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Despite being in a completely cruddy situation, the good thing is you are likely early days with the Cancer. You're likely in a position where you can make a lot of really positive changes to your life that may even stop the Cancer from getting worse, plus in terms of therapy for the Cancer you'll likely be able to sort it out.

You just need to look after your body now, whether it's what you're putting into it, how much sleep you're getting, how much stress you're putting it under or should I say, how much stress life is putting it under. It's good to look at things holistically, because even little things that seem insignificant to us add up to become something very, very significant.

Keep fighting, keep strong, keep believing, you're going to be there for your little one and partner. Don't feel any shame in asking for help, whether it's regarding the Cancer or your mental health, your priority needs to be you and your family, sod the rest and what they think.

All the best.
 
Thank you to everybody who's been so kind with their words.

@outreacher your words have struck a chord with me and I've got a different outlook today, so thank you for sharing.

I'm not ashamed to admit I was somewhat defeated last night and feeling sorry for myself, but truthfully that's not helping anybody.

I'm up for the fight now, I've got so many good things going on in my life right now that I'm not prepared to let this one negative terribly effect me. I will get through this.

Finally, I'm struggling to determine in my insurance documents if or when testicular cancer would fall under critical illness cover. Does anybody have any knowledge in this matter?
 
stf4ever said:
Thank you to everybody who's been so kind with their words.

@outreacher your words have struck a chord with me and I've got a different outlook today, so thank you for sharing.

I'm not ashamed to admit I was somewhat defeated last night and feeling sorry for myself, but truthfully that's not helping anybody.

I'm up for the fight now, I've got so many good things going on in my life right now that I'm not prepared to let this one negative terribly effect me. I will get through this.

Finally, I'm struggling to determine in my insurance documents if or when testicular cancer would fall under critical illness cover. Does anybody have any knowledge in this matter?
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Thank you, stf4ever, the good things are worth fighting for, do the treatment and put it behind you.

Get a bond going with the MacMillan Nurse, they can be really helpful in dispelling your fears.

Best of luck for the coming weeks and, of course, with the new addition coming to your life. 👍
 
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stf4ever said:
I don't really know where to start this, I'm still in a state of shock.

My first child is due in 7 weeks. And, unfortunately, I've just had a phonecall in the last hour to tell me that I've got testicular cancer.

I've already spent the last 2 weeks living with anxiety, but that has now reached a new level having been told the news. I'm well aware that the likelihood is that I'm going to require chemotherapy and that will stop me from being able to see my child.

My heads all over the place. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
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Hi mate just seen this. Hope you are feeling better. I went through a similar situation with a baby due and a significant cancer scare. If you want to chat drop me an IM
 
Hi STF I wish I could wave a magic wand and take your worries, anxiety and cancer away but I can’t. The only advice I can offer is to stay strong and determined and I think you probably have both of these things in abundance. Good luck, and many good wishes for a full recovery and many years of good health thereafter.
 
Just seen this...st4ever, so, so sorry to hear your bad news.

I had a false alarm very recently...a lump that ticked every box...about the size of a pea and rock hard. As a result, me and the wife ( she`s NHS) went through the various procedures and treatments in quite some detail. I say a false alarm..the lump got smaller again, and moved slightly, so I haven`t bothered having it properly checked. Much to my wife`s disgruntlement. She`s still nagging. I`ll get around to it eventually.

But for a few days before I told her I read all I could, and came to terms with it. So I can really relate to you at this time...the difference being that I`m an old man, without anyone who, tbh, really needs me anymore.

It`s eminently survivable....chin up, mate...a postive attitude will help enormously. And I`ve no doubt that you will be putting a brave face on for those who depend on you. That comes with a price of it`s own.....to look after them, you need to take care of yourself, too. Try to take time out, do some things that mean a lot to you and give you a chance to forget for an hour, a day.

Can`t say more other than please keep talking. We`re here for you.
 
OB1 said:
Echoing SSS, first thing you do is take a breath, think about everything important to you, right down all the questions around it down, and speak to your medical team

After that, you ask them to break down all the information you need about your diagnosis, include type of cancer, staging, treatment, prognosis, and you write that down next because you won’t take all of it in

Then, if you want, you ask to be referred to the Macmillan nurses so you’ve got someone to ask about non-medical worries when you need them and to help you think up plans for a support network

Next, and it sounds really daft, but you slowly try and view the whole picture pragmatically once you’ve got all the information you need. Don’t rush to worse case scenario. Don’t know the specifics of your case, but remember that generally, cancer is far from the death sentence it once was. If we go even more generally, testicular cancer - especially in young men like you - is one of the most curable cancers

Finally, remember chemotherapy is not necessarily a certainty. Depending on severity, surgery may be sufficient. Radiotherapy may be sufficient. Early stage testicular tumours sometimes only require one dose of chemo and that’s it
But even if you do, why will that stop you seeing your kid? Yes you’ll have days where you’ve got to go to appointments, and you’ll have days where you’re knackered. But it won’t stop you just sitting with him/her on you lap in a chair. Still spending valuable time together. As far as I’m aware, you having chemo isn’t a risk to your kid or partner

Slow progress, systematic progress, and plan every step with advice from your healthcare team and support network. Positives, not negatives. Focusing on the negatives slows down recovery, focusing on the positives scientifically speeds it up
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Phhhhh mate my heart goes out to you , but this above !! McMillan is a great place to start !! They are fantastic ! Give them a call they can put you in touch with every service and everyone you will need.

Best wishes buddy ❤️
 
stf4ever said:
I've got confirmation that my testicle will be removed on Wednesday afternoon. If you could keep me in your prayers or thoughts, I would hold great appreciation for that.

I bloody love this forum.
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I am dam sure everyone on here will be praying and thinking of you , stay strong and stay in touch

Just to add to that , pne monster that posts in here quite a bit is really dialled in with mental health if you want to DM him I am sure he would a great sounding board for you ❤️
 
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stf4ever said:
I've got confirmation that my testicle will be removed on Wednesday afternoon. If you could keep me in your prayers or thoughts, I would hold great appreciation for that.

I bloody love this forum.
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Absolutely we will all be praying for you. We may squabble between ourselves but, we are brothers and sisters together always and will pull each other up too. Take all our combined strength with you on Wednesday, you will always have that.
 
stf4ever said:
I've got confirmation that my testicle will be removed on Wednesday afternoon. If you could keep me in your prayers or thoughts, I would hold great appreciation for that.

I bloody love this forum.
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Good that it's out quickly from a physical and mental viewpoint - and hopefully you'll be feeling a lot better in time to enjoy the miracle of birth that is around the corner. I'm sure this thread will be active on Wednesday morning, keeping you in our thoughts.

I really know little about this topic except, like many of us I'm sure, over the decades, I've known a handful of people who've have been afflicted by this specific cancer, and every one has come through and (apparently) lived an unchanged life once it's sorted - no debilitation at all, no recurrence. You got me thinking and I've recalled 4 friends & acquaintances who went through this in younger years and I had essentially forgotten - I just don't associate that event with them.

Of course, that won't be the same for absolutely everyone, but you know that the odds are very strong that you'll just go on to have a perfectly normal family life. All the very best x
 
Bloody hell fella.. Only just seen this. Lots of great advice given already.. I agree you should consult the experts, try not to google too much, it's invariably wrong and will worry you. Whilst I can't promise I am optimistic of a positive outcome. Medicines come on in leaps n bounds.
Concentrate on the arrival and know we as a family are here for you and will help as best we can.
 
stf4ever said:
I've got confirmation that my testicle will be removed on Wednesday afternoon. If you could keep me in your prayers or thoughts, I would hold great appreciation for that.

I bloody love this forum.
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Hope everything goes as well as it possibly can for you tomorrow pal and it leads ultimately to a completely clean bill of health. Thinking about you and your family mate. 👍
 
All the very best stf. I’m sure you‘ll be fighting fit before too long and everything will be good for the future. Stay strong, we’re all with you. KTF! 👍👍
 
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