.
The thing I'm hoping to do is to promote the open conversation that is so lacking in the commmunity in general about checking for cancer. Granted we do hear about checking for breast cancer all the time but who's holding who accountable. I myself haven't gotten to a point yet where I'm asking my friends if they've been checking themselves. However everywhere I go that people ask me about Save The Twins I am always asked how to check and what to look for. It's amazing how little guys know about themselves and what's normal and what's not. I urge you to get a friend that you can talk to about all of lifes issues and check to make sure they are checking themselves, as well as them making sure you are checking yourself too.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Types of Testicle Cancer
Testicular cancer represents only 1% of all cancers. Doctors do not know its exact cause but there are a number of risk factors that have been identified. If you are a male between the ages of 15-39 you are more at risk than any other age bracket, and if you're white you are at higher risk than all other races. If you're outside of that age bracket there is still the possibility of contracting the cancer, your probability of getting it is considerably less. If you have an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)you are also at an increased risk. It is also a genetic condition, known as Klinefelter's Syndrome, abnormal developement of the testicle, and having relatives with testicular cancer are all risk factors of the disease.
Hopefully you've been doing regular checks yourself as described in blogs below or from the video. Here are some other possible symptoms of the disease.
Other symptoms and signs of testicular cancer include:
pain or swelling in the testicles,
lumps or nodules in the testicles, whether painful or not,
enlargement of the testicles or change in the way a testicle feels,
pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin areas, and
swelling of the scrotum or collection of fluid within the scrotum.
I was unfortunate enough to have Pain in the testicle, enlargement of the testicle, and pain shooting from the groin to the lower abdomen. It basically felt as though someone had kicked the twins as hard as possible. Other times it felt as if someone had shot me with a bee bee gun. Try walking through the grocery store normally with that kind of pain.
Finally I had one day where I ended up on my bed curled up in a fetal position crying because it hurt so bad. At this point I decided to get checked out. My advice to you is,"DON'T WAIT THAT LONG!!".
Testicular cancer is a disease in which cells become malignant (cancerous) in one or both testicles.
The testicles produce and store sperm and are the main source of testosterone (male hormones) in men. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male physical characteristics.
Based on the characteristics of the cells in the tumor, testicular cancers are classified as seminomas or nonseminomas. Other types of cancer that arise in the testicles are rare and are not described here. Seminomas may be one of three types: classic, choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumors. Testicular tumors may contain both seminoma and nonseminoma cells.
We'll talk about how to treat these soon.
Hopefully you've been doing regular checks yourself as described in blogs below or from the video. Here are some other possible symptoms of the disease.
Other symptoms and signs of testicular cancer include:
pain or swelling in the testicles,
lumps or nodules in the testicles, whether painful or not,
enlargement of the testicles or change in the way a testicle feels,
pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin areas, and
swelling of the scrotum or collection of fluid within the scrotum.
I was unfortunate enough to have Pain in the testicle, enlargement of the testicle, and pain shooting from the groin to the lower abdomen. It basically felt as though someone had kicked the twins as hard as possible. Other times it felt as if someone had shot me with a bee bee gun. Try walking through the grocery store normally with that kind of pain.
Finally I had one day where I ended up on my bed curled up in a fetal position crying because it hurt so bad. At this point I decided to get checked out. My advice to you is,"DON'T WAIT THAT LONG!!".
Testicular cancer is a disease in which cells become malignant (cancerous) in one or both testicles.
The testicles produce and store sperm and are the main source of testosterone (male hormones) in men. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male physical characteristics.
Based on the characteristics of the cells in the tumor, testicular cancers are classified as seminomas or nonseminomas. Other types of cancer that arise in the testicles are rare and are not described here. Seminomas may be one of three types: classic, choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumors. Testicular tumors may contain both seminoma and nonseminoma cells.
We'll talk about how to treat these soon.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
How to check.
Most men discover testicular cancer themselves. The recommended method for a self exam is to start off by taking a warm shower. Showering allows the muscles to relax allowing for easier examination. While standing place your right leg on an elevated surface. With your fingers examine the surface of your right testicle, by rolling it between your thumb and forefingers. Repeat this process on your left testicle as well.
A normal testicle will be smooth and without bumps, or hard spots. You should feel the epididymis it shaped like a comma and might even be a little bit tender. It is not unusual for this structure to extend a bit behind the testicle. At the top there is a small tube called the spermatic cord. You should be able to feel the spermatic cord between your thumb and forefinger and it should be soft and movable.
Also, doctors generally examine the testicles during routine physical exams. Between regular checkups, if you notice anything unusual about your testicles, you should talk with your doctor. Guys should see a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:
• a painless lump or swelling in a testicle
• pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
• a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
These symptoms can be caused by cancer or by other conditions. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of any of these symptoms.
A normal testicle will be smooth and without bumps, or hard spots. You should feel the epididymis it shaped like a comma and might even be a little bit tender. It is not unusual for this structure to extend a bit behind the testicle. At the top there is a small tube called the spermatic cord. You should be able to feel the spermatic cord between your thumb and forefinger and it should be soft and movable.
Also, doctors generally examine the testicles during routine physical exams. Between regular checkups, if you notice anything unusual about your testicles, you should talk with your doctor. Guys should see a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:
• a painless lump or swelling in a testicle
• pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
• a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
These symptoms can be caused by cancer or by other conditions. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of any of these symptoms.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Talk about it..
Why?
Cancer is a huge deal! Even though testicular cancer is the leading form of cancer for males 18-35 it has only really been noteworthy via the amazing story of Lance Armstrong. There have been other notable celebrities that have had their bout with testicular cancer, Tom Green of MTV fame, John Kruk former Phillies 1st baseman, Mike Lowell Redsox 3rd Baseman, and ice skater Scott Hamilton. Though these celebs have their own causes and charities there has never been an ongoing voice of awareness for testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer it also has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. What’s the big deal then, why does there need to be a voice of awareness? The number one reason why men die from testicular cancer is because they wait to long to get it checked out. The reasons they wait to long are that they are too nervous or are too scared too talk to others about it. Save the Twins wants to promote testicular cancer awareness; helping make the conversation about your twins no longer taboo.
Tom Green made a stride several years ago, telling guys to play with their balls. Save the Twins hopes to send a similar message as Mr. Greens, only being slightly less crude about it. We want you to be aware of how to check yourself, what to look for, and what to do if you have symptoms. There is no good reason for another man to die, or a family to watch their loved one die because someone didn’t want to talk about their twins. Save the Twins wants to band together with testicular cancer survivors and promote the message of giving yourself exams and going to the doctor to get yourself checked out if you have even an inkling that there is something wrong with the family jewels!
Cancer is a huge deal! Even though testicular cancer is the leading form of cancer for males 18-35 it has only really been noteworthy via the amazing story of Lance Armstrong. There have been other notable celebrities that have had their bout with testicular cancer, Tom Green of MTV fame, John Kruk former Phillies 1st baseman, Mike Lowell Redsox 3rd Baseman, and ice skater Scott Hamilton. Though these celebs have their own causes and charities there has never been an ongoing voice of awareness for testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer it also has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. What’s the big deal then, why does there need to be a voice of awareness? The number one reason why men die from testicular cancer is because they wait to long to get it checked out. The reasons they wait to long are that they are too nervous or are too scared too talk to others about it. Save the Twins wants to promote testicular cancer awareness; helping make the conversation about your twins no longer taboo.
Tom Green made a stride several years ago, telling guys to play with their balls. Save the Twins hopes to send a similar message as Mr. Greens, only being slightly less crude about it. We want you to be aware of how to check yourself, what to look for, and what to do if you have symptoms. There is no good reason for another man to die, or a family to watch their loved one die because someone didn’t want to talk about their twins. Save the Twins wants to band together with testicular cancer survivors and promote the message of giving yourself exams and going to the doctor to get yourself checked out if you have even an inkling that there is something wrong with the family jewels!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Purpose of This Blog
I am hoping to use this blog as a launch pad for this organization. My ultimate goal is to raise funds significant enough to support cancer research, create awareness programs for other young men, and offer educational, emotional and financial support to those going through testicular cancer. I hope you will post comments, and become involved in this process. If you have questions, please feel free to post them. I plan to use this blog to address common issues and topics with testicular cancer. I hope to open up the dialogue about this disease and make people more comfortable talking about it and dealing with it! Let me know what you think!
My Story
Below is my background story and experience with Testicular Cancer:
Almost five years ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer two weeks to the date after the birth of our first daughter, Macaila. I had a surgery to remove the tumor and then went out to Indianapolis to have a lymph node dissection by Dr. Foster at Indiana University. I have a pretty scar to show for my painful surgery. After a few months off work and lots of staples, I was declared cancer free and stayed that way for three years. In the meantime, we moved to South Carolina and had another little girl who is now three.
I had an oncology check up in June of 2007 and was declared healthy for the third year. The following September, I learned that my company, Countrywide, would be closing its office in Greenville and I would be losing my job. Unfortunately and fortunately I injured my back two days after learning my company was closing. My injury became increasingly painful, so much so I ended up with my wife, Jill, in the ER in the middle of the night. They did a CT scan expecting to find a kidney stone and instead found a mass. They sent me home with some good pain meds and told me to go to my oncologist first thing Monday morning.
On Tuesday morning we were able to get in to see my doc. He immediately said, this is probably cancer. We made plans to anticipate what would come, and after CT scans showing no spread beyond the mass, and a biopsy to confirm it was malignant, I was scheduled to begin chemo treatments for nine weeks beginning Sept. 24th, 2007 through the end of November of 2007. It was three rounds of three weeks of chemo. The first week of each round being five days a week, 4-6 hours a day. The second and third week was Tuesdays only for a shorter treatment. The chemotherapy experience was long, exhausting and difficult. It was difficult for me, my wife and those who helped support us through it. I had difficulties with IVs, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dehydration, fatigue (that doesn't even begin to describe it), weight gain, joint pain among other things. Nonetheless, I came out on the other side, healthy and ready to get back in the game. I am a year and a half out from the end of my chemo now, and excited about my future with my family. I start a new job on June 1, which will hopefully be a great opportunity for us.
Almost five years ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer two weeks to the date after the birth of our first daughter, Macaila. I had a surgery to remove the tumor and then went out to Indianapolis to have a lymph node dissection by Dr. Foster at Indiana University. I have a pretty scar to show for my painful surgery. After a few months off work and lots of staples, I was declared cancer free and stayed that way for three years. In the meantime, we moved to South Carolina and had another little girl who is now three.
I had an oncology check up in June of 2007 and was declared healthy for the third year. The following September, I learned that my company, Countrywide, would be closing its office in Greenville and I would be losing my job. Unfortunately and fortunately I injured my back two days after learning my company was closing. My injury became increasingly painful, so much so I ended up with my wife, Jill, in the ER in the middle of the night. They did a CT scan expecting to find a kidney stone and instead found a mass. They sent me home with some good pain meds and told me to go to my oncologist first thing Monday morning.
On Tuesday morning we were able to get in to see my doc. He immediately said, this is probably cancer. We made plans to anticipate what would come, and after CT scans showing no spread beyond the mass, and a biopsy to confirm it was malignant, I was scheduled to begin chemo treatments for nine weeks beginning Sept. 24th, 2007 through the end of November of 2007. It was three rounds of three weeks of chemo. The first week of each round being five days a week, 4-6 hours a day. The second and third week was Tuesdays only for a shorter treatment. The chemotherapy experience was long, exhausting and difficult. It was difficult for me, my wife and those who helped support us through it. I had difficulties with IVs, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dehydration, fatigue (that doesn't even begin to describe it), weight gain, joint pain among other things. Nonetheless, I came out on the other side, healthy and ready to get back in the game. I am a year and a half out from the end of my chemo now, and excited about my future with my family. I start a new job on June 1, which will hopefully be a great opportunity for us.
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