To ALL of you who in this thread who have shared your experiences, thanks! Seriously, thats the way to stop this disease IMO. You have to tell ppl about your personal experiences and that will help motivate them to motivate others.
Good idea, Ice.
I'll share two personal memories. Like your high school friend, I had testicular cancer, too. A week before my 30th birthday I built up enough nerve to visit my doctor. My left testicle had "grown" pretty substantially and even though there was no REAL pain I felt a "tugging" sensation in my groin. I mentioned it to my best friend at the time and he went home and told his wife about it. As luck would have it, she had just read an article about testicular cancer in the NY Times that very day. My friend brought the article to work the next day and after reading it I broke out into a sweat. I had every symptom listed.
Long story short, the testicle was removed (it was malignant) the same day I visited the urologist. That was 25 years ago. I've had no cancer since.
To the young men who may be reading this: I urge you all to check yourself on a regular basis. While taking a warm shower and the sack hangs a little looser, gently feel for any lumps. DO NOT be ashamed to do this. DO NOT be ashamed to ask questions. DO NOT be ashamed to go to your doctor if there is ANY doubt in your mind. (Ladies, forgive the frank talk but its very important, just as you would check your breasts for lumps).
Secondly, I lost my second wife to lung cancer some 13½ years ago. She hadn't been feeling well for a few months before we knew what she was up against. Once it was diagnosed (as a malignancy) she "went" mercifully quickly (in about 4 weeks). I don't know what we could have done differently but not a week has gone by since then that I wish we had done SOMETHING differently and EARLIER.
I'm at the age now where prostate cancer is a concern (my father had it). About ten years ago I had my first prostate checkup. I had searched for a new doctor then (no longer wishing to use the same doctor who treated my wife). I was embarrassed by the thought of some guy sticking his finger up my ass, so I actually searched for a woman doctor (
) but not finding any to my liking (i.e. young and good looking) I settled on a guy doctor. As he was examining me he was asking me a bunch of questions. As I assumed the position and the finger went up he asked if I had ever had a homosexual experience. I quickly answered, "You mean besides THIS one?" (the doctor laughed and explained he had a "checklist" of questions that he always asked and it was just bad timing when that particular question came out).
My point for telling these stories is to share what most of you probably feel about this... EMBARRASSMENT. DO NOT let that get in the way of seeking professional medical advice!!
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