I’ve been a regular visitor to T-Nation for close on a year now, shamefully contributing little though asking a handful of questions for help in my own training.
Mindful of this, I make this my first real contribution to the forums and hope some of you guys may benefit.
In March 2004 I had a vasectomy under general anaesthetic. I had a vesectomy under local anaesthetic in November 2002 but my sperm was obviously full of quality T-Nation stuff and couldn’t be halted 
About 2 months after my op in March 2004, I noticed a small lump on my right testicle. I went to the Doc’s to have it checked out and he assured me it was a cyst caused by the vasectomy and that it would clear up in time.
A few more months went by. I had noticed the occassional dull ache in the groin area and went back to the Doc’s. Once again he was insistent that it was a cyst and nothing to worry about.
Roll forward to May 2005. In the passing months, the cyst hadn’t changed shape but it was bothering me. How would I know if something else was developing with that there? I wanted to be rid of it and asked my Doc to refer me to a specialist. On that note, he said he would organise for an ultrasound scan.
On Tuesday 7th June I had the ultrasound scan. The lady who performed the scan said she could see the lump I was feeling but she was more concerned with something else she could see within the testicle. She wasn’t in a position to say what it was but she was concerned enough to refer me to a Consultant Urologist.
Last Thursday my wife and I met with the Consultant. In short, unless proved otherwise he had to conclude I had testicular cancer. After a brief chat he left the room for my wife and I to have a few moments to take in the news. We were distressed and in shock.
I immediately provided a blood sample for testing. I was told this would be to test for ‘markers’ which are indicators of the spread of cancer.
On Sunday I was admitted to hospital and got permission for my wife to stay with me overnight. On Sunday evening we met with the Consultant and 2 of his staff. He revealed that the results of the blood tests showed ‘normal’ - a good sign, though obviously not the end of the story.
On Monday I had my operation. My right testicle has been removed and it was confirmed later that it was cancerous. It is being sent away for analysis and we are to meet up with the Consultant next Tuesday to discuss the results. I should also be attending a seperate clinic for scans of my chest and abdomen to check for signs of cancer. My main fear is that he will tell us cancer has spread and will require further treatment, but I try not to dwell on this too much.
My reason for making this post is mainly to impress upon the guys out there to take action if you are in any doubt about your health. I believe I noticed signs of cancer months ago and I should have acted on my gut instincts and asked for a referral sooner. It is fortunate in some way that I had a lump brought on by the vastecomy that led to the tumour in my testicle being found.
Please, if you have cause for concern about any aspect of your health, don’t delay.
Forget about the embarrassment factor - being in the urology ward is a humbling experience. There were much older men than I with bladder difficulties walking the ward with clear bags tied to their legs used to collect urine. When you’re in pain and need help, you really don’t care who it is that is checking your manly bits - they’re seen it all before.
I am at home resting and will not be able to train for a while. I will really miss my gym. I was just 2 weeks into ABBH 1 and my wife had commented that I had ballooned in size (thanks Chad). Many of the consultants and nurses made mention of the fact that I was young (40 next month), fit and in good health (I don’t smoke and drink alcohol only very occasionally). I trust that my healthy lifestyle and dedication to lifting iron will stand me in good stead - it is no guarantee of course but I’m giving myself the best chance possible.
Take care guys.