Testicular Cancer

mark_jmc · 24-06-2015 10:57pm #1

Hi all,
felt this would be the best place to post this to help awareness of testicular cancer.
I'm 36, Felt a lump on my right testicle 2 weeks ago-something not quite right so went to to doctor,
He said he didn't feel anything but because of a history of other issues like uti's etc he said he would refer me to a urologist. I got a letter from the urologist with an appointment for the end of July,
When this letter arrived I was not happy with the long wait, also because I was certain there was a lump on my testicle I returned to my gp. He happened to be on holidays last week so I met a locum doctor who examined me and felt the lump. She arranged for me to get an ultrasound last Friday which confirmed an abnormal lump on my testicle.
I had an urgent referral to a urologist yesterday, he examined me and told me he was 99% certain the lump was testicular cancer, he sent me straight to hospital for blood tests and an ultrasound. I had a CT scan this morning to see if there was any spread. I got a call this afternoon from the urologist, blood tests confirm trace of tumour markers but thankfully the CT scan was clear so the cancer has been caught very early, I will be having an operaation to remove the testicle either on Friday or Monday. I most likely will not need any further treatment after the op other than surveillance over time.
Moral of the story guys-never be embarrassed to get things checked and also remember we are all in charge of our own health so if you are not happy with something don't be afraid to force the issue,
Take care guys

arccosh · 24-06-2015 11:26pm

Best of luck through the process !

DeBurca · 27-06-2015 3:13am

Hope all goes well with the opp and your recovery

mark_jmc · 27-06-2015 12:00pm

Thanks all, I'm scheduled for surgery on Thursday , I'll post an update afterwards.

Sono · 27-06-2015 12:05pm

Just read this thread, was diagnosed with this in December 2010 and nearly 5 years on and life is great and nothing has ever returned, you'll come out of it a lot stronger Mark and fair play for sharing, I wish you all the very best on Thursday.

mark_jmc · 03-07-2015 11:04am

Well guys, done and dusted had the op yesterday,
Went in for 9am and had bloods taken, chest xray , ecg.
Eventually had the op at around 3pm I think. first time getting general anaesthetic-crazy feeling!
Afterwards I was in recovery for around 90 minutes then back to room.
Met with the consultant then I was left home last night around 8.30pm.

All went well with the op, I have to go back in 2 weeks to get more tumour marker blood tests, they indicated yesterday that they will probably do 1 round of chemo as a 'mop up' of anything that may be remaining.
No pain yesterday but the pain is kicking in today-thank god for painkillers.
Everybody in the hospital from doctors nurses porters orderlies etc were really nice, helped to made a difficult day easier.

All said it wasn't that bad an experience and once the possible chemo is done and the scar is healed then that's that chapter of my life closed aside from follow ups.

if anyone ends up facing this op in the future please feel free to pm with any questions about my experience etc.

Balmed Out · 16-07-2015 2:31pm

8 years clear myself, if you have any questions or concerns let me know. 2 kids since and all in working order. Best of luck.

mark_jmc · 30-07-2015 12:56pm

Hi all , just a quick update . Nearly 4 weeks since the op and the scar is almost healed, still some residual numbness and pain in the general area and this is normal.
I met with the cancer specialist in the mid western cancer unit and it turns out my cancer was a mixture of seminoma, non seminoma and embryonal. While they are confident it did not spread beyond the testice there were signs of vascular invasion.
I was given 2 options:
1: surveillance - for the first year this would mean scans & blood tests every month. Less often after that. If I chose this option there would be a 40% chance the cancer would return.

2: 2 rounds of BOP chemotherapy. Doing this would reduce the risk of the cancer returning to 5%

It was a no brainer for me- I have chosen the chemotherapy , obviously there will be unpleasant side effects but the reduction in the risk of the cancer returning is huge. I also had to bank sperm in the event that the treatment leaves me infertile.

I am going on holidays tomorrow for 9 days ðŸ˜€ then my chemo will start on the 10 th August. I will have chemo on the Monday and Tuesday of the first week, then the Thursday And Friday of the following week. Hopefully then that will be that!

aaakev · 30-07-2015 6:39pm

Best of luck mark and fair play for sharing. Enjoy the holiday!

The_Valeyard · 30-07-2015 6:43pm

Good luck buddy

Hope it works out for you.

Good call of the sperm bank, always good to have a backup, and if it does leave you infertile, just think of all the money you save on contraception!! ;)lol

Enjoy the hols and relax with a beer (if your allowed?)

drdidlittle · 30-07-2015 6:44pm

Best of luck.

P_1 · 30-07-2015 6:47pm

I was that soldier around this time last year OP. Chose option 1 myself. The scar should be grand in a few weeks for you. You can barely notice it on me a year later.

Best of luck with everything

mark_jmc · 14-08-2015 1:46pm

Hi guys
quick update , I had my first round of BOP chemo on Monday and Tuesday. 2 very long days. Monday was from around 12pm to 11pm between the saline drips anti nausea steroids & 3 chemo drugs. Fell asleep around 11.30pm but woke up at 2.30am bright as a button- the nurses said this was due to the steroids. Tuesday treatment started at 3pm and finished around 10pm- got to go home them. Felt a bit nauseous on tues night and Wednesday and Thursday was pretty much a write off- felt like I got hit by a bus, nausea, headache , tiredness none of them really bad but all together not pleasant. Slept a bit better last night and today I fell a little bit better, I'm noticing change in taste and smell today though. No mouth sores etc yet, thank god .

Mark

um7y1h83ge06nx · 14-08-2015 4:23pm

Great thread and good that you've been so on the ball (honestly no pun) with things and catching the issue early.

My other half is a radiographer and so some of the diagnostic images would be for oncology patients, she has also started training to do mammograms. Lot of stories of people leaving things progress too far before seeking medical advice, older generations in particular can be slow to go to a doctor.

A reminder to myself to keep on checking myself regularly.

Best of luck.

mark_jmc · 21-11-2015 9:50pm

Thought I'd post an update a few months on. Got through the chemo ok- last session was end of August, had a bit of a reaction to the final dose- felt like I was having a heart attack- had an angiogram which showed up nothing thank god- just a bad reaction.
Had an Mri in mid September which showed that a small growth on my pancreas had disappeared.
I went back to work on October 1st - did a gradual return to work- 1 day the first week, 2 the second and so on- in hindsight this was a very good decision as I still had a lot of fatigue, I am very fortunate to have a great boss & colleagues.
I've had 3 monthly check ups so far- all blood tests & xrays clear thank god, my 4th monthly check up is at the start of dec, time is really flying!
Starting to feel like the old me now, but still having a lot of fatigue- hopefully this will pass.
I now consider this part of my life closed except for my monthly check ups

If anyone ever has any questions in relation to testicular cancer/ treatment etc feel free to send me a pm.

Finally I'd like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the mid western cancer clinic, all its doctors and especially the nurses, the work these people do is phenomenal.
Mark

whiskeyman · 22-11-2015 12:05am

Thanks for posting here Mark.
Here's hoping it reminds us all to be aware of our health.
Hope you feel back to yourself very soon and can put a lot of the tough times behind.

Patsy8 · 03-12-2015 11:12am

Mark,

Glad to hear all went well for you in the end.

Had an ultrasound myself yesterday. 2nd one in 3 years for same issue.

All normal, as it happens, and I felt a little foolish lying on the table when told that.
I felt foolish lying on the table long before that, as a matter of fact.

I would feel far more foolish if I had ignored the issue and the result had been different.

Get em checked lads.

Emmett

The_Kew_Tour · 04-12-2015 12:44am

Best of luck

Had testicular cancer in 2011 and was a rough patch, but here I am still talking crap on boards

asteroids over berlin · 04-12-2015 12:52am

Wow such strength and positivity. Noce one, wish you all the best and the other guys who posted here too

mark_jmc · 26-01-2016 4:09pm

Hi guys,
Quick post to update, 6 months since my surgery. Had my 5th monthly check up last week- X-ray and bloods all clear. Had a heart check up today because of the issues I had in my last session of chemo - that went fine also.
Almost like a distant memory now!

Just a reminder for all lads to check your balls! Quick check once a month , also if anyone ever has any questions or has to go through something similar please feel free to ask me either on this thread or in pm.
Take care,
Mark

whiskeyman · 26-01-2016 4:19pm

Great news Mark. Appreciate the update.
Hope you're enjoying life and everything going well.

howamidifferent · 26-01-2016 4:29pm

Hopefully not a stupid question but do they replace the testicle with something to keep the look of "normal" ?

mark_jmc · 26-01-2016 7:16pm

Hi howamidiffetent ,
Not a stupid question at all!
Probably the first question most men ask
Yes- there is the option of an implant if you wish. I chose not to get one for a number of reasons- they don't do it the same day as the operation to remove the affected testicle. When removing the testicle they actually make an incision in your lower abdomen and cut the the spermatic cord as high as possible (this is the route the cancer would take to go up your body) the testicle is then removed through the inguinal canal.
For me I didn't want to have an 'unnecessary' procedure down there. I can fully understand a younger or single man opting for the implant but for me- married 10 years/ with my wife for 16 years I didn't feel the need. To be honest it doesn't feel any different now (apart from the fact that there is only one there !)

Balmed Out · 28-01-2016 2:24pm

I was single in my mid twenties and got a false one (silicone) put in. It was actually done in the same operation as the original was removed. Harder and to me very obviously fake that said no one I was with since ever noticed. Took a bit of getting used to especially on cold days, it seemed to be freezing but I'm barely aware of it now.

Elessar · 30-01-2016 1:04pm

Delighted you caught it early and it's all behind you now mate! Live life to the full!

mark_jmc · 26-05-2016 9:43am

Well I can't believe it's almost been a year since I was diagnosed.
Its coming into my thoughts now as I have the first yearly CT scan in around 6 weeks time. I've had 9 post chemo monthly checks up for chest xrays & bloods and all have been fine thank god. From September my visits will reduce to every 2 months. I had a little scare last month when I was have a bit of trouble breathing (the lungs are where it would reappear if it came back) turns out it was a chest infection

. I need to remember that sometimes the simple answer is true.

I still have some numbness near the scar site but thats a tiny price to pay and I'm well used to it. Life has been back to normal for a long time but a few days before my check ups that nervous feeling returns- like when you had a school exam coming up.
I've been getting back training- I've done 9 full marathons in my pre cancer life and I'm looking to do my 10th- I think this year would be a bridge to far but next year to be sure.

Remember guys- check your balls!!

Balmed Out · 26-05-2016 9:46am

Congrats im 9 years out now and you will be less and less worried with each scan but its tough at the beginning and to this day I do probably go a little quicker to the doctor for any problem just in case

mark_jmc · 27-07-2016 4:11pm

1 year update.
Can't believe its over a year since I had surgery.

Since the op I've had 11 monthly check ups- 11 chest x-rays, 11 tumour marker blood tests, 2 CT Scans ,2 cycles of chemotherapy, 1 MRI, 1 angiogram, numerous ECGs ,3 heart echoes. I should be glowing by now!

I was in hospital yesterday to have my 1st 'surveillance' CT scan.
I'm a little nervous because one of my tumour markers from my most recent blood tests was slightly elevated for the first time in a year.
But I'm feeling really well- back going hell for leather in the Gym & running and generally really enjoying life.

As always I'd like to remind all the guys to check your balls for any changes/lumps etc and also I'm always around if anyone would like to pm me with any questions etc.
I'll post an update when I get the results of my CT.

Take Care,
Mark

endacl · 27-07-2016 4:15pm

Well done Mark, and thanks for posting.

We would do well to reflect on what you might be posting (or not) a year on had you not been keeping an eye on things and been so proactive.

Good health.

pcuser · 27-07-2016 4:21pm

Well done Mark

Im 8 years all clear, I was diagnosed when I was 25. If you are going to get cancer its prob the best one to get.

Balmed Out · 27-07-2016 9:16pm

Congrats great news Mark, as an aside for future reference in case it may be of help. I bought a house recently and though still within the 10 year surveillance period the mortgage protection insurance was not loaded for my cancer history though did take a fair bit of time to get (consultant very slow to send in a report).

mark_jmc · 28-07-2016 1:08pm

thanks balmed out,
we already have life insurance for our current mortgage (I also had critical illness cover on which I successfully made a claim)
Our premium has risen slightly but not by much.
We are in the process of selling our house at the moment and I've been on to the life assurance company and there have been no problems thank god in relation to reassigning the policy to our new mortgage when we take it out (with a different bank)

mark_jmc · 12-08-2016 11:07am

Just dropping in to say I got my 1 year CT scan results yesterday- all clear!
Now I only have to get blood tests & chest X-rays every 2 months instead of every month. Amazing how quickly a year can go by

Iancar29 · 16-08-2016 8:58pm

Hi Mark,
Nice to read your story and to hear your doing well.
I was hit with it too last February at 25. Instead of mine having a lump, the whole testicle felt very hard . Initially went to the docs on a Monday , radio sound on a wednesday and it was out by friday ( the 13th , unlucky for some aye?)

Thankfully was caught at the early stage and only have had to do the bloods and scans every few months. The numbness in the leg left after about a year ( when the nerves heal ) . Have had a few worrying moments too myself though with odds pains in areas they said to watch but all tests have been clear .

Never bothered with the fakey too , though im younger, I too didn't want the hassle of going in for another op.

I too echo to others that if you notice anything odd down below don't go more than a week without getting it checked. Everything is done professionally and you shouldn't be nervous about doing getting checked out.

All the best going forward Mark, fair play for powering through the chemo.

Drumpot · 18-08-2016 11:07am

This is a brilliant thread. Congratulations to the OP and others sharing their recovery!

I know most sites say there is no pain with this sort of cancer but did anybody have any pain warning before getting checked or was it simply a lump on testicle?

Balmed Out · 18-08-2016 11:09am

Drumpot wrote: »

This is a brilliant thread. Congratulations to the OP and others sharing their recovery!

I know most sites say there is no pain with this sort of cancer but did anybody have any pain warning before getting checked or was it simply a lump on testicle?

There was a dull ache. I had no lump. The testicle had gotten quite hard but smooth and heavier. I think it was the extra weight caused the ache.

Alanstrainor · 18-08-2016 11:12am

Great thread, thanks for sharing everything Mark!

Drumpot · 18-08-2016 11:19am

Balmed Out wrote: »

There was a dull ache. I had no lump. The testicle had gotten quite hard but smooth and heavier. I think it was the extra weight caused the ache.

Did an ultrasound confirm it? I've had a dull ache for sometime that comes and goes but anytime I am checked by my GP there is no lump. I've an ultrasound due in December.

Since there is no history of this cancer in my family and I have no lump i presume this is why GPs don't get overly concerned like in my case. I regularly have a sharp pain aswell (not at same time as dull ache) but like I said my GP doesn't feel it's anything to be concerned about. I'm a bit of a worrier so I don't really blame him!

Balmed Out · 18-08-2016 11:26am

Drumpot wrote: »

Did an ultrasound confirm it? I've had a dull ache for sometime that comes and goes but anytime I am checked by my GP there is no lump. I've an ultrasound due in December.

Since there is no history of this cancer in my family and I have no lump i presume this is why GPs don't get overly concerned like in my case. I regularly have a sharp pain aswell (not at same time as dull ache) but like I said my GP doesn't feel it's anything to be concerned about. I'm a bit of a worrier so I don't really blame him!

There's lots of more common causes so try not to worry. People write up on the internet about difficult experiences not the banal so google tends to highlight the extreme possibilities.
For me it was confirmed by an ultrasound. The ache was there all the time and the testicle was very hard, no pain if squeezed etc from what I remember it was close to solid. If your doctor felt cancer was likely then you wouldnt be waiting till December.
I was (roughly, its 9 years ago) in the doctor on a Monday, ultrasound the Wednesday and operation the next day and it was only on being discharged that I was asked did I have health insurance so I dont believe this was a factor.

mark_jmc · 18-08-2016 4:15pm

For me I had not been felling well for a number of months, lower abdominal pain, small bit of back pain, night sweats. The lump on my testicle was quite small- I found it by accident when I was taking a pee the back of my baby finger hit off my testicle and I had a weird feeling, blood ran cold when I felt the lump.

Iancar29 · 20-08-2016 11:53pm

Drumpot wrote: »

This is a brilliant thread. Congratulations to the OP and others sharing their recovery!

I know most sites say there is no pain with this sort of cancer but did anybody have any pain warning before getting checked or was it simply a lump on testicle?

Balmed Out wrote: »

There was a dull ache. I had no lump. The testicle had gotten quite hard but smooth and heavier. I think it was the extra weight caused the ache.

Yeah same for me , a dull ache , more noticeable when i was lying in bed when you'd presume everything would be relaxed. I initially thought it was a bang I got while cycling so it was a bit of a shock to know it wasn't from that.

The first thing i noticed was the testicle being larger than usual , but it was when it was harder ( like chestnut hardness ) that i said id go to the doc.

Calahonda52 · 21-08-2016 12:21pm

Drumpot wrote: »

Did an ultrasound confirm it? I've had a dull ache for sometime that comes and goes but anytime I am checked by my GP there is no lump. I've an ultrasound due in December.

Since there is no history of this cancer in my family and I have no lump i presume this is why GPs don't get overly concerned like in my case. I regularly have a sharp pain aswell (not at same time as dull ache) but like I said my GP doesn't feel it's anything to be concerned about. I'm a bit of a worrier so I don't really blame him!

Drumpot: IMO you need to force the pace here, not your GP, whether you are a worries or not.
I have a thread here about prostate cancer and one doc I spoke to, once I had the first PSA test that gave rise to concern, told me that he would not have left me have the PSA test without counselling first.....
I am 3 months or so after surgery and it seems that it may have been delayed a little, with a potential impact on my projected life expectancy based on the post-op pathology.

So December is just too long, IMHO.
Good luck.

mark_jmc · 24-08-2016 8:54pm

Massive +1 on what calahonda said, you need to force the issue drum, when I went to my gp first he said there was nothing there and nothing to worry about. I wasn't happy with that and went back again, the oncologist told me that even if I had left it a few weeks it could have gone to my lungs or even further as it was an agressive germ cell Tumour. I don't say this to scare you- there is a massive probability that you have nothing to worry about but if you are not reassured force the issue to get further tests/ ultrasound etc
Take care!
Mark

jacknuig · 27-08-2016 11:02pm

SOrry to hijack but I didn't want to start a new thread.

Anyway, say four years ago, there's always been a lump on the line of the epididymis. Tender to the touch and I'd say the size of a pea. I never really took notice of this as my parents/ health teacher played it off. I read an article recently that said there should be no lumps on the testicle. Any input from personal experience?

FYI, I'd consider myself to be fairly healthy, 85 kg with a low body fat, active in the gym eat healthy etc. Fairly decent appetite. I'm thinking of going to the doctors this Monday in any case.

Tauriel · 27-08-2016 11:11pm

OP, I wish you a speedy recovery.

I also admire your determination to get to the bottom of your concerns. Catching cancer early really does make a whole lot of a difference.

mark_jmc · 28-08-2016 2:49pm

jacknuig wrote: »

SOrry to hijack but I didn't want to start a new thread.

Anyway, say four years ago, there's always been a lump on the line of the epididymis. Tender to the touch and I'd say the size of a pea. I never really took notice of this as my parents/ health teacher played it off. I read an article recently that said there should be no lumps on the testicle. Any input from personal experience?

FYI, I'd consider myself to be fairly healthy, 85 kg with a low body fat, active in the gym eat healthy etc. Fairly decent appetite. I'm thinking of going to the doctors this Monday in any case.

Hi jack,
Hope you are well. First and foremost - if you have any doubt in your mind and are worried- make an appointment with your GP. He/she is the only one qualified to assess your situation.
That being said if the lump/ growth has been there for 4 years and is on your epididymis as opposed to the testicle itself then it is most likely an epididymal cyst. Go to the doc for peace of mind- always better to check these things out. Let us know how u get on.
Take care
Mark

babygirlz · 31-08-2016 7:18pm

I know the ladies probably don't post here much but I just wanted to wish Mark and all the other lads here the best of luck with their remission and treatment. I recently had a melanoma removed, early stage, so I kind of know the worry and fear ye are going or went through. Early detection is key and don't be ashamed or embarrassed to ask your gp about something you are unsure of.

mark_jmc · 03-09-2016 12:28pm

Well done for getting things sorted early babygirlz hope all is well with you now

jacknuig · 06-12-2016 10:38pm

To carry on from my last post;

I recently got checked for the lump I've had (for years). First of, a few characteristics of the lump: Painful to the touch, somewhat irregular in shape, top in line with the epididymis. I pretty certain it is a cyst.

Anyway, I went to the doctor, she believes it is a cyst too. I had to give a urine sample, she found a somewhat irregular amount of Lymphites I believe. She got a blood test from me, two weeks later it came back all clear. The 'lump' has grown in size since which has got me worried. I'm fairly certain it is a cyst now and hope to deal with it soon, but I've got a few questions just for future reference

1. When Testicular Cancer symptoms references pains in the chest/ belly, are they consistent and sharp pains, short or long in duration etc.?
2. I've read that TC Lumps are painless for the most part?
3. In regard to shortness of breath, how easy would it be to lose your breath, like lose your breath walking?

Sorry, these are very vague questions but any input/ advice would be appreciated. It will be great for reference/ know for the future. I've looked online and I haven't really found any useful advice in regard to my questions so sorry if they're bad questions.

Balmed Out · 07-12-2016 12:57am

Im sure your doctor is correct but these questions are all best for a doctor and not the likes of me.

From my own experience I had a constant dull ache due to extra weight from a uniformly hard testicle, no other pains or breathlessness. I would push for an ultrasound appointment as soon as possible if for no other reason than peace of mind.

Return to your doctor, or get a second opinion with a prepared list of questions and a pen to make notes.
best of luck.

mark_jmc · 07-12-2016 9:47am

jacknuig wrote: »

To carry on from my last post;

I recently got checked for the lump I've had (for years). First of, a few characteristics of the lump: Painful to the touch, somewhat irregular in shape, top in line with the epididymis. I pretty certain it is a cyst.

Anyway, I went to the doctor, she believes it is a cyst too. I had to give a urine sample, she found a somewhat irregular amount of Lymphites I believe. She got a blood test from me, two weeks later it came back all clear. The 'lump' has grown in size since which has got me worried. I'm fairly certain it is a cyst now and hope to deal with it soon, but I've got a few questions just for future reference

1. When Testicular Cancer symptoms references pains in the chest/ belly, are they consistent and sharp pains, short or long in duration etc.?
2. I've read that TC Lumps are painless for the most part?
3. In regard to shortness of breath, how easy would it be to lose your breath, like lose your breath walking?

Sorry, these are very vague questions but any input/ advice would be appreciated. It will be great for reference/ know for the future. I've looked online and I haven't really found any useful advice in regard to my questions so sorry if they're bad questions.

Hi jack , hope you are doing ok. As balmedout said the only person who can properly answer your questions is your doctor. I would push for the ultrasound for peace of mind. A testicular cancer lump can be painful or not painful, my referenced pain in my abdomen was a dull ache also- but I believe it could also cause sharp pains possibly.
With your question on shortness of breath- I'm open to correction but for this to be a symptom of testicular cancer it would have had to spread from the testicle , through the abdomen and into lungs. for this to be the case you would most likely be very very sick by now so try not to worry the chances of this are extraordinarily tiny.

To recap try not to worry -given that you have been seen by a doc and blood tests don't show tumour markers it is 99.9% a cyst.
Well done for being pro-active on this, do push for an ultrasound if you feel it will give you better peace of mind
Take care
Mark

Testicular Cancer

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